Chery’s iCaur brand will begin its Australian expansion with the V25 electric SUV, before adding two petrol-assisted electric models to its local line-up.
The boxy V25 is expected to arrive in Australia in early 2027, with the larger V27 extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) tipped to follow around the end of the first quarter of 2027. An EREV version of the V25 is also planned, although its local launch timing has not been confirmed.
The rollout was outlined by an iCaur product manager during discussions with Australian media in China. The brand is positioning itself above mainstream Chery models, with a focus on more premium materials and specifications.
Read more: Tesla Cybertruck officially ruled out for Australia
iCaur V25 EV gets an 80kWh battery
The V25 will be the first iCaur model sold in Australia, and its local road-testing program has been completed.
The product manager confirmed the Australian-bound electric SUV will use an 80kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery supplied by CATL. Its claimed driving range is about 368km under the WLTP testing cycle, although final Australian specifications are yet to be announced.
That range figure will put the V25 within reach of buyers who primarily drive around town and make occasional longer trips, although real-world range will depend on driving conditions, speed and temperature.
The V25’s upright, boxy styling sets it apart from the more rounded shape of many electric SUVs. It features round headlights and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel, giving it a more rugged appearance than a typical urban-focused EV.
Despite the off-road-inspired design, the V25 uses unibody construction, similar to most passenger SUVs. It is not built around a separate ladder frame of the type commonly used by traditional off-road vehicles.
The Chinese-market V25 EREV measures 4636mm long, 1920mm wide and 1855mm tall, with a 2820mm wheelbase. Those dimensions place it in a similar broad size category to the Toyota RAV4, although the Australian specifications of both the electric and range-extender versions remain to be confirmed.
iCaur V27 EREV to follow the V25
The larger V27 will be the next model in the Australian rollout, with the product manager suggesting it could arrive around the end of the first quarter of 2027. That timing is indicative rather than a confirmed launch date.
Unlike the battery-electric V25, the V27 EREV combines electric drive with a petrol engine that generates electricity. The wheels are driven by electric motors, while the petrol engine helps replenish the battery when needed. The vehicle can also be plugged in to recharge.
This setup differs from a conventional hybrid, where a petrol engine can directly drive the wheels. It also gives buyers an alternative to a battery-only EV without requiring every journey to depend entirely on charging infrastructure.
In overseas specification, the V27 measures 5045mm long, 1976mm wide and 1894mm tall, with a 2900mm wheelbase.
Its dual-motor version produces 335kW and 505Nm, with a claimed 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5.9 seconds. A 34kWh battery provides a claimed 150km of electric-only driving range, while total range is quoted at up to 995km under the NEDC test cycle.
Those figures relate to the overseas model and should not be treated as confirmed Australian specifications.
An EREV version of the smaller V25 is also planned, giving the brand a potential second option for buyers who want electric driving with a petrol-powered electricity generator as a backup.
Australian pricing and dealer network still being finalised
iCaur has not announced Australian pricing for the V25 or its other planned models. The product manager said the brand was still researching an appropriate price range for the local market.
The V25 will enter a competitive electric SUV segment that includes the Geely EX5, Tesla Model Y and BYD Sealion 7. Its distinctive styling could help it appeal to buyers looking for something different from the more conventional designs offered by established rivals.
However, pricing, charging capability, equipment levels and the final Australian range figure will be important factors in determining how competitive it is.
iCaur is also recruiting dealers for a sales and service network separate from Chery’s existing operations. That will be an important part of establishing the new brand, particularly for buyers who want confidence in servicing, parts availability and after-sales support.
The company has also completed Australian road testing of the V25, including work on its advanced driver assistance systems and automatic parking functions. The product manager said testing covered 30,000km for general vehicle checks and 15,000km for those driver-assistance and parking systems.
A smaller electric SUV, the V23, could join the range in the future, but iCaur has not confirmed an Australian launch for that model.
For now, the V25 will be the brand’s first test of the Australian market. Its final pricing and specifications will determine whether its rugged styling and electric powertrain are enough to stand out in an increasingly crowded SUV segment.
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