Chery’s iCar brand has unveiled its second EV, the iCar V23, building on the momentum of the earlier iCar 03 release. Following up on the iCar 03’s launch earlier this year, the V23 brings retro off-road looks, modern tech, and surprisingly budget-friendly pricing to the table. But is this compact electric SUV all bark, no bite? Let’s break it down.
A Retro-Inspired Design That Turns Heads
At first glance, the iCar V23 makes a bold statement with its rugged, vintage-inspired SUV design, a clear nod to classic off-roaders but with a modern twist. Think boxy silhouette, circular headlights, and a smoked grille with the iCar logo front and center.
It’s like someone dropped a modern powertrain into a vintage off-roader and called it a day. Practical touches like the roof rack, hidden door handles, and rear-mounted “backpack” storage container add to its adventurous appeal.
With six exterior colors—orange, black, gray, green, silver, and white—the V23 also gives buyers enough variety to match their vibe. Whether you’re going for urban chic or trail-ready ruggedness, it delivers.
Compact Yet Capable Dimensions
At 4,220 mm long, 1,915 mm wide, and 1,845 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,735 mm, the V23 slots into the compact SUV segment.
For comparison, BYD’s Yuan Plus (Atto 3) is similar in size but slightly longer and lower. The iCar V23, however, boasts off-road-ready specs, like approach and departure angles of 43° and 41°, and ground clearance of 210 mm for the AWD version—not bad for a budget EV.
While it may not be climbing the Rubicon Trail, the V23 certainly looks capable enough for light off-roading, weekend adventures, or just conquering pothole-laden city streets.
Powertrains and Range Options
The iCar V23 doesn’t skimp on options. Chery offers three configurations:
- Base RWD (Youth Edition): 100 kW (134 hp) motor, 180 Nm torque, 47.28 kWh LFP battery, 301 km CLTC range.
- Mid-Level RWD: Same motor specs as the base but with a larger 59.93 kWh LFP battery, bumping the range to 401 km CLTC.
- Top AWD Model: Adds a 55 kW front motor for a combined 155 kW (211 hp) and 292 Nm torque. The 81.76 kWh ternary lithium battery pushes the range to 501 km CLTC.
For urban commutes, the base version offers solid range, while the AWD trim provides extra punch for those looking to hit the trails (or just flex on city streets). Chery claims a 0-50 km/h sprint of 3.5 seconds for the AWD model, which is plenty quick for a compact SUV at this price point.
Charging is practical, too. Fast-charging tech replenishes the battery from 30% to 80% in 30 minutes, making road trips less of a waiting game. The V23 also supports a 3.3 kW external discharge function—a handy feature if you want to power camping gear or small appliances.
A Cabin That Balances Retro and Modern
Step inside, and you’re greeted by a surprisingly sleek and modern interior. At the heart of the cabin sits a 15.4-inch 2.5K central touchscreen, running on a Snapdragon 8155 chip for smooth performance and modern connectivity.
It’s snappy, supports CarPlay, and offers all the infotainment essentials young buyers expect. Voice control and smart cabin features add another layer of tech appeal.
The 2×2 seating layout is versatile, with foldable rear seats opening up 744 liters of cargo space—plenty for gear, groceries, or road trip essentials. Hidden storage compartments and underfloor trunk space add practicality without sacrificing style.
Smart Features Galore
The iCar V23 doesn’t stop at infotainment. Its driver assistance system is powered by a Horizon Robotics Journey 3 chip and includes:
- Highway NOA (Navigate on Autopilot)
- Emergency lane keeping
- Traffic jam assist
- Automatic and memory parking
Equipped with a suite of cameras, millimeter-wave radars, and ultrasonic sensors, the V23 offers a robust mix of safety and convenience features that punch well above its sub-$15k price tag.
Price That Makes You Do a Double Take
The real headline here? The V23’s price. Chery has priced the iCar V23 at:
- RMB 99,800 (~$13,700) for the base RWD trim
- RMB 109,800 (~$15,000) for the mid-level RWD trim
- RMB 139,800 (~$19,200) for the AWD top model
With pricing that keeps it firmly in the budget EV lane, the V23 stands out as a practical yet stylish choice for young drivers, growing families, or anyone wanting an affordable, adventure-ready second vehicle.
Charge Complete
The Chery iCar V23 punches above its weight, blending retro off-road looks with modern tech, practical powertrain options, and a price that’s hard to ignore.
While it’s not going to replace a hardcore off-roader, its mix of style, capability, and smart features makes it a standout in the budget EV space. Whether you’re an urban adventurer or a weekend warrior, the V23 delivers a whole lot of SUV for the money—and looks good doing it.
