Auto Shanghai 2025: New iCAUR V23 Set For Malaysia Entry

Making its global debut at Auto Shanghai 2025, the iCAUR sub-brand - sold as iCar in China - is the latest entry into the electric vehicle (EV) market space. It’s also the newest to emerge from the ever growing list of sub-brands owned by Chery Group - China’s largest auto exporter.

Developed from the ground up in partnership with Smartmi Tech, a subsidiary if Chinese tech giants Xiaomi, the brand’s product focus had been centred around digital ecosystems and connectivity - engineering depth with user-centric tech development.

Positioned for the young and the young at heart, iCAUR celebrates individuality, emotion, and the thrill of discovery. Its brand philosophy, “Born to Play,” captures a spirit of freedom, curiosity, and stylish innovation.

Leading the way is the iCAUR V23, the sub-brand’s first global model. It’s a bold, boxy SUV designed with off-road inspiration and urban flair.

The iCAUR V23 features a fully enclosed front grille, split-style headlights, rounded LED lamps, and a flat rear tailgate with an external utility box. Altogether, this delivers a distinct, rugged appeal reminiscent to classics like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and the Suzuki Jimny, albeit with a modern electrified twist. 

Inside, the V23 comes equipped with a large 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment display and a 2+2 seating layout. Practicality is also key, with the trunk expanding up to 744 litres with the second-row seats folded. In China, the V23 is also offered with optional accessories such as 200 KG roof rack fixture, steering column mounted eco instrument cluster, and roof mounted rear screen, just to name a few.

Despite its playful personality, the V23 is no soft-roader. With 210 MM of ground clearance, serious approach and breakover angles, as well as a wading depth of 600 MM, it’s built with all-terrain versatility in mind. As for size, the iCAUR V23 measures 4,220 MM long with a 2,735 MM wheelbase, 1,915 MM wide, and 1,845 MM tall.

On the powertrain front, a base rear-wheel-drive (RWD) choice is present next to a higher-end all-wheel-drive (AWD) guise. The former harnesses a 134 HP (100 kW) e-motor juiced by a 59.93 kWh battery pack promising 401 KM of CLTC-rated range.

The AWD version slotted above instead packs dual e-motors delivering a combined 211 HP (157 kW) output. It also boasts a larger 81.76 kWh battery promising to  yield up to  501 KM of CLTC range.

Following its debut at Auto Shanghai 2025 earlier this week, the iCAUR brand is eyeing rapid expansion, aiming to establish its presence in over 100 countries with more than 2,000 service and sales points over the next three years.

Closer to home, Malaysia is amongst the markets targeted by the brand for entry with its V23 model detailed. Notably, a formal brand introduction is set to take place next month during the upcoming Malaysia Autoshow 2025 held at MAEPS, Serdang from May 9 to May 15.

Presently, it remains unclear still if the iCAUR brand will be positioned under Chery Malaysia’s premium arm Jaecoo - as how it did with the Omoda C9 -  or if it will be operated and managed as a separate new entity. Expect more details from the Malaysia Autoshow.