- An independent artist reimagines Freelander as a compact two-door semi-cabrio.
- The design borrows from Concept 97 styling, but sits on a much shorter wheelbase.
- Triangular rear side windows echo the original 1997 Land Rover distinct design cues.
The Freelander name is back, now repurposed as a sub-brand, though the Concept 97 points firmly toward a large three-row SUV. Not everyone is on board with that direction. Independent digital artist Sugar Design took a different path, imagining something smaller, lighter, and far more in tune with the original 1997 Land Rover Freelander.
This reworked off-roader keeps the Freelander Concept 97’s core design language but shrinks it down with a much shorter wheelbase. It trades modern flush hardware for proper door handles and drops to two doors, giving it the stance of a cheeky counterpart to the Land Rover Defender 90.
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The details do most of the heavy lifting here. The triangular rear side windows and that distinctive diagonal pillar have been pulled forward, echoing the original’s proportions. Up front, the LED headlight graphics point to the past, while the black cladding underneath ties it back to the facelifted Freelander without trying too hard.
Illustrations Sugar Design / Instagram
At the rear, the design mirrors the Concept 97 and carries a faint Volvo-like impression. That look comes mainly from the extended black pillars, hidden LED taillights, and the gently curved, Defender-inspired profile.
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Sugar Design’s renderings depict the Freelander with a removable hardtop that integrates a roof spoiler. The original, however, was also offered in “Softback” form with a fabric roof. One notable omission here is the rear-mounted spare wheel, which might look out of place given the size of the alloys.
The concept also raises an interesting possibility. A short-wheelbase, drop-top Freelander could potentially double as a lifestyle pickup with foldable or removable rear seats.
Will They Make One?
Illustrations Sugar Design / Instagram
Recent spy shots and leaked photos suggest that the first production model from the new Freelander brand will be a large SUV with five doors and three rows of seats, essentially a toned-down version of the Concept 97. However, this will be just the start of a full lineup of electrified SUVs set to be sold in China and global markets.
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More specifically, the Chery Jaguar Land Rover joint venture has confirmed six Freelander launches over the next five years. An official teaser showing the silhouettes hints that at least two of these models will have a more compact footprint.
Three-door off-roaders have become increasingly rare, but there is still room for optimism. Something along the lines of this compact, open-top interpretation could yet find its way to production.
