Chery, one of China’s leading automobile manufacturers, continues to strengthen its presence in the smart and hybrid vehicle market through its sub-brand iCar. In a bold move reflecting its ambition to compete with industry giants, the company has revealed the first official image of its new hybrid sport utility vehicle (SUV), the iCar V27. This model has been nicknamed the “Chinese G-Class” and the “New Energy Land Cruiser” by Chinese enthusiasts, highlighting its robust design and its aspiration to rival the giants in this segment.
iCar Brand: Renewed Ambition in Smart Vehicles
Chery launched the iCar brand in 2023 as a specialized platform for smart and new energy vehicles. So far, the brand has introduced two compact crossover SUVs with rugged designs — the iCar 03 and iCar 03T — along with the iCar V23. Although total sales of iCar vehicles have reached approximately 75,648 units to date, the company is counting on the new V27 model to boost sales and strengthen the brand’s position in China’s vast market.
Design Inspired by Legends
The iCar V27 features a bold and eye-catching exterior design, measuring about 4.9 meters in length, making it one of the larger vehicles in its class. The SUV boasts massive front and rear bumpers, wide wheel arches, and sharp, boxy lines that convey strength and durability, clearly inspired by luxury off-road vehicles such as the Mercedes G-Class and Toyota Land Cruiser.
These strong design elements are complemented by large black wheels and hefty side mirrors. The front fascia includes rectangular headlights with integrated circular LED lighting units, giving the car a modern and distinctive presence. At the rear, the vehicle features a side-opening tailgate with an external storage box, a small roof spoiler, and vertically styled taillights.
Advanced Hybrid Performance and Modern Technologies
The Chery iCar V27 is powered by an extended-range hybrid electric vehicle (EREV) system. It uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that acts as a generator to charge the battery, providing an electric-only range of about 200 kilometers according to China’s CLTC standard. Chery plans to offer two drivetrain options: rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, catering to a broad customer base, from those seeking sporty performance to those needing off-road capability.
This advanced hybrid system reflects Chery’s commitment to combining environmental efficiency with strong performance, at a time when demand for eco-friendly vehicles is rising both in China and globally.
Launch Date and Expected Price
The official launch of the iCar V27 is expected soon, with the vehicle currently undergoing certification procedures with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. It is anticipated to hit the domestic market in the fourth quarter of 2025. Price estimates range between 200,000 and 250,000 Chinese yuan (approximately $27,700 to $34,700 USD), positioning it as a strong contender in the mid-priced large hybrid SUV segment.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Although iCar’s sales remain modest compared to the enormous Chinese market, Chery is betting heavily on the V27 to change the game. Its bold design inspired by iconic SUVs, combined with advanced hybrid technology, gives the vehicle a strong chance to attract enthusiasts who desire powerful cars and environmentally friendly transportation solutions simultaneously.
Offering multiple drivetrain options and a spacious interior also enhances the car’s appeal to families and adventure seekers, especially amid the growing demand for SUVs in China.
As the official launch of the iCar V27 approaches, expectations rise regarding its ability to compete with segment leaders in terms of design, performance, and price. If Chery succeeds in balancing power, technology, and affordability, the V27 could mark the beginning of a new era for the iCar brand in the smart and hybrid vehicle market in China and potentially worldwide.
Tamara is an editor who has been working in the automotive field for over 3 years. She is also an automotive journalist and presenter; she shoots car reviews and tips on her social media platforms. She has a translation degree, and she also works as a freelance translator, copywriter, voiceover artist, and video editor. She’s taken automotive OBD Scanner and car diagnosis courses, and she’s also worked as an automotive sales woman for a year, in addition to completing an internship with Skoda Lebanon for 2 months. She also has been in the marketing field for over 2 years, and she also create social media content for small businesses.
