Key highlights:
- The iCaur V25 has made its first public appearance in Australia ahead of its planned early 2027 launch.
- The boxy SUV uses passenger-car underpinnings rather than the ladder-frame chassis found in traditional off-roaders.
- Australian pricing, specifications and powertrain details are still to be confirmed, while more iCaur models are expected to follow.
The iCaur V25 has been shown in Australia for the first time, giving local buyers a closer look at the first model from Chery’s new iCaur brand. The V25 appeared at the Everything Electric event in Sydney in September 2026, ahead of its planned Australian launch in early 2027.
Unlike the initial announcement, which introduced iCaur and confirmed the V25 for Australia, this appearance provides a first opportunity for Australian buyers to see the SUV in person. The brand has yet to reveal Australian pricing or final specifications, so the vehicle displayed in Australia should not be taken as confirmation of the equipment or powertrain that will be offered locally.
Read more: Chery iCaur V27 Long-Range Edition launches September 30
A boxy SUV with electric power
The V25 is designed to attract buyers who like the upright, squared-off appearance of traditional off-roaders but want an electric vehicle. iCaur Australia boss Kate Gillis said the brand sees an opportunity to bring electric power to a segment traditionally associated with petrol and diesel engines. That is particularly relevant in Australia, where boxy SUVs continue to appeal to buyers looking for a rugged appearance and a commanding driving position. The V25’s styling draws obvious inspiration from vehicles such as the Toyota LandCruiser Prado and Suzuki Jimny, although its mechanical layout is quite different.
Chinese-market specifications list the V25 at 4636mm long, 1920mm wide and 1855mm tall, with a 2820mm wheelbase. It also has a 378-litre boot, expanding to 998 litres with the rear seats folded. The Chinese model is available with large 21-inch wheels and 265mm-wide tyres, while overseas specifications also quote 505Nm of peak torque and a 0-100km/h time of 5.0 seconds. Those figures are not yet confirmed for Australia.
It isn’t a traditional 4WD underneath
Despite its rugged styling, the V25 does not use the type of ladder-frame chassis found underneath many conventional off-road SUVs. Instead, it uses passenger-car underpinnings, which generally favour road manners and packaging over the heavy-duty construction associated with dedicated 4WDs.
That distinction will matter to Australian buyers who might otherwise assume the V25’s appearance means it has the same off-road hardware as a Prado or Jimny. iCaur Australia says the brand is intended for a broad range of buyers, including those in metropolitan, provincial and rural areas. However, the V25’s ultimate off-road credentials will depend on its Australian specification, including its drivetrain, suspension and available equipment.
What powertrain will Australia get?
The Chinese-market V25 is offered with an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) system, combining a petrol engine with electric drive. However, Australian powertrain details remain unconfirmed. Recent comments from iCaur Australia indicate that the overseas EREV system is being considered for the local market, rather than confirming it for launch. The Australian V25 is therefore not yet confirmed to offer the same powertrain or range figures as the Chinese model. This leaves the Australian launch specification as one of the key pieces of information still to come.
More iCaur models could follow
The V25 will be the first iCaur model launched in Australia, but it is unlikely to be the brand’s only model locally. The larger V27 and smaller V23 are already part of iCaur’s overseas line-up, and the Australian arm has indicated that more models will follow the V25.
For now, Australian buyers will have to wait for pricing, final specifications and launch timing to be confirmed. The V25’s first Australian appearance nevertheless provides a clearer look at how Chery intends to position iCaur locally, combining electric power with the boxy styling traditionally associated with rugged SUVs.
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