iCaur V25 SUV Debuts in China, Set for Israeli Launch Next Year
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Chinese automaker iCaur has unveiled its V25 mid-size SUV, featuring a hybrid powertrain and retro design, with plans to launch in Israel in 2025. The V25 boasts a combined 505 hp and an estimated electric range of 145-150 km. Israeli importer Smelat expects the vehicle to compete with models like the Subaru Forester, with pricing potentially starting around 200,000 shekels.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- iCaur's V25 SUV, a hybrid with 505 hp, has been officially unveiled in China.
- The V25 features a retro design inspired by the G-Class and Defender, with dimensions larger than a Subaru Forester.
- It utilizes a range-extender hybrid system with a 1.5L turbo engine and a 33.7 kWh battery, offering an estimated 145-150 km electric range.
- The SUV is slated for an Israeli launch in 2025, with pricing estimated to start around 200,000 shekels.
- It is expected to compete with the Subaru Forester and BAIC BJ30 in the Israeli market.
Chinese automaker iCaur, the fifth brand from the Chery conglomerate to enter Israel, has officially unveiled its V25 mid-size SUV in China. The V25 joins the smaller V23 and flagship V27 in iCaur's lineup, featuring a retro, boxy design reminiscent of the Mercedes G-Class and Land Rover Defender. With dimensions slightly larger than a Subaru Forester, measuring between 4.71-4.75 meters in length, it offers approach and departure angles of 28 and 24 degrees, respectively, and a towing capacity of 1,800 kg.
Unlike the all-electric V23, the V25 utilizes a range-extender electric vehicle (EREV) hybrid system. It pairs a 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine producing 154 hp, acting as a generator for a 33.7 kWh LFP battery, with a combined output of 505 hp. The manufacturer claims a pure electric range of approximately 145-150 km under Chinese standards, with a combined fuel consumption of 15 km per liter. An all-electric version is available with an 80.2 kWh battery, offering 445 km of range for rear-wheel drive and 400 km for all-wheel drive, also based on Chinese testing protocols. European testing standards, which are more stringent, would likely result in a 20% reduction in these figures.
The interior seats five and retains physical buttons and controls alongside modern features like wireless phone charging. The V25 will be offered with 19 or 21-inch wheels. In Israel, Smelat, the importer for brands like Fiat and Jeep, has secured the iCaur dealership. The V27 is expected in late 2026, while the V25 and V23 are slated for arrival in 2025. While official Israeli pricing is unannounced, estimates suggest the V25 could launch around 200,000 shekels, potentially less, based on the V23's Chinese pricing and the V25's market positioning. Despite its rugged appearance, it lacks a ladder frame but is expected to offer light off-road capabilities, competing with vehicles like the Subaru Forester and the upcoming BAIC BJ30 in Israel.
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