iCaur V25 revealed – rugged REEV SUV joins growing boxy SUV trend, slots between V23 and V27

Chery's iCaur brand has pulled the wraps off the new V25, a rugged-looking SUV that sits below the larger V27 in the company's growing lifestyle-oriented lineup. Unveiled in China ahead of its market launch, the V25 adopts the increasingly popular "boxy SUV" formula, but unlike many of its rivals, it will be offered with an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain.

Designed to blend everyday usability with light off-road capability, the V25 is expected to take on vehicles such as the Subaru Forester, GWM Haval H7 and other adventure-themed midsize SUVs in export markets.

The V25 continues iCaur's distinctive design language with a squared-off silhouette, upright proportions and short overhangs. Circular LED daytime running lights are integrated into rectangular headlamp housings, while chunky wheel arches, pronounced cladding and flush door handles reinforce its rugged image. At the rear, vertically-oriented taillamps and a side-hinged tailgate complete the off-road-inspired aesthetic.

One notable feature is the roof-mounted LiDAR sensor visible on higher-spec models, suggesting the availability of advanced driver assistance systems.

Unlike traditional hybrids, the V25 is an range extender electric vehicle (REEV). Power comes from a 1.5-litre petrol engine that functions solely as a generator to charge the battery, while the wheels are driven entirely by electric motors. This setup delivers the smooth driving characteristics of an EV while eliminating much of the range anxiety associated with battery-electric vehicles.

Although iCaur has yet to release full technical specifications, Chinese regulatory filings indicate the V25 uses Chery's SQRH4J15 1.5-litre petrol engine as its range extender and is capable of a top speed of 180 km/h. The model is expected to be offered with rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, with a fully electric version also reportedly under consideration.

The V25 will slot beneath the larger V27, which is positioned as iCaur's flagship rugged SUV. While the V27 targets larger family SUVs and more serious adventure buyers, the V25 is expected to appeal to customers looking for a more compact, urban-friendly alternative without sacrificing the boxy SUV styling currently in vogue.

Inside, only limited details have been revealed so far, although early images show a minimalist dashboard dominated by a large central touchscreen. The cabin also features a substantial centre console with physical grab handles and multiple storage compartments, reinforcing the vehicle's utilitarian theme.

The V25 is also expected to be one of the first iCaur models to benefit from the brand's next-generation intelligent driving technologies, thanks to the inclusion of LiDAR on flagship variants.

For international markets, the V25 forms part of Chery's broader global expansion plans for the iCaur brand. Australia has already been confirmed to receive the V25 from 2027, where it is expected to compete against hybrid SUVs from Japanese, Korean and Chinese manufacturers.

As for Malaysia, iCaur has already made its local debut with the 03 and V23 electric SUVs, while the larger V27 range-extender SUV has also been earmarked for introduction. Given that trajectory, the V25 appears to be a logical addition to the local lineup, especially as Malaysian buyers continue shifting towards hybrid and range-extender powertrains.

Chery has yet to announce pricing or a launch date for the V25 in China, but more technical details are expected to be released closer to its market introduction later this year.