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Spy photos of the first model from FREELANDER—a new independent electrification brand jointly developed by Chery and Jaguar Land Rover—have been leaked online, with the global debut scheduled for March 31. The large six-seat plug-in hybrid SUV, spotted in crash test configuration with Chery badging visible, signals Chery's lead in project development. The vehicle is reportedly built on Chery's T1X platform, developed by an international team integrating JLR and Qoros technologies for shared development and synergistic benefits. The modular T1X architecture supports wheelbase adjustment between 2,560-2,800 mm, covering A to B-segment SUVs with flexible dimensional scalability. The FREELANDER launch marks the substantive execution of Chery-JLR cooperation in the electrification domain.

Chery has officially revived the Freelander nameplate—licensed from Jaguar Land Rover—unveiling the Concept 97 SUV honoring the original 1997 debut. Positioned as a full-size three-row electric SUV, the concept blends Discovery 3-inspired rectilinear proportions with seminal L314 design cues including split triangular rear quarter windows. The minimalist front fascia features customizable rectangular lighting displays and interlocking black bars, while the profile showcases Volvo-like squared shoulders and suicide doors (to be replaced with conventional units for production). The cabin introduces a pillar-to-pillar wraparound display inspired by BMW's Panoramic Vision. As the first product of Chery-JLR collaboration under a new electrified brand, the Concept 97 signals Freelander's return as a standalone EV marque distinct from Land Rover.

Mercedes-Benz has released official interior images of the updated EQS, featuring a yoke-style half steering wheel and steer-by-wire technology as part of its second mid-cycle facelift. The redesigned steering wheel adopts dual-arc upper and lower sections to improve ingress/egress and reduce sightline obstruction, requiring redevelopment of the airbag system. The steer-by-wire system features dual-signal redundancy, filters road disturbances and enables large steering angles through minimal input, validated over 1 million kilometers of testing. The infotainment UI has been updated, expected to run the latest MB.OS operating system. Previous reports indicate upgrades to 800V architecture and eATS 2.0 electric drive system, alongside exterior revisions.

FAW-Volkswagen has released spy shots of the first model from its new ID.AURA electric vehicle series, based on the jointly developed CEA electrical architecture with XPeng. Positioned as a mid-size pure electric SUV, it represents Volkswagen's first BEV equipped with LiDAR technology. The vehicle features a closed grille, split headlight design with full-width LED DRLs, semi-flush door handles and Y-spoke two-tone wheels. The advanced intelligent driving system is developed by CARIZON, Volkswagen Group's joint venture with Horizon Robotics, adapting the HSD full-scenario assistance solution for Chinese road conditions. The model is scheduled for debut in H1 2026 with market launch in H2 2026, marking the start of FAW-Volkswagen's intelligent electrification 2.0 era.

EXEED has announced the EX7, its first 3.0-era flagship, will launch on April 17 as a performance luxury mid-large SUV in the RMB 200,000-300,000 segment. The 4,988/1,975/1,710mm vehicle features a 3,000mm wheelbase with 5-seat configuration, offering both pure electric and extended-range powertrains. Exterior highlights include split headlights, full-width LED light bar, flush door handles and roof-mounted LiDAR. The brown and black interior features AI Lingxi Cockpit 2.0 powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P, standard 10-point front/8-point rear seat massage, and a 9.2-liter dual-zone refrigerator (-18°C to 50°C). Pre-order customers paying RMB 999 receive RMB 2,999 purchase credit and complimentary large-capacity refrigerator upgrade.

Zeekr has launched the 001 Fifth Anniversary Edition for limited pre-order, commemorating the brand's five-year milestone with exclusive powertrain, chassis, cockpit and intelligent driving configurations. The special edition features a fifth-anniversary exclusive red-badge logo, Glacier Silver paint with contrasting roof, plus FR-LINE performance package with 22-inch forged wheels, Brembo six-piston red calipers and Pirelli P ZERO high-performance tires for distinct visual differentiation. Zeekr's shooting brake series has surpassed 350,000 cumulative sales as of March 2026.