The Chery V27 is a REEV-powered SUV where an engine generates electricity for the battery to power the motor. The iCAR brand is a newcomer recently launched under the Chery International giant. In China, it is known as 'iCar,' but the name is slightly modified for overseas markets for understandable reasons. Chery states that the V27 redefines SUVs targeting young people who enjoy outdoor lifestyles like fishing, hiking, mountain climbing, or even spending six consecutive hours scrolling Instagram amid forests and mountains.
Looking at the design, recent trends show European influence gaining popularity. The iCAR design impresses with a retro, raw boxy style similar to the V23 but larger. This model appears ready for rugged use, featuring strong underbody skid plates, a roof rack for adventure, a new grille, and short front and rear overhangs. However, it is suitable only for light off-roading rather than heavy-duty terrain like dense jungle during the rainy season. The interior is minimalist, with few physical buttons for basic functions alongside a large 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen and a floating phone holder on the center console. With rear seats folded flat, cargo space expands up to 774 liters, appealing to young users who prefer generous storage.
iCAR is the new energy brand of Chery Group, positioned as a leader in smart electric vehicles. Officially launched on 7 April 2023, Chery Group announced the brand's debut on 16 April with an event in Shanghai, introducing the iCAR coupe GT and iCAR 03 models. On 4 March 2024, the subsidiary announced a lifetime warranty for all models and used cars, becoming the first automaker in the industry to offer such a guarantee across all brands under its umbrella.
iCAR was created to target the electric vehicle market with emphasis on strength, smart technology, and comfort to gain competitive advantage. The iCAR V27 is a B+ segment SUV positioned as the brand’s flagship, measuring 4,909/5,055 mm long, 1,976 mm wide, and 1,855/1,894 mm tall, with a 2,910 mm wheelbase. It is currently Chery’s largest boxy SUV, available with electric, REEV, and HEV powertrains, marking Chery’s first hybrid model.
The V27 has a large body measuring 5,055 mm in length, 1,976 mm in width, and 1,894 mm in height, with a 2,910 mm wheelbase, making it larger than competitor GWM TANK 300.
The Chery V27 features iCAR’s signature boxy design, which remains popular. The front grille is multilayered with a robust bumper, a wider wheelbase, and a futuristic robotic appearance. The new model offers seven exterior colors: brown, crystal carbon black, silver, porcelain gray, porcelain blue, light brown, and desert yellow.
The side profile shows pronounced wheel arches emphasizing the vehicle's power and aggressiveness. Large 21-inch wheels at each corner improve grip and stability. It has approach and departure angles of 24.5°, a ground clearance of 200 mm, and water wading depth up to 600 mm. The narrow grille is flanked by rectangular headlights with distinctive circular light strips and a silver skid plate on the front bumper. Viewed from the side, the iCAR V27’s angular and sturdy design features straight, strong lines reminiscent of the iCAR V23, including a rear windshield and a front module integrating NFC and a camera. The V27 measures 4,909 mm (small spare tire version) or 5,055 mm (rear spare tire version) in length, 1,976 mm in width, 1,855 mm or 1,894 mm in height with roof rack, and has a 2,910 mm wheelbase.
The V27 suits light off-road drivers focusing on lifestyle rather than heavy off-roading, which could damage suspension and underbody. Its unibody structure, 200–224 mm ground clearance, 24° approach and 23° departure angles, and independent 4-wheel suspension confirm it isn’t designed for rock crawling or deep mud but as a boxy lifestyle SUV. It appeals to young buyers wanting a retro-future boxy SUV image like a Defender or G-Class but at a fraction of the price with smooth, city-friendly ride comfort.
With a length exceeding 5 meters (including rear storage box or spare tire) and a 2,910 mm wheelbase, the V27 offers more cabin and cargo space than typical B-SUVs, competing directly with boxy C-SUVs or mid-size SUVs such as the GWM TANK 300 in terms of spaciousness.
To address EV range anxiety, the REEV system uses a 1.5-liter turbo engine to generate electricity for a 34.3 kWh LFP battery, allowing the vehicle to be driven 100% on electric motor power. It offers quiet operation and instant torque like an EV, removing worries about finding charging stations on long trips.
The all-wheel-drive (AWD) version delivers a combined maximum power of 335 kW (449-457 horsepower) and 505 Nm torque, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 5.5 to 5.9 seconds, which is powerful relative to the anticipated price.
The pure electric range covers about 150-210 km, sufficient for daily city use without fuel. The combined range with the engine generating electricity exceeds 1,000–1,200 km per tank, ideal for camping and long-distance travel. A drawback of Chinese REEVs is higher fuel consumption at high speeds (9.5-10.5 km/liter) compared to Japanese HEVs, which are more fuel-efficient at speed.
Most functions are managed via a large 15.4-inch central touchscreen powered by a Snapdragon 8295/HiTong processor, following trends in new energy vehicles from China. While appealing to young users who prefer minimalism and advanced interfaces, it may frustrate traditional drivers seeking convenient physical switches while driving. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) with LiDAR sensors and high-level processors prepared for the Thai market indicate Chery’s focus on safety and "Smart EV" features beyond competitors in the same class.
The boxy design trend is growing, and iCAR/iCAUR’s style aligns with young customers seeking unique vehicles. The REEV drivetrain provides more confidence on long natural trips compared to 100% BEVs. If Chery Thailand adopts extended or lifetime warranties on vehicles and electrical systems as in other countries, it will boost long-term brand trust.
In reality, the CAUR/iCAR brand is still new to Thai consumers. Communication regarding service network structure, parts availability, and after-sales support under Chery International will be decisive, along with pricing. If priced in the low million baht range (1.1–1.3 million baht), it would be a very good value considering its size and power.
The V27 electric vehicle combines a 1.5-liter engine with electric motors, available in rear-wheel and four-wheel drive. The engine produces up to 105 kW. The rear-wheel drive version has a 185 kW motor, while the four-wheel drive has dual motors with a combined output of 335 kW, accelerating 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds. It has a 34.3 kWh battery providing 200 km (rear-wheel) or 210 km (AWD) pure electric range (CLTC), and a combined range of 1,200 and 1,230 km respectively.
The Chery V27 uses a Range Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) system with a 1.5-liter engine charging the battery combined with an electric motor. The AWD model is expected to produce up to 335 kW (449 hp) with a pure electric range (CLTC) of 200 km and a combined range over 1,000 km. Chery plans to launch the V27 in Thailand soon, likely equipped with LiDAR and high-end Horizon Robotics chips.
Inside, the V27 retains iCAR’s family-oriented interior design with added refinement. The floating central control screen dominates the dashboard, with air vents and buttons beneath, emphasizing its off-road character. The central armrest includes wireless charging, drive mode selector, and cup holders. It likely features a central control screen without a separate instrument cluster. The rear cabin seats three with dedicated air vents. The contemporary interior includes an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel, a 15.4-inch central touchscreen, and HiTong 8295 chip standard across trims, enabling smooth operation, online navigation, entertainment, smartphone connectivity, OTA updates, and voice commands.
After the success of the Chery V23, the larger V27 will continue promoting clean energy vehicles in Thailand, with an expected launch in September.