iCAUR V23 to debut in Malaysia? – Off-Road-Inspired SUV with up to 501 km range

KUALA LUMPUR: Fresh off its global reveal at the 2025 Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, iCAUR has now been confirmed to enter Malaysia’s EV scene next month—marking the arrival of a bold new contender in the electric SUV space.

Designed from the ground up with the global market in mind, this new brand aims to appeal to those who want something a little different from the norm: bold looks, smart features, and decent driving performance, all wrapped into one.

iCAUR is a joint project between Chery—already a known name in China—and Smartmi Tech, a company with more of a digital-first, connected-device mindset.

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Together, they’re trying to build something that reflects how people actually use their vehicles today: for commuting, for exploring, and for expressing a bit of personality while they’re at it.

If the name doesn’t ring a bell, that’s because the brand is originally known as iCAR in China. For global markets, they’ve tweaked the spelling to iCAUR—though it’s still pronounced the same. Just think of the “U” as silent.

The iCAUR V23 is the one that we’re most hoping for to lead the charge in Malaysia. With its bold, muscular stance, enclosed front grille, and distinctive split headlights, it certainly looks the part of a modern electric off-roader.

That said, we realistically expect the 03—better known here as the Jaecoo J6—to lead the charge especially since a unit was recently spotted testing on local roads. In China, the 03 is part of iCar’s line-up and was already previewed in Malaysia back in May 2024.

But we can't stop hoping that it'll be the V23. There’s clearly an off-road influence here, but it’s designed to work just as well in urban settings as it is on weekend adventures.

Underpinning the V23 is a brand-new vehicle platform developed to balance real-world practicality and tech-driven versatility. The brand says this is just the start—its global lineup will include both Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Range-Extended Electric Vehicles (REEVs), with a mix of off-road-focused and lifestyle-oriented options.

In China, the iCAR V23 is offered in a range of variants that include both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) setups. The RWD versions come with either a 47.28 kWh or 59.93 kWh LFP battery, paired to a single 100 kW motor, delivering a range of up to 401 km (CLTC).

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Meanwhile, the range-topping AWD variant features dual motors with a combined 155 kW output and a larger 81.76 kWh ternary lithium battery, capable of delivering up to 501 km of range. Across the board, charging is quick—with 30% to 80% fast charging taking around 30 minutes.

What really sets the V23 apart is its boxy, off-road-inspired design paired with urban-friendly practicality. Measuring 4,220 mm long with a 2,735 mm wheelbase and 210 mm ground clearance, the V23 looks like a serious little rugged SUV with real adventure-ready proportions.

Features like a 43° approach angle, 41° departure angle, and up to 21-inch wheels (on AWD versions) reinforce its rugged aesthetic, while modern touches like round LED headlights, a massive 15.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, and a smart cabin layout help keep things high-tech inside.

Underneath the stylish skin, the V23 is packed with intelligent systems, including a driver assistance suite powered by Horizon Robotics' Journey 3 chip.

The system enables features like traffic jam assist, auto parking, and highway navigation. There’s also plenty of room for daily duties, with foldable rear seats that unlock up to 744 liters of cargo space, plus an extra 90 liters of underfloor storage.

Designed to be as versatile as it is distinctive, the iCAR V23 is clearly targeting young buyers who want an affordable EV with personality—and the ability to go a little off the beaten path.

In China, the iCAR V23 is offered in three variants, with pricing that underscores its value-for-money approach in the EV segment. The entry-level rear-wheel drive (RWD) model starts at RMB 99,800, which works out to around RM65,800.

Stepping up, the mid-spec RWD version is priced at RMB 109,800 (approximately RM72,400), offering a larger battery and longer range. At the top of the range is the all-wheel drive (AWD) variant, which comes in at RMB 139,800, or about RM92,200.

There’s also a wider rollout strategy in the pipeline. iCAUR aims to enter over 100 countries within the next three years, and is planning to establish more than 2,000 sales and service centres globally.

According to the company, the idea behind iCAUR is simple: to offer vehicles that focus on design, usability, and emotional appeal—things that make people actually want to own and drive them. Or as the brand puts it, this is for those who are “Born to Play”.

Now, iCAUR is coming to Malaysia.

Set to be officially introduced at Malaysia Autoshow 2025, the brand will host a local launch event on 8 May 2025, where the public will get a first look at iCAUR’s EV lineup.

Also scheduled during the event: the introduction of the local iCAUR Malaysia team and the signing ceremony for its first batch of authorised dealers.

More details, including confirmed product specs, variants, and market rollout plans for Malaysia, are expected to be shared at the event.

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