Chery’s iCar brand has introduced its latest model, the iCar V23, blending rugged aesthetics with electric power. Following the trend set by its larger sibling, the iCar 03, and other Chinese SUVs like BYD’s Fang Cheng Bao and GM’s Baojun, the iCar V23 sports a boxy and upright body design.
While drawing inspiration from icons like the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the iCar V23 boasts a smaller footprint, measuring 4220mm long, 1915mm wide, and 1845mm tall, with a 2730mm wheelbase. In comparison, the Suzuki Jimny XL stands 3820mm long, 1645mm wide, and 1720mm tall, with a 2590mm wheelbase.
With an impressive approach angle of 43 degrees, a departure angle of 41 degrees, and a ground clearance of 212mm in all-wheel drive guise, the iCar V23 promises off-road capability. It will be available in both single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive configurations, featuring battery packs from CATL offering ranges of up to 500km and 400km, respectively.
Stepping inside reveals a robust and minimalist interior design characterized by a large touchscreen, rectangular air vents, and a selection of knobs and toggle switches. The spacious front floor features a wireless charging pad, seamlessly integrated into the armrest and bin. Developed in collaboration with Zhimi Technology, owned by smartphone giant Xiaomi, the iCar V23 combines Chery’s manufacturing expertise with Zhimi’s engineering prowess.
According to reports, the collaboration aims to introduce six to eight vehicles over the next three years under the iCar brand. The iCar 03, the brand’s inaugural vehicle, entered pilot production in June 2023 and hit the Chinese market in February 2024. With a length comparable to the Mazda CX-30 and a minimum ground clearance of 170mm, the iCar 03 represents Chery’s initial foray into the electric vehicle segment.
While Chery has yet to announce plans for exporting iCar models, Xiaomi has made strides in the electric vehicle market with its Xiaomi SU7 electric sedan. Designed under the leadership of Li Tianyuan, formerly of BMW, the SU7 offers up to 800km of range and boasts impressive performance figures, including a 0-100km/h time as low as 2.78 seconds.
