Freelander 8 – The New Freelander | DTUK Performance

The Freelander name is returning as a standalone automotive brand, with the new Freelander 8 set to become the first model in a new generation of electrified SUVs.

While the original Freelander became an established part of the Land Rover family, the new Freelander brand is being developed through the partnership between Jaguar Land Rover and Chery. The new vehicles will not carry the Land Rover badge and are being developed as a distinct product range.

DTUK Performance has created this page to follow the development of the new Freelander range and, in particular, the highly anticipated Freelander 8.

New Freelander 8 – What We Know So Far

The Freelander 8 is a large premium SUV and the first production model from the revived Freelander brand. It combines a distinctive, rugged design with advanced electrified technology and is being positioned as an intelligent all-terrain SUV.

The Freelander 8 measures approximately 5,118mm in length, 2,050mm in width and up to 1,926mm in height, depending on specification. A wheelbase of approximately 3,040mm gives the vehicle a spacious interior, while some versions are expected to offer three rows of seating.

The vehicle is being developed on a modern 800V electrical architecture and is designed around electrified powertrains, including the extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) configuration announced for the Freelander 8.

Freelander 8 EREV Powertrain

The Freelander 8 EREV uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine as a range extender, working with an electric drivetrain rather than operating like a conventional petrol SUV.

Current published information lists the range-extender engine at approximately 115kW (154PS), together with a 60.331kWh battery. The published specification gives a pure-electric WLTC range of approximately 221km before the range-extender system is required.

The vehicle’s 800V electrical architecture supports high-speed charging, with published information indicating charging capability of up to 350kW on compatible charging equipment.

The Freelander 8 is therefore particularly interesting from a performance perspective because it combines electric drive with a turbocharged petrol range-extender engine.

Freelander 8 – Advanced All-Terrain Technology

Despite its electrified powertrain, the Freelander 8 is being designed with genuine all-terrain capability in mind.

The vehicle uses an intelligent all-terrain system and advanced electric drivetrain technology designed to provide controlled power delivery across a range of driving conditions. Published information also describes sophisticated differential and traction-control systems designed to enhance its capability away from conventional roads.

This combination of electrification, advanced chassis technology and all-terrain capability makes the Freelander 8 a particularly interesting new entrant into the premium SUV market.

Freelander 8 Interior & Technology

The Freelander 8 is also being positioned as a highly technology-focused SUV.

Current information includes a large panoramic display extending across the dashboard, together with a central touchscreen and advanced driver-assistance technology. Higher-specification versions are expected to feature a highly equipped and spacious interior, with premium seating and comfort features.

The final specification and equipment levels will depend on the market and individual vehicle grade.

When Will the Freelander 8 Arrive in the UK?

The Freelander 8 is expected to expand into international markets following its initial launch programme, with UK availability currently expected during the second half of 2027.

As the UK launch approaches, further information is expected regarding pricing, specifications, trim levels, equipment, performance and final UK-market availability.

Freelander 8 Tuning – Can It Be Tuned?

It is too early to confirm whether a DTUK tuning box will be available for the Freelander 8.

The vehicle’s unusual EREV architecture means that it cannot simply be treated in the same way as a conventional turbocharged petrol vehicle. The 1.5-litre turbocharged engine operates as a range extender within a highly integrated electric powertrain, so any future tuning solution would need to be specifically developed and tested for the Freelander 8.

DTUK will continue to monitor the vehicle as it reaches international and UK markets and will assess future performance opportunities as compatible technology becomes available.

Freelander 8 PedalBox & Throttle Response

The Freelander 8 uses an electronically controlled accelerator and electric drivetrain, making throttle response an important part of the overall driving experience.

At present, DTUK does not advertise a PedalBox or PedalBox EV application for the Freelander 8. As the vehicle becomes established in the UK and compatibility information becomes available, we will assess whether a suitable PedalBox solution can be developed.

Any future DTUK product will only be listed once compatibility has been confirmed for the relevant vehicle and market.

Freelander 8 – Future DTUK Performance Products

The new Freelander brand represents an interesting opportunity for future performance products.

As the Freelander 8 enters more international markets, DTUK will continue to monitor the vehicle, its powertrain technology and the availability of compatible performance products.

Our aim is simple: if a properly developed and tested DTUK tuning or throttle-response solution becomes available for the Freelander 8, this page will be updated with the relevant information and products.

Still Driving an Older Freelander?

While the Freelander 8 represents the future of the Freelander brand, DTUK also has tuning applications for selected earlier Freelander models.

If you own a Freelander 1 or Freelander 2, use the vehicle applications below to check whether a DTUK tuning box is available for your particular engine.

These established applications give DTUK a long history of tuning Freelander vehicles, while the new Freelander 8 represents an exciting opportunity for the future.

Freelander Tuning – Looking Ahead

DTUK has been developing plug & play performance solutions for turbocharged vehicles for many years. As the automotive industry moves increasingly towards hybrid and electric powertrains, new vehicles such as the Freelander 8 require a different approach to performance enhancement.

We will continue to follow the development of the Freelander brand and update this page as confirmed technical and product information becomes available.

If you are considering a Freelander 8 and would like to know more about future DTUK performance options, please contact us.

Important: Freelander 8 specifications, equipment, powertrain details, availability, charging performance and other information may change as the vehicle moves through different launch stages. Specifications and features can also vary between countries, markets, model grades and individual vehicles. Always check the latest manufacturer information for your local market before making a purchase decision.

Once the system is installed you will immediately feel the increased power and torque that your engine has to offer, alongside improved throttle response and optimised driveability taking your Freelander to a whole new level of performance.

By transforming the torque and power on offer throughout the rev range you will find that your vehicle can more easily attain and maintain speed whilst also being able to drive smoothly in higher gears earlier and for longer helping you to increase economy. Many competitors look purely for the maximum power but that is rarely the optimal way to tune a vehicle. At DTUK we aim to ensure a vehicles drivability is maintained or enhanced so that power feels strong, linear and ‘factory’ in the way it is delivered.

We love to hear from our customers so if you have any pre-purchase questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Check the testimonial section below to see what other Freelander owners have had to say about their experience of fitting and using DTUK products.

• The figures quoted below are an indication of what your car should produce after installing a DTUK Diesel, Hybrid or Diesel Tuning Box, in most cases, you could and should see higher figures.