Chery-JLR Freelander 8 Hits 10,000 Pre-Orders in 48 Hours

Chery-Joint Research's Freelander 8 has crossed 10,000 pre-orders in its first 48 hours on sale, marking a strong debut for the new model in China's competitive NEV market.

Pre-sales officially opened on August 14 with a starting price of approx. $50,080 (China market 339,900 yuan). The figure reflects an exchange rate of roughly 1 USD = 7.2 RMB.

The Freelander 8 is a collaborative effort between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), combining Chery's manufacturing scale with JLR's design and engineering input. The model is targeted at buyers seeking a premium mid-size SUV at a more accessible price point than traditional luxury brands.

The Freelander 8 is a collaborative effort between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover, combining Chery's manufacturing scale with JLR's design and engineering input.

Breaking 10,000 pre-orders in just two days places the Freelander 8 among the stronger launch performances for newly introduced models in its segment. The milestone signals healthy early demand ahead of the vehicle's official deliveries, which are expected in the coming months.

Chery has been expanding its brand portfolio and product lineup in recent years, with the Freelander series representing one of its key entries into the mid-to-upper market. The brand has previously gained attention with models such as the Tiggo series and the iCAR sub-brand targeting younger buyers.

The Chinese NEV market remains intensely competitive, with both domestic brands and legacy automakers racing to capture market share. A pre-order volume of this magnitude in the opening weekend suggests the Freelander 8 has found a viable niche, though sustained delivery performance will be the true test.