The new SUV from a Chinese brand, featuring a recognizable "squared-off" body, is equipped with a series hybrid system.
The extensive portfolio of the Chinese corporation Chery includes a brand named iCar on the domestic market (its export name is iCAUR). It has now become known that the brand's lineup is set to expand soon with another crossover, this time with the index V25: it appears to be positioned between the already existing V23 and V27 models in the range.
Recently, the company released the first official images of the iCar V25, and now we can also look at "live" photos that have appeared in the database of the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, along with the first technical details about the new model. It is worth noting that the exterior of the V25 crossover shares many similarities with its "younger brother" – the iCar V23. By the way, its sales on the domestic market have not been very strong: in the first five months of this year, dealers sold only 9,591 units, which is 58.2% less than in January-May 2025.
It seems that Chery has decided to bet on a larger model. The overall length of the iCar V25 is 4,636 mm (416 mm more than the V23), width is 1,920 mm (5 mm more), height is 1,855 mm (10 mm more), and the wheelbase is 2,820 mm (85 mm more). The curb weight is 2,221 / 2,240 kg depending on the version. The manufacturer has not yet shown the interior, but it is known that it is designed for five occupants.
The crossover features a "classic" five-door body styled in a retro design: with round headlights and semi-circular daytime running lights, a radiator grille and a logo on the side, massive trim pieces on the lower part of the front bumper, "squared-off" voluminous fender flares, traditional large exterior mirrors, and a "blind" section on the rear side windows.
Additionally, the model gets semi-flush door handles, a "backpack" replacing the more conventional spare tire on the tailgate (which opens sideways rather than upwards), and a set of tires sized either 19 or 21 inches (depending on the version). The approach angle of the iCar V25 is 28°, and the departure angle is 24°. Optionally available are a lidar integrated into the front edge of the roof, as well as a "towing device," allowing the vehicle to tow a trailer weighing up to 1,800 kg.
According to data from the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology database, the iCar V25 will feature a series hybrid system. It includes a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, model SQRH4J15, producing 156 hp, which operates as a generator for a lithium iron phosphate traction battery with a capacity of 33.68 kWh and has no mechanical connection to the wheels. The total system output will be announced later. The driving range on electric power alone is 150 km (according to the WLTC cycle), and the top speed of this SUV is 180 km/h.
For reference, in Russia, the "older" crossover in the lineup – the V27 – is currently available for purchase, and it has been decided to bring it to the market under the local brand Esteo (a result of the partnership between the Russian holding company "AGR" and the Chinese company Defetoo). Dealers began collecting pre-orders for this model last week.
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