The Freelander 8 is making a strong case for its off-road credentials after climbing 6,002.33 meters (3.73 miles) up a loose-surface mountainside in Tibet, setting a new world record for a hybrid vehicle.
Freelander 8 Sets New World Record
The return of the Freelander is one of the automotive world’s highlights this year, although the model remains China-only for now. The comeback is the result of a partnership between JLR and Chery, which is aiming to demonstrate that the Freelander 8 retains Land Rover DNA.
The Freelander 8 has appeared at select motor shows across China, but its official launch took place on September 3. Before that launch, Chery-JLR put the SUV through a demanding mountain climb in Tibet.
The vehicle reached an altitude of 6,002.33 meters (3.73 miles), establishing a new record for a hybrid vehicle. It surpassed the previous record, held by the BYD Fang Cheng Bao Bao 5 in July 2024, by just 22.8 meters (25 yards).
A Difficult Off-Road Climb
The route was far from straightforward. The record-setting Freelander 8 tackled a 1,480-meter (1,619-yard) real off-road trail that included 200-meter (219-yard) vertical climbs over loose rock and shale.
The extreme altitude also presented another challenge because the thinner air affects vehicle performance. Despite those conditions, Chery-JLR said the Freelander 8 retained 80% of the rated generating capacity of its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder range extender during the climb.
The SUV uses a dual-motor AWD Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) system producing 818 hp, paired with a two-speed gearbox.
Technology Behind the Freelander 8 Climb
The Freelander 8’s powertrain is designed to help the SUV handle off-road conditions and played a major role in its record-setting climb.
In first gear, the system provides a 1.5-to-1 torque multiplication step that produces 5,900 lb-ft of torque. The setup effectively works like a low-range gear, helping the SUV tackle steep inclines.
Another important factor was the Freelander 8’s unibody SUV chassis. According to Chery-JLR, the chassis sustained no damage during the world-record climb.
Freelander 8’s Record Adds Credibility
Specific details about the tires used during the climb have not been released, nor has the condition of the vehicle afterward been disclosed.
Still, the Freelander 8 now has a Guinness World Records entry to its name, adding credibility to the model as a modern trail vehicle.
