Shanghai 2025: iCar V23 – compact EV off-roader with up to 211 PS, 550 km CLTC range; Malaysia-bound?
This is the iCar V23, an electric vehicle (EV) that was jointly develop by Chery and Xiaomi’s subsidiary Zhimi Technology (also known as Smartmi). In China, the V23, which is present at this year’s Auto Shanghai, is priced between 109,800 and 149,800 yuan (about RM66k and RM90k) and is available with either rear- or all-wheel drive.
RWD variants are equipped with an electric motor rated at 136 PS (134 hp or 100 kW) and 180 Nm of torque. Power for the electric motor is provided by either a 59.93-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) or 81.76-kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery. The LFP battery provides a range of 401 km following China’s generous CLTC standard, while the NMC option bumps it up to 550 km.
As for the AWD variant, it can only be had with the NMC battery. This variant adds an electric motor at the front serving up 75 PS (74 hp or 55 kW) and 112 Nm, with the total system output being 211 PS (208 hp or 155 kW) and 292 Nm. The increased grunt does diminish range, which is up to 501 km. Both variants come with a vehicle-to-load (V2L) system capable of delivering 3.3 kW, and DC fast charging will get the batteries from a 30-80% state of charge in about 30 minutes.
iCar doesn’t provide 0-100 km/h times on their official website, but we do get 0-50 km/h times, which are 4.8 and 3.5 seconds for the RWD and AWD respectively. The V23 has a kerb weight of between 1,710 and 1,825 kg, and it measures 4,220 mm long, 1,915 mm wide, 1,845 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,735 mm.
While the performance is nothing to shout about, the V23 appeals in other ways. As a start, it looks rather attractive to those who find rugged-looking off-roaders appealing. The company isn’t shy when mentioning influences for the V23’s design and “saluted classics” like the Toyota Landcruiser, Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Land Rover Defender on stage.
In following these cars, the V23 is has minimum ground clearance of 200 mm, a wading depth of 600 mm, an approach angle of 42 degrees and a departure angle of 40 degrees.
The retro-inspired design is also meant to be modular and highly customisable, with the company showcasing a variety of accessories and concepts so buyers can make their V23 look exactly how they want it. You want a bed at the back? Remove the rear cab and slap on some sports bars. You want it to look even more retro? Change out the grille.
This modularity extends into the cabin, which looks utilitarian and has various types of mounting points for things like a phone mount, extra cupholders and more. The dashboard is as simple as they come: upright and with a large 15.4-inch touchscreen serving as the digital instrument cluster and access to the infotainment system.
In keeping with the rugged theme, there are large dials and toggle switches, the latter including two that are ready to be linked to auxiliaries like extra lights or winches. As you’d expect, the V23 comes with a suite of sensors that enable a range of ADAS functions like autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and more.
The V23 is iCar’s second model after the 03, the latter also known as the Jaecoo J6 that was previewed in Malaysia last year. The 03/J6 was spotted here last month, which suggests that iCar vehicles are coming our way. Are you hoping the V23 is launched here too?
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