New retro-styled iCar V25 crossover prepares for debut

The new SUV from a Chinese brand, with its recognisable 'boxy' body, is equipped with a series hybrid powertrain.

Within the extensive portfolio of the Chinese corporation Chery, there is a brand known domestically as iCar (its export name is iCAUR). It has now been revealed that the brand's lineup is set to expand shortly with another crossover, this time bearing the index V25: it appears it will slot between the existing V23 and V27 models.

The company recently released the first official images of the iCar V25, and now 'live' photos have emerged 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 V25 crossover shares many design similarities with its 'younger sibling' – the iCar V23. Incidentally, its sales in the domestic market have not been strong: in the first five months of this year, dealers sold just 9,591 units, a drop of 58.2% compared to January-May 2025.

It seems Chery has decided to bet on a larger model. The overall length of the iCar V25 is 4,636 mm (416 mm longer than the V23), width is 1,920 mm (5 mm wider), height is 1,855 mm (10 mm taller), and the wheelbase is 2,820 mm (85 mm longer). Kerb weight is 2,221 / 2,240 kg depending on the version. The manufacturer has not yet revealed the interior, but it is known to be designed for five occupants.

The crossover features a 'classic' five-door body styled in a retro fashion: with round headlights and semi-circular daytime running lights, a radiator grille and side logo, chunky lower front bumper trim, 'boxy' oversized wheel arch cladding, 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 wheel on the tailgate (which opens sideways rather than upwards), and a set of tyres 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°. Options include 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 powertrain. This includes a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, model SQRH4J15, producing 156 hp, which acts 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 revealed later. The all-electric driving range is 150 km (WLTC cycle), and the top speed of this SUV is 180 km/h.

For context, in Russia, the 'larger' crossover in the lineup – the V27 – is currently available for purchase, and it has been launched under the local brand Esteo (a result of the partnership between the Russian holding company 'AGR' and the Chinese firm Defetoo). Dealers began collecting pre-orders for this model last week.