Chery-JLR’s hybrid SUV surpasses BYD’s previous altitude benchmark, highlighting its turbocharged range extender and advanced all-wheel-drive system.
Chery Jaguar Land Rover’s Freelander 8 has secured a Guinness World Record after climbing to an altitude of 6,002.33 meters in Tibet. The achievement, completed during an August 22 expedition, demonstrates the capabilities of the SUV’s extended-range electric powertrain in extreme high-altitude conditions.
The record was officially highlighted during the vehicle’s launch in China on September 3. The Freelander 8 surpassed the previous hybrid SUV altitude record of 5,980.05 meters, achieved by BYD’s Fang Cheng Bao Bao 5 in July 2024, by 22.28 meters.
Turbocharged Engine Performs in Thin Air
The record-setting climb covered approximately 1,480 meters of rugged trail, including a 200-meter vertical ascent across loose scree and unpaved shale. At an altitude of around 6,000 meters, atmospheric pressure drops significantly, leaving vehicles with much less oxygen available for combustion.
According to Chery-JLR, the Freelander 8’s 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder range extender maintained 80% of its rated generating capacity during the climb. Its turbocharger helped compensate for the reduced air pressure by forcing more air into the engine.
This performance was particularly important because the SUV relies on its range extender to generate electricity for its electric motors during extended journeys.
Advanced AWD System Supports Steep Climbs
The Freelander 8 features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing a combined 610 kW, equivalent to approximately 818 horsepower. The front motor generates 360 kW, while the rear motor delivers 250 kW.
A key feature is the two-speed reduction gearbox integrated into the rear drive unit. Its first gear provides a 1.5-to-1 torque multiplication ratio, helping the SUV deliver an equivalent wheel-end torque figure of up to 8,000 Nm.
This lower gearing supports slow, steep climbs by reducing the torque demand on the electric motor. It can also help manage electrical losses and thermal loads during prolonged off-road operation.
Unibody SUV Completes Extreme Terrain Challenge
Unlike BYD’s body-on-frame Fang Cheng Bao Bao 5, the Freelander 8 uses a unibody construction. The SUV measures 5,118 mm in length and has a 3,040 mm wheelbase.
It is equipped with air suspension and continuously variable damping control, helping it tackle uneven surfaces. Chery-JLR stated that the vehicle completed the ascent without structural chassis damage, although detailed post-climb inspection results and tyre specifications remain undisclosed.
World Record SUV Heads for Chinese Showrooms
The Freelander 8 is assembled at Chery-JLR’s Changshu plant in Jiangsu Province. Its launch price in China ranges from 289,900 yuan to 379,900 yuan.
The SUV features a 60.33 kWh CATL Freevoy NMC battery and an 800V electrical architecture. It also offers Huawei’s Qiankun ADS 5 driver-assistance system, roof-mounted LiDAR and SAE Level 2 driving assistance.
The Freelander 8 World Record highlights the engineering behind its high-altitude performance, although its long-term durability and everyday practicality will ultimately determine its success in China’s competitive SUV market.