Chery's subsidiary brand, iCaur, has officially lifted the cover off its brand-new V25 boxy SUV at the company's International User Summit held in China. Positioned neatly between the smaller V23 and the larger V27 models, this vehicle rounds out the current V-Series lineup. It is made available with both all-electric and range-extended electric powertrain choices, giving purchasers the liberty to select a fully battery-powered vehicle or a setup that uses a petrol engine to generate electricity for extended trips.
Exterior Styling and Dimensions
Drawing clear inspiration from the Land Rover Defender, the V25 sports an upright stance, a squared-off silhouette, a flat bonnet, and bulky wheel arches. Round LED headlamps grant it a distinct identity compared to its larger sibling, while a broad grille completes the front fascia to provide a commanding road presence favored by lifestyle SUV buyers. At the back, a side-opening tailgate features a full-size spare wheel to finish off the off-road appearance. Depending on the chosen variant, customers can opt for either 19-inch or 21-inch wheels, and the vehicle incorporates over 20 built-in accessory mounting points for extra customisation.
Despite the rugged aesthetics, the manufacturer does not market the V25 solely as a hardcore off-road vehicle; its design and onboard equipment are tailored to ensure equal utility for daily commuting and long journeys. Practicality is further enhanced by 41 storage compartments inside the cabin, a boot space measuring 378 litres that expands to 998 litres upon folding the rear seats, and front seats that fold completely flat to form a resting space for camping and road trips.
Cabin Layout and Technology
Inside, the dashboard follows a matching squared-off design language featuring a horizontal layout accompanied by chunky physical controls. A central 15.4-inch touchscreen takes prominence alongside an eight-inch digital instrument cluster. Practical inclusions comprise a panoramic sunroof featuring a powered sunshade, electrically adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation functions, driver's seat memory, and a 15-speaker Pioneer audio system. Wireless phone charging and multiple driver assistance features are also provided depending on the market and variant.
Powertrain Specifications and Range
The fully electric variant relies on an 80.16kWh battery pack, delivered in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive formats. The rear-wheel-drive version generates 252bhp and 300Nm of torque, whereas the dual-motor all-wheel-drive model pumps out 455bhp and 505Nm. iCaur specifies a driving range of up to 445km for the rear-wheel-drive variant and 400km for the all-wheel-drive configuration based on the Chinese NEDC test cycle.
For buyers seeking independence from charging infrastructure, the range-extended electric variant utilizes a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine acting purely as a generator, leaving propulsion entirely to the electric motors. This configuration delivers an electric-only range of approximately 150km and a total combined range exceeding 800km, though these numbers shift depending on the specific market and technical specifications. Additionally, a 6kW vehicle-to-load capability allows the SUV to power external equipment, while the reported towing capacity rests at 1,800kg.
| Powertrain Variant | Battery / Engine | Output | Claimed Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear-Wheel Drive (EV) | 80.16kWh Battery | 252bhp, 300Nm | 445km (NEDC) |
| All-Wheel Drive (EV) | 80.16kWh Battery | 455bhp, 505Nm | 400km (NEDC) |
| Range-Extended EV (REEV) | 1.5-litre Turbo-Petrol + Electric Motors | Not specified | 150km (EV-only) / >800km (Combined) |
Implications for the Indian Market
Regarding a potential launch in India, Chery maintains a partnership with JSW Motors, and reports suggest the latter is preparing an electric SUV based on the smaller iCaur V23 for local introduction under the JSW nameplate. However, no official confirmation exists regarding whether the larger V25 will eventually arrive in India. Its bigger proportions, distinctive aesthetic, and dual powertrain approach could establish it as an intriguing alternative should JSW decide to broaden its electric SUV lineup beyond the V23-based offering, with eventual market viability heavily dependent on competitive pricing, local manufacturing, charging performance, and real-world efficiency.