On May 19, 2025, Su Jun, CEO of Chery’s “new energy” division, released the first official image of the Chinese automaker’s new range-extended hybrid SUV. It’s called the iCar V27 (or iCaur V27, following the brand’s new international naming strategy), but Chinese netizens have already nicknamed it the “Chinese G-Class” or the “Land Cruiser Range Extender.”
The nickname isn’t random: the V27’s design clearly evokes classic off-roaders, with boxy proportions, muscular wheel arches, and a rugged look that seems more suited for adventure than urban commuting.
A New Chapter for iCar (or iCaur)
The iCar brand was launched by Chery in 2023 with a focus on new energy vehicles (NEVs). So far, the lineup includes two compact SUVs: the iCar 03 and iCar V23 — bold-looking models targeting a young, urban audience that occasionally ventures off-road. With 75,648 units delivered, iCar hasn’t yet broken through in the Chinese market, but the new V27 might be the turning point.
The V27 is a large SUV, about 4.9 meters long, and has been spotted multiple times in testing across Chinese roads. Its design features:
- Large bumpers and pronounced wheel arches
- Generously sized black wheels
- Rectangular headlights with integrated circular LED daytime running lights
- Oversized side mirrors
- Side-hinged rear tailgate with integrated storage box
- Vertical rear light cluster and a small roof spoiler
- Its silhouette clearly appeals to fans of “true” off-roaders, with styling cues reminiscent of the Mercedes G-Class and Toyota Land Cruiser.
At the heart of the iCaur V27 is an EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle) system, combining a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine — which acts as a generator — with an electric drivetrain. Its pure electric range is estimated at around 200 km based on the Chinese CLTC cycle.
Although full technical specs have yet to be confirmed, it’s highly likely that both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions will be available to broaden the model’s appeal.
According to the CEO, the iCaur V27 is expected to appear soon in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) database — a mandatory step before the official launch in China, planned for Q4 2025. Pricing will range from 200,000 to 250,000 yuan (approximately 25,000-35,000 €).
