They said the new Freelander would be electric, but Land Rover has not given up on diesel
We were assured that the legendary Freelander would return to the market as an exclusively electric vehicle, but the sighting of an enigmatic test vehicle reveals that Land Rover has not given up on diesel for the revived brand that will have a Chinese touch.
What is Land Rover doing testing a diesel Freelander on the roads of southern Europe? It's rare, very rare. This sighting captured by our spy photographers has left us quite puzzled. But the truth is that if we consider all the strategic moves the British manufacturer has been making for the past half-decade, it makes sense that this type of testing is taking place.
In broad daylight and without any camouflage. This enigmatic Land Rover Freelander 2 has been spotted. A vehicle that, let’s remember, was discontinued in Europe about a decade ago. With the farewell of this 4x4 SUV from European dealerships, the brand introduced the Land Rover Discovery Sport. However, Land Rover's plans involve resurrecting, recovering, the Freelander name. A plan that will be carried out with the help of one of the major giants of the Chinese automotive industry.
Land Rover tests a 10-year-old diesel Freelander
We must remember that in 2024 the British company JLR (Jaguar Land Rover) decided to revive, along with the Chinese manufacturer Chery, the Freelander name. What’s the goal? To make Freelander a new brand of exclusively electric vehicles. Or so we thought. This sighting fuels rumors and reports suggesting the possibility that upon its return, the new Freelander models may not bet everything on electrification.
The reality of the market dictates, and if JLR and Chery have given the green light to market the new Freelander brand beyond Chinese territory, it is necessary to offer thermal alternatives. The spy photos illustrating this article show us a mechanical mule. Land Rover is testing a diesel Freelander 2 in terms of reliability, consumption, and emissions. And although the sighting occurred in southern Europe, it is clear that the novelty arising from this test mule will not be marketed in our territory.
Jaguar Land Rover has decided to bet everything on sustainable mobility and, more specifically, 100% electric. And although at this moment Land Rover is experiencing a dramatic situation with its factories shut down, sooner rather than later, the range of this legendary SUV and off-road brand will consist of electric vehicles. Jaguar will face the same fate if it doesn’t disappear in the attempt.
The Land Rover Freelander returns as electric and diesel?
While in old Europe emission regulations are becoming more restrictive, in emerging markets the standards are less strict, making it possible to continue marketing more polluting thermal vehicles. If we add to this the return of Freelander as a 4x4 vehicle brand, the idea that where diesel has not been detonated, JLR and Chery may decide to bet on this fuel gains significant strength. In any case, it is at least surprising that a diesel Freelander 2 appears out of nowhere conducting emission tests.