Chery unveiled the iCar V23, a sleek and compact all-electric SUV that seamlessly marries vintage off-road aesthetics with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology. With its trio of trims offering the option for either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, this vehicle also boasts a maximum estimated range of up to 501 kilometres when measured using the city, highway, and combined cycle test procedure. The iCar V23 launches at a base price of $13,700.
With its rugged design, the iCar V23 boasts an off-road-inspired look, characterized by a smoked front grille featuring the iCar logo, paired with spherical headlamps that add to its adventurous appeal. The ruggedly angular design of this vehicle pays homage to its legendary off-road predecessors, while subtle details such as the roof-mounted luggage carrier, discreet door handles, and external cargo compartment at the rear underscore its adventurous spirit. Six colour options – orange, black, grey, green, silver, and white – cater to a diverse range of preferences.
The automobile measures 4,220 millimeters in length, 1,915 millimeters in width, and 1,845 millimeters in height, boasting a compact design with a wheelbase of 2,735 millimeters that underscores its concise dimensions. With its thoughtful design, the vehicle boasts strategic inclines reaching up to 43 degrees, departure angles extending up to 41 degrees, and a mere 210mm floor clearance in all-wheel-drive configuration – underscoring its subtle yet capable off-road prowess?
At the rear, a side-hinged door conceals a built-in storage compartment, dubbed a “backpack,” which accommodates essential emergency tools. This retro-styled feature harmonizes seamlessly with the vehicle’s practical and bold design philosophy, delivering functionality while maintaining its unique flair.
Despite its nostalgic exterior, the interior of the iCar V23 boasts a thoroughly modern aesthetic. The design incorporates a striking white and black colour palette, characterized by crisp lines and rounded buttons, conveying a sense of robust yet contemporary sophistication. A 15.4-inch, 2.5K-resolution central touchscreen, driven by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor, seamlessly integrates with CarPlay to deliver enhanced in-car entertainment experiences.
Practicality takes centre stage, boasting a versatile 2×2 seating configuration and fold-flat rear seats that unlock up to 744 litres of unobstructed cargo space. The entrance seats feature electric adjustment for optimal comfort, while a premium seven-speaker audio system elevates the overall in-car experience. The vehicle features additional storage opportunities, including cleverly designed under-seat compartments and an expansive 90-litre underfloor cargo space.
The iCar V23 offers unparalleled customization options, empowering users to tailor their driving experience to exacting specifications. The manufacturer offers a wide range of customization options, including 24 interchangeable modules that enable buyers to tailor their vehicle to suit their individual tastes. Additionally, removable fenders and off-road bumpers provide further opportunities for personalization, allowing customers to adapt their automobile to various environments.
The iCar V23 boasts a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, supported by the advanced processing capabilities of its Horizon Robotics J3 and Texas Devices TDA4 chips. This innovative smart car features advanced key options that include rapid navigation, intelligent lane retention for emergency situations, traffic congestion assistance, and automated parking capabilities with remote control and memory functions. The system relies on an 8-megapixel front-facing camera, a 3-megapixel surround-view camera, five millimetre-wave radars, and twelve ultrasonic sensors to ensure precise operation.
Three configurations can be found:
- A 100 kW motor with 180 Nm of torque, paired with a 47.28 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery that provides an estimated range of 301 kilometres (CLTC).
- A 100 kW motor, boasting 134 horsepower, is paired with 180 Newton meters of torque, while the 59.93 kilowatt-hour lithium iron phosphate battery enables a respectable 401 kilometers on the combined cycle test (CLTC).
- The electric powertrain features an additional 55 kW (74 hp) front motor, combining to produce a total output of 211 horsepower and 292 Newton meters of torque. The 81.76 kilowatt-hour ternary lithium-ion battery enables a certified range of 501 kilometers according to the Chinese LA4 test cycle.
The all-wheel-drive (AWD) model sprints from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in just 7.5 seconds. The trims’ quick charging capabilities facilitate rapid battery replenishment, accelerating the fill rate from 30% to 80% within just 30 minutes. Additionally, they feature a robust 3.3 kW exterior charge performance, enabling seamless power supply to external devices.
