The iCAR Super V23 (hereafter referred to as the V23) is an all-electric compact SUV launched under Chery's iCAR marque. Distinguished by its rugged, boxy silhouette and retro-futuristic tech styling, it squarely targets trend-conscious, youthful car buyers. Officially launched in September 2025 with multiple variants—including the Super Sport Edition and Peak Performance Edition—the lineup is priced between RM99,800 and RM174,800. Serving as the brand's key strategic offering following the iCAR 03, the V23 generated massive pre-launch hype, racking up over 15,000 bookings in just 72 hours, with Gen-Z buyers accounting for 76% of total orders.
Visually, the V23 embraces a "cyber-retro" design philosophy, fusing classic rugged off-roader cues with modern EV aesthetics. At the front, circular retro headlamps blend seamlessly with a squared-off front fascia, complemented by distinctive LED daytime running light signatures to deliver an iconic, classic-inspired stance. Along the sides, clean and muscular character lines pair with ultra-short front and rear overhangs, flared wheel arches, and chunky 265 mm wide high-profile tyres, lending it a planted, utilitarian military-vehicle vibe. The rear design echoes the tough theme with a side-hinged tailgate and an external rear-mounted storage box, further underscoring its off-road character.
Dimension-wise, the V23 measures 4,220 mm long, 1,915 mm wide, and 1,845 mm tall, with a generous 2,735 mm wheelbase. Thanks to its short-body, long-wheelbase packaging and a distinct 1:1 width-to-height ratio, the vehicle offers exceptional cabin space and on-road stability while remaining nimble for urban parking. Its off-road capability figures are equally notable: the standard variant boasts an approach angle of 42° and a departure angle of 40°; the more capable V23S raises these to 43° and 41° respectively, backed by 210 mm of minimum ground clearance and a 600 mm maximum water wading depth. Inside, the V23 features a minimalist horizontal layout, with soft-touch materials generously trimmed across the dashboard and door panels alongside antibacterial fabric seats that blend tactile comfort with occupant wellness. The cabin also integrates multiple standard 1/4-inch threaded mounting points and expansion ports, allowing owners to easily mount aftermarket accessories and tailor the space to their personal lifestyle.
The V23 is offered in two powertrain layouts: a rear-mounted single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD). The 2WD variant is powered by a 100 kW (approx. 136 PS) permanent magnet synchronous motor generating 180 Nm of torque, while the AWD variant delivers a combined output of 155 kW (approx. 211 PS) and 292 Nm of torque. The flagship performance V23S variant completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 4.5 seconds.
On the battery and range front, the 2WD variant is fitted with a 59.93 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack with CATL cells, yielding a CLTC-rated range of 401 km; the AWD variant packs an 81.76 kWh ternary lithium battery pack good for a CLTC range of 501 km. A long-range RWD variant equipped with an 80.16 kWh battery was subsequently introduced, pushing the maximum CLTC range up to 550 km. DC fast charging is supported across the range, taking just 0.33 to 0.5 hours for a 30% to 80% state of charge (SoC) top-up at peak charging speeds of up to 160 kW. A 3.3 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power supply function also comes standard across all specs, catering to outdoor lifestyle activities such as camping.
Chassis development was co-tuned by Prodrive, utilising a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension setup. Thanks to a low centre of gravity and optimised front-to-rear axle weight distribution, the SUV delivers commendable body control through corners alongside precise steering feedback. The AWD models feature an intelligent electronic 4WD system capable of dynamically switching between 2WD and 4WD. For driving dynamics, the V23 offers up to six selectable drive modes, comprising four standard on-road profiles—Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual—plus two specialised surface modes: Slippery and Light Off-Road. In Light Off-Road mode, the front and rear motors decouple electronically in tandem with wheel-end electronic limited-slip braking, allowing the vehicle to tackle unpaved trails and mild off-road terrain with confidence. Additionally, it achieves a 100-0 km/h braking distance of just 38 metres, highlighting capable stopping power.
Inside the cabin, intelligent tech is one of the V23's headline features. The traditional instrument cluster has been omitted from the dashboard (with a compact circular digital dial available as an option), replaced by a prominent 15.4-inch 2.5K HD floating touchscreen infotainment display. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chipset, the system delivers slick, lag-free operation and supports connected car services, 5G connectivity, over-the-air (OTA) updates, and remote vehicle telematics via smartphone. It also features deep integration with wireless Apple CarPlay for seamless iOS smartphone pairing. Beneath the central screen, designers have thoughtfully retained dedicated physical rotary dials and buttons, ensuring fuss-free blind operation while driving. In terms of comfort, the front seats are trimmed in synthetic leather and come with power adjustment, seat heating, and driver-side memory functions.
On the safety front, the V23 comes equipped as standard with front dual airbags and front side airbags across the range, alongside a full suite of electronic active safety systems including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), and Traction Control System (TCS), delivering comprehensive occupant protection.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) serve as a major selling point for the V23. Utilising the Horizon Journey 3 (J3) + TI TDA4 compute platform, a Level 2 ADAS suite comes standard across all variants, incorporating full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Centring Assist (LCA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and a 360-degree surround-view camera system. This setup significantly eases driver fatigue during long-distance highway cruises and stop-and-go urban traffic, while the 360-degree camera makes navigating tight alleys and parking manoeuvres effortless.
Propelled by its distinct boxy aesthetics and strong value proposition, the iCAR V23 achieved an impressive launch milestone with over 30,000 bookings placed in its first 8 hours. From January to September 2025, cumulative sales reached 48,867 units, firmly cementing its place among the top sellers in China's burgeoning electric boxy SUV segment. However, amid intensifying market competition and the rollout of newer sibling models, the V23's sales momentum cooled noticeably in early 2026, dropping from a peak of 7,679 units in September 2025 to 1,419 units in February 2026.
Owner feedback has been widely positive regarding its distinctive rugged styling, tech-laden cabin, and generous passenger space. Conversely, criticisms have also been vocal—chiefly directed at early entry-level versions with a 301 km range that suffered from noticeable range degradation in sub-zero winter temperatures, triggering range anxiety; furthermore, the rear twin-seat contouring compromising middle-seat comfort remains another common owner grievance. All in all, the V23 stands out as a sharply positioned vehicle with undeniable character; it hits the sweet spot for younger buyers in design and in-car tech, though future lifecycle updates will need to further refine real-world range practicality and long-term product value.
© 2024 Bitauto.com. All Rights Reserved.
Bitauto (www.yiche.com and www.bitauto.com) is one of the most visited automotive websites in China. We provide detailed info on Chinese car brands available in your area. Please note that the information provided on this website is based on publicly available data and is for reference only. It may not be fully updated or accurate at all times.
Help us improve our website
