iCAUR V25 First Drive: Chinese SUV Blends Rugged Looks with Electric Range
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
The iCAUR V25, a new Chinese hybrid SUV with rugged styling, has been previewed in China, aiming for the Israeli market with an estimated price of 200,000 shekels. It features a spacious interior, a 456 hp dual-motor electric system with a 100 km electric range, and moderate off-road capabilities. The vehicle is expected to launch in Israel in 2027, competing with established SUVs.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The iCAUR V25 hybrid SUV from China is set to launch in Israel around 2027 for an estimated 200,000 shekels.
- It features a rugged, boxy design inspired by classic SUVs but with modern hybrid technology.
- The V25 boasts a powerful 456 hp electric system with a 100 km electric-only range.
- Its spacious interior and advanced tech are highlighted, alongside moderate off-road capabilities.
- The vehicle is part of Chery's strategy to introduce premium brands in Israel.
The iCAUR V25, a new SUV from Chinese automaker Chery's premium brand iCAUR, has been unveiled in China, with an estimated price of 200,000 shekels in Israel. Inspired by the Wrangler, Defender, and Land Cruiser, the V25 features a boxy, tough exterior but lacks a ladder frame or low-range gearing, suggesting its off-road capabilities will be moderate. This model is part of Chery's strategy to introduce more premium brands in Israel, with iCAUR being the fifth brand from the conglomerate to enter the market. Initially, the Israeli distribution rights were granted to Frisbee, but they have since transferred to Smel, a major importer of various automotive brands.
The V25 is positioned as an intermediate model within iCAUR's V-series, which also includes the V23 and V27. It is built on Chery's advanced i-MS platform. The SUV boasts impressive dimensions, with a width of 1.92 meters, a height of 1.85 meters, and a wheelbase of 2.82 meters, offering a spacious interior comparable to larger vehicles. Notable interior features include a large 15.4-inch multimedia screen, a digital instrument cluster, and physical controls for climate and drive modes. The vehicle offers selectable drive modes for various terrains like snow, mud, sand, and rock, along with a water-crossing mode.
The iCAUR V25 is available in an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) hybrid version, featuring a 34.3 kWh LFP battery providing around 100 km of electric range. Once the battery depletes, a 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine (156 hp) acts solely as a generator for the electric motors. The dual-motor setup delivers a combined 456 hp, enabling a rapid 0-100 km/h acceleration in 5.8 seconds. During a brief test drive on a muddy track, the V25 demonstrated effective power delivery and a quiet, smooth descent control system utilizing electric motors. The vehicle is expected to arrive in Israel in 2027, with pricing anticipated to be competitive against models like the Subaru Forester and Hyundai Tucson.