Massive 3-Ton Freelander 8 SUV Revealed With Huawei Autonomous Tech and 800V Platform
The upcoming Freelander 8 is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious luxury SUVs to emerge from China’s rapidly evolving automotive industry. Newly released regulatory filings from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) have revealed additional details about the massive SUV, including its enormous size, advanced technology package, and nearly 3-ton curb weight.
Developed through the revived Freelander brand backed by the partnership between Jaguar Land Rover and Chery, the Freelander 8 is expected to launch in the second half of the year.
Freelander 8 Combines Traditional SUV Styling With Modern EV Technology
The Freelander 8 features a bold, boxy exterior design that blends classic luxury SUV proportions with modern electric vehicle architecture.
At over 5.1 meters (16.7 feet) long and riding on a 3,040 mm wheelbase, the SUV enters full-size territory and is expected to compete in the premium segment dominated by large luxury utility vehicles.
The model is built on the new iMax platform, which supports multiple powertrain configurations, including:
- Fully electric (EV)
- Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
- Extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) setups
The flexible platform strategy allows Freelander to target a wider range of buyers as global demand for electrified SUVs continues to grow.
Nearly 3 Tons, But Carefully Engineered for Europe
One of the most striking details revealed in the MIIT filings is the vehicle’s weight.
The Freelander 8 reportedly has a curb weight of 2,980 kilograms (6,570 pounds), while its maximum loaded weight reaches 3,495 kilograms (7,705 pounds).
That figure appears intentionally designed to remain just below Europe’s critical 3.5-ton licensing threshold. In many European countries, vehicles exceeding 3.5 tons require drivers to hold a C or C1 commercial-style license rather than a standard passenger vehicle license.
The decision suggests the automaker is already considering broader international market expansion.
Huawei Autonomous Driving System Headlines the Interior Technology
The Freelander 8 is also positioned as a software-focused technology flagship rather than simply a large SUV.
Inside the cabin, the vehicle features Huawei’s Qiankun ADS V4.1 autonomous driving system, paired with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8397 chip designed to power advanced driver assistance and in-car computing functions.
The SUV also adopts an 800V high-voltage electrical architecture, allowing significantly faster charging performance than conventional EV platforms.
According to the company, the Freelander 8 supports charging speeds of up to 350 kW and uses CATL’s Freevoy hybrid battery technology.
The combination of Huawei software, Qualcomm hardware, and CATL battery systems reflects the growing integration between China’s automotive and technology sectors.
Chinese Luxury SUVs Continue Moving Upmarket
The Freelander 8 highlights how quickly Chinese manufacturers are moving beyond affordable EVs into high-end luxury and technology-driven segments.
Rather than focusing solely on pricing advantages, new Chinese premium models are increasingly emphasizing autonomous driving, ultra-fast charging, software ecosystems, and high-tech interiors to compete with established global brands.
With its massive dimensions, advanced electronics, and multiple electrified powertrain options, the Freelander 8 could become one of the most closely watched Chinese luxury SUVs entering the market this year.
Additional specifications, pricing details, and performance figures are expected to be announced closer to launch.
