Chery’s iCaur V27 locked in for Australia, as electrified brand set to land in 2027

Chery’s electrified off-road sub-brand is officially heading to Australia, with the new iCaur marque set to launch locally in early 2027.

Currently sold in China as iCar, the brand is expected to adopt the iCaur name for Australia due to trademark issues, bringing with it a range of boxy electrified SUVs aimed at buyers chasing rugged 4×4-inspired styling with hybrid and EV drivetrains.

The local rollout is expected to begin with the V27 large SUV, followed by the smaller V25, as Chery expands its growing local SUV portfolio.

V27 leads the charge

First unveiled globally at a launch event in Dubai in 2025, the V27 shapes as iCaur’s flagship and recently appeared in right-hand-drive form at the 2026 Beijing Motor Show, a key step ahead of Australian production. 

Positioned as an electrified alternative in the large-SUV segment, the V27 measures 5045mm long, 1976mm wide and 1894mm high, riding on a 2900mm wheelbase.

Under the skin is a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine operating as a generator in an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) setup, supplying power to the battery and electric motors rather than directly driving the wheels.

1

In all-wheel-drive form, the V27 produces 335kW, backed by a 34kWh battery pack. Claimed performance figures include:

• 150km electric-only driving range
• Up to 995km total range
• 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds

Unlike a conventional plug-in hybrid, the petrol engine works to continuously recharge the battery, allowing extended touring capability without relying solely on external charging infrastructure.

Styling leans heavily into retro off-roader cues, with squared wheel arches, circular lighting elements and upright proportions. While it wears the tough-truck look, the V27 uses a unibody-based platform rather than traditional body-on-frame construction, positioning it more as a family touring SUV with light off-road capability.

2

V25 also confirmed; V23 remains a possibility

Joining the V27 will be the mid-size V25, expected to measure around 4800mm long. Still under development, it is expected to use extended-range electric technology and is due for a global reveal in mid-2026, ahead of its local arrival.

The compact V23 remains under consideration for Australia. Already sold in China, it features an 81kWh battery, 155kW and 292Nm, and a claimed 430km driving range. Local timing has not yet been confirmed.

Dedicated dealer network planned

iCaur is expected to operate through its own dedicated retail network rather than sharing showroom space with Chery’s existing brands.

More details on Australian specifications, dealer locations and final launch timing are expected later in 2026, ahead of first local deliveries in 2027.