Inside, the Concept 97 gets a large central screen with a bank of physical switches beneath it. An additional display runs atop the dash and along the base of the windscreen – a little bit like BMW’s new Panoramic Vision iDrive display – bookended on either side by a set of small speakers. A tall and wide centre console, plus large door-mounted armrests, cocoon the driver and front-seat passenger.
The Freelander is a three-row SUV, although in concept guise it sports just six seats with a pair of captain’s chairs in the middle, separated by another tall armrest. Those sitting in the rearmost row look to get a compromised view out, thanks to the triangular side-window design.
Eventually, the Freelander brand will spawn a range of six all-new, tech-filled electrified vehicles – each without a Land Rover badge. All will be so-called “new-energy” vehicles, based around a single platform supporting an 800-volt electrical architecture.
“To precisely address the demand of global markets, we have established a product roadmap that is as ambitious as it is capable of delivery,” Fei said. “This is not a blueprint to be admired from a distance, but a declaration to the world: Freelander will conquer every market with the most formidable product capability on earth.
“Beginning in 2026, we will introduce a matrix of all-new models over five years, spanning large and full-size SUV segments, each endowed with SUV capability and compatible with extended-range, plug-in hybrid and pure-electric powertrains. This breadth is designed to serve the diverse needs of markets across the globe. Our inaugural model will make its world debut in China in the second half of this year.
“Thereafter a new model will follow every six months; a relentless cadence of innovation designed to ignite global markets and establish Freelander as the defining leader in premium SUVs for the new-energy era,” he said.
Prices and market positioning for the new Freelander haven’t been announced – aside from the fact the brand will operate in the “premium” space. Historically, the Freelander name has been attached to affordable, go-anywhere SUVs, suggesting the new model should undercut the current Defender, which starts from around £60,000. Of course, exchange rates and export costs would see a significant premium placed on local prices in China if the car was offered in the UK and Europe.
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