iCaur locks in V25 for Australian debut

CHERY Group will introduce yet another automotive brand to Australia early next year, confirming its new iCaur marque will make its local debut with the boxy V25 mid-size SUV.

The V25 will spearhead iCaur’s Australian launch in early 2027 and make its first local public appearance considerably earlier, at Everything Electric Sydney from September 18-20.

Australian pricing, final specifications and powertrain details remain under wraps, with iCaur saying these will be announced closer to launch.

The announcement further expands Chery Group’s increasingly crowded Australian presence, with iCaur joining the established Chery and Omoda Jaecoo operations, incoming Lepas brand, and the Chery-JLR Freelander operation due to launch here in 2027.

Chery-owned Jetour is also heading to Australia next year, although it will operate through a separate importer.

Founded in 2023 and known as iCar in its home market, iCaur specialises in electrified lifestyle SUVs distinguished by deliberately boxy styling and an adventure-oriented positioning.

The brand name was changed for export markets, with the ‘u’ silent and iCaur pronounced ‘iCar’.

The V25 will become its first Australian offering, although larger V27 and smaller V23 SUVs are also being considered for the local market.

“Australia is one of Chery Group’s most important international markets, and we’re delighted to introduce iCaur as the next step in our long-term growth strategy,” said iCaur Australia head of brand Kate Gillis.

“iCaur brings a new energy to the market, combining striking design with advanced EV technology and a playful, user-centric spirit.

“Australian motorists have demonstrated a strong appetite for vehicles that combine style, technology and capability.

“The V25 has been developed to meet those expectations while bringing a distinctive personality that will appeal to customers looking for something different.”

Ms Gillis previously headed Peugeot Citroen Australia from 2020 to 2024 before moving to Inchcape Australasia as head of strategic growth.

Although its squared-off styling suggests a traditional body-on-frame off-roader, the V25 uses a monocoque passenger-car architecture with independent suspension.

Measuring 4636mm long, 1920mm wide and 1855mm high on a 2820mm wheelbase, it is 36mm longer and 65mm wider than a Toyota RAV4, with an additional 130mm between the axles.

Its styling takes a markedly different direction from Chery’s existing Australian SUVs, with circular headlights, squared wheel-arches, an upright glasshouse, and side-hinged rear door, giving it the appearance of a conventional off-roader.

It places the V25 broadly in the same lifestyle-oriented territory as the GWM Tank 300.

Chinese specifications list 197mm of ground clearance and approach and departure angles of 30 and 28 degrees respectively.

Other available hardware includes 19- or 21-inch wheels, fixed aluminium side steps and removable D-pillar panels capable of accepting accessories such as an external storage box or ladder.

The side-hinged rear door opens through 88 degrees and incorporates a 22.7-litre external storage compartment, while the roof is rated to carry a 200kg static load.

iCaur has not confirmed which V25 powertrain will be offered in Australia, although the model has been developed around electrified propulsion.

Chinese regulatory filings detail a range-extender electric vehicle (EREV) using a 115kW turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and 33.68kWh lithium iron phosphate battery.

Unlike a conventional hybrid, the petrol engine operates as a generator rather than directly driving the wheels.

Rear- and all-wheel drive configurations have been detailed in China, with electric-only ranges listed at 150km and 145km respectively under the WLTC standard.

The AWD version has also been homologated with an 1800kg towing capacity.

Other Chinese-market information lists a dual-motor AWD version producing a combined 335kW, although Australian outputs and specifications are yet to be confirmed.

A battery-electric V25 is also expected to form part of the model’s broader global range, giving iCaur the potential to offer both EV and range-extender versions locally.

The latter technology is becoming an increasingly important point of difference among Chinese manufacturers, combining electric propulsion with a petrol generator to extend driving range and remove reliance on public charging during longer journeys.

Inside, the V25 combines a large central infotainment touchscreen with a slim digital instrument display but, unlike some newer Chinese vehicles, retains physical rotary controls for frequently used functions including climate control, audio volume, and selectable driving modes.

Available Chinese-market equipment includes heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, while the first and second seating rows can be folded flat.

Boot capacity is listed at 378 litres, expanding to 998 litres with the rear seats folded, and iCaur claims 41 individual storage areas throughout the cabin.

The technology offering can extend considerably further in its home market.

Chinese versions can be fitted with roof-mounted LiDAR as part of Chery’s Falcon Pilot 700+ driver-assistance package, which incorporates another 26 sensors and a Horizon Robotics Journey 6P processor delivering a claimed 560 TOPS of computing capability.

Whether that system will be offered in Australia is not yet known.

As mentioned earlier, the introduction of iCaur continues Chery Group’s unusually rapid expansion of brands in Australia.

Chery returned as a factory-backed operation in 2023 before Omoda Jaecoo followed in 2025, while Lepas is due before the end of this year.

iCaur and Chery-JLR's Freelander are scheduled to join them during 2027, giving Chery Group a broad portfolio covering mainstream passenger cars and SUVs, more premium offerings and increasingly specialised lifestyle products.

iCaur is expected to operate through its own Australian showrooms rather than simply becoming another model line within existing Chery dealerships.

The V25 will be followed by further products, with the larger V27 expected to be next in line.

The smaller V23 has also previously been earmarked for Australia but is not expected until it receives a future global update, potentially around 2028 or 2029.

The V25 gives Chery another entry into one of the Australian market’s most competitive areas, but with deliberately rugged styling and electrified powertrains intended to differentiate it from the growing field of conventional Chinese mid-size SUVs.

Australian buyers will get their first look at the V25 at Everything Electric Sydney next month, ahead of its showroom launch in early 2027.

Pricing, final powertrain availability, and local specifications will be announced closer to arrival.