iCAR V23

Model Overview

The iCAR V23 is an all-electric compact SUV developed by iCAR, an electric vehicle (EV) sub-brand under Chery Automobile. Officially launched on 16 December 2024, the V23 represents a major brand-elevating effort for iCAR, charting a new niche in "lifestyle off-roading" that blends retro, rugged styling with pure electric power. At launch, the SUV debuted with three variants, with official retail prices ranging from RM99,800 to RM139,800. In September 2025, the 2026 iCAR Super V23 was introduced, adjusting the price bracket to between RM122,800 and RM174,800. As of June 2026, the 2026 model remains the latest iteration on sale. The V23 primarily targets younger buyers seeking individualistic expression and rugged off-road character.

Design Language

The exterior styling of the iCAR V23 centres on fusing "retro classic" appeal with a "cyber-tech" aesthetic. The SUV adopts a distinctive, angular "boxy" silhouette, accented by a clamshell bonnet that lends a muscular stance. Up front, it features circular LED headlights with gloss black surrounds, an off-centre iCAR badge on the front fascia panel, and a chunky, protruding front bumper reminiscent of classic rugged 4x4s. In profile, the clean, sculpted lines combine traditional off-road cues—such as flared wheel arches, fixed side steps, and solid C-pillar panels—with modern exposed transparent housings for the corner-mounted millimetre-wave radars. At the rear, the side-hinged tailgate is fitted with a floating external storage "backpack" unit and Lego-inspired modular LED tail lamps.

Dimension-wise, the SUV measures 4,220 mm long (4,249 mm on select variants), 1,915 mm wide, and 1,845 mm tall, with a 2,735 mm wheelbase. Its near-1:1 height-to-width ratio, matched with large 19-inch or 21-inch alloy wheels, gives the V23 road presence and visual punch well beyond its class. The 2026 model is available in nine exterior paint options.

Inside, the cabin reflects a "digital intelligence meets mechanical aesthetic" philosophy. The interior features generous soft-touch leatherette trim, offered in black, white, or green colour schemes. The dashboard adopts a horizontal, dual-tone layout anchored by a 15.4-inch 2.5K floating central touchscreen, with dedicated physical dials and buttons thoughtfully retained below. The 2026 model gains an 8.88-inch full digital instrument cluster and switches to a steering column-mounted gear selector. The centre console storage compartment also incorporates built-in cable routing channels and a 60W USB fast-charging port.

Powertrain and Performance

The iCAR V23 is offered in single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The 2025 single-motor version puts out 100 kW (approx. 136 PS) and 180 Nm of torque, while the dual-motor AWD variant delivers a combined output of 155 kW (approx. 211 PS) and 292 Nm of torque.

The 2026 model brings a major powertrain upgrade. Output for the single-motor RWD model is boosted to 185 kW, while the flagship dual-motor AWD V23S delivers a potent 335 kW (approx. 455 PS) and 490 Nm of torque. The V23S sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 170 km/h. It also features a one-touch Boost mode that unleashes an extra 10% of power on demand, usable up to 10 times consecutively.

In terms of driving range, the 2025 lineup offers three CLTC-rated range options: 301 km, 401 km, and 501 km. The 2026 model comes with either a 59.93 kWh or 80.16 kWh battery pack, providing CLTC ranges of 401 km, 550 km, and 501 km (for the Peak Performance Edition). For DC fast charging, a 30% to 80% top-up takes approximately 30 minutes, with support for charging capacities of up to 160 kW. A 3.3 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) reverse power supply function comes standard across the entire range.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the iCAR V23 rides on a front MacPherson strut and rear five-link independent suspension setup. The inclusion of a rear multi-link setup is a rarity in this segment, where most rival electric SUVs settle for a simpler rear torsion beam. Tuned with input from an international motorsport engineering team, the suspension better controls wheel geometry and effectively absorbs road imperfections. Positioning the wheels far into all four corners alongside the low-slung, high-capacity CTP battery pack yields a low, central centre of gravity.

Higher-end variants are fitted with an adaptive air suspension system paired with Continuous Damping Control (CDC) dampers, enabling ride height adjustments between 210 mm and 270 mm. Ground clearance on AWD models ranges from 210 mm to 212 mm, complemented by an impressive 43° approach angle and 41° departure angle. The overall chassis setup is tuned for ride comfort, striking a well-judged balance between daily urban commuting and light off-roading.

Cabin and Equipment

On the tech front, the iCAR V23 gets a 15.4-inch 2.5K HD floating central touchscreen as standard across the range. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor, the infotainment system delivers smooth, lag-free operation. It supports comprehensive smartphone integration, including wireless Apple CarPlay, HiCar, and Carlink. The 2026 model also adds an 8.88-inch full digital instrument cluster, alongside a 360-degree surround-view camera system.

For comfort and convenience, the seats are upholstered in premium Nappa microfibre leather. The system also offers customisable preset scene modes and supports full-vehicle Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety-wise, all iCAR V23 variants come standard with the "Falcon 500" Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). This suite packs 23 active safety features, including full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). Premium variants step up to the NEP Navigation Pilot system, which uses a sensor suite of 12 cameras, 5 millimetre-wave radars, and 1 LiDAR unit, enabling urban and highway Navigate on Autopilot (NOA) as well as multi-storey memory parking. A 540-degree panoramic camera with a transparent chassis display is also fitted. In addition, a "Sentry Mode" security feature is slated to roll out via an upcoming OTA update.

In terms of passive safety, high-strength steel makes up 70% of the body structure, with hot-stamped ultra-high-strength steel exceeding 18% in critical structural zones. The traction battery is shielded by a 10 mm thick underbody protective plate and is certified to IP68 and IPX9K ingress protection ratings.

Market Performance and Reception

The iCAR V23 enjoyed a strong market debut, racking up 31,000 pre-orders within the first eight hours of pre-sales. However, a subsequent wave of order cancellations drew industry attention. From January to August 2025, cumulative sales reached 39,979 units, establishing the V23 as a frontrunner in China's electric "boxy SUV" segment. By the end of 2025, full-year sales crossed 67,000 units, capturing a commanding 38% market share in the all-electric boxy SUV category. Sales momentum slowed in early 2026, however, with deliveries falling to 2,335 units in January and 1,419 units in February.

Industry observers note that the V23 established a strong competitive edge in its niche through its distinctive retro-rugged styling, segment-first five-link rear suspension, and attractive value proposition. From the user side, feedback points to relatively modest performance on the single-motor 2WD variants and noticeable wind noise at higher cruising speeds. On the whole, as a characterful electric SUV tailored for younger buyers, the iCAR V23 has successfully carved out its own space in the crowded EV market thanks to its retro-modern off-road design, sophisticated chassis hardware, and solid tech package.