iCaur V27 shown in RHD – boxy REEV SUV with up to 455 PS, 210 km CLTC EV range coming to Malaysia

With the 03 and V23 EVs now widely available, iCaur’s next big global launch is the V27, which was revealed in Guangzhou late last year. At the ongoing Auto China show in Beijing, the lifestyle-oriented Chery offshoot showcased the international version with iCaur badging (instead of the China-exclusive iCar branding), with the added bonus of it being converted to right-hand drive.

The car’s Chinese launch last month means we finally have proper specs for iCaur’s first range-extended electric SUV, available in rear- and all-wheel-drive versions. The single-motor model produces 252 PS (185 kW) and 300 Nm of torque, while the dual-motor variant adds a front motor for a sum total of 455 PS (335 kW) and 505 Nm. Helping to juice the motor(s) is a 1.5 litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder turbo petrol engine making 156 PS (115 kW) and 220 Nm.

No matter which version you go for, the V27 comes with a 34.3 kWh CATL LFP battery for a pure electric range of 210 km for the RWD car and 200 km with AWD, both on China’s lenient CLTC cycle; expect WLTP figures closer to 170 km and 160 km respectively. Energy consumption is rated at 20.4 kWh per 100 km for the RWD model and 21.7 kWh per 100 km for the AWD one.

Add to this a large 60 litre fuel tank and you’re looking at total CLTC range numbers of 1,230 km (circa 1,000 km WLTP) for the RWD car and 1,200 km (circa 980 km WLTP) for the AWD one. The car supports up to 100 kW of DC fast charging, and topping the battery up from 10 to 80% takes 17 minutes. No word on AC charging, but the V27 is able to discharge up to 6 kW through its vehicle-to-load (V2L) function.

Just like the recently-unveiled Freelander 8, the V27 AWD comes with nine drive modes (including off-road-specific ones), and the top version in China even has magnetic ride control dampers. All cars have 220 mm of ground clearance, a maximum water-wading depth of 600 mm and 24.5-degree approach and departure angles. An electronic locking rear differential and a “tank turn” function are also fitted to AWD variants.

As you’d expect, the iCaur V27 is basically identical to the Chinese-market iCar from the outside, with an off-road-ready look (even though this car features a unibody construction) afforded by its tall and upright body and squared-off wheel arch flares.

The square headlights with round internals and separate side markers are pure Toyota Land Cruiser 70, while the front fender appliqués mimic a Defender’s vents; there are also actual (if rather small) rear quarter windows for a modicum of over-the-shoulder visibility versus the V23. One difference over the Chinese version is the lack of a tailgate-mounted full-sized spare tyre, replaced by the V23’s storage “backpack”.

Inside, the RHD model is very similar to the Chinese one, with a bluff dashboard and an abundant usage of chunky horizontal and vertical elements for a more rugged appearance. Unlike the V23, there is a slimline digital instrument display, complementing the 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen running on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 processor.

Just like the V23, there are toggle switches on the roof (including auxiliary switches for wiring up accessories); on the V27, these extend to the air-con controls, sitting below the centre air vents and above the dual smartphone holders (one of which is a Qi wireless charger). A large drive mode selector is nestled next to the cupholders, while the corner air vents hide an air fragrancing system.

The Chinese version also comes with twin ceiling portholes that span the entire length of the roof, but these appear to have been taken out for international models. Despite the size (a whopping 5,055 mm long), the V27 is a strict five-seater, with those at the back getting air-con vents (unlike the V23) and BMW-style mounting points on the backs of the front seats for attachments such as an tablet holder.

Thanks to the 69.9% of its footprint being used for cabin space, iCaur claims a generous 950 mm of knee room, 50 storage spaces dotted throughout the interior and a 715 litre boot – the latter is extendable to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded. There are also 50 attachment points inside and out for various iCaur-branded accessories that are said to be eco-friendly.

iCaur Malaysia officials have confirmed that the V27 will be sold on our shores. Its launch could coincide with the start of CKD local assembly at Chery’s new 1,280-acre plant in Lembah Beringin; expected to be operational this year, the factory has received RM3.6 billion in investments over the past two years.

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