LAND ROVER

560 HP Land Rover Freelander ''made in China'' 2027 reveals the future

Land Rover is bringing back a familiar name, and this time it could change the direction of the brand in a big way. The Freelander is set to return, but it is not just a nostalgic revival. It is shaping up to be a modern crossover that blends British design with Chinese engineering, and that combination alone makes it worth paying attention to.

Recent spy images suggest that the upcoming Freelander shares some visual DNA with the current Defender. At first glance, the boxy proportions and upright stance feel very Defender like. But look closer and the differences start to stand out. The new model appears lower and more compact, especially in height, giving it a slightly more urban focused presence. The windshield pillars remain cleverly disguised, creating that floating roof effect Land Rover fans recognize, yet the side glass looks slimmer and more tightly packaged.

There is speculation that the rear design will include wide body colored pillars behind the back doors. That detail would echo earlier generations of the Freelander and even connect visually to models like the Discovery Sport. Push button door handles and mirrors mounted on dedicated bases reinforce its clean, modern direction. 

Up front, heavy camouflage hides most of the details, though narrow horizontal lighting elements are clearly visible. Around back, the upright tailgate and low mounted lights keep the overall design simple and squared off.

Under the skin, the story becomes even more interesting. The new Freelander is being developed in partnership with Chery. It will reportedly ride on the E0X platform, which already underpins models such as the Exlantix ET, Exlantix ES, Luxeed S7, and Luxeed R7. That architecture opens the door to electrified powertrains, and Chinese media reports suggest a hybrid setup delivering up to 560 horsepower. If that figure proves accurate, this would not just be a compact crossover. It would be one of the most powerful models ever to wear the Freelander badge.

The official debut is expected later this year. If Land Rover and Chery get the balance right between heritage styling and next generation performance, the Freelander could quietly become one of the most important crossovers in the brand’s modern lineup.

by Autonews