The Dawn of a Hybrid: Chery’s iCar V27 Paves the Way with Style and Efficiency

The iCar brand, owned by Chery, has announced the commencement of mass production and the start of blind pre-orders for its new flagship model – the iCar V27 SUV. Marking a significant breakthrough, this is the brand’s first vehicle with a serial hybrid setup, positioning itself as a premium large SUV.

The dimensions of the iCar V27 are 5055 x 1976 x 1894 mm, translating to approximately 198.9 inches by 77.8 inches by 74.6 inches, with a wheelbase of 2910 mm (114.6 inches). The hybrid system includes a 1.5-liter turbo engine with 143 horsepower and either one or two electric motors. The power output of the electric motors in the top all-wheel-drive version reaches 455 horsepower. In pure electric mode, the SUV can travel over 200 km (about 124 miles), with a maximum hybrid range of 1200 km (roughly 745 miles).

The vehicle will feature an advanced driver assistance system, Falcon 700, facilitating autopilot functionality on highways and urban roads alike. The expected price ranges from 200,000 to 300,000 CNY (~$30,000 to $45,000).

By placing a deposit of 2,000 CNY (~$300), early customers receive three bonuses, the main reward being the full payment of purchase tax courtesy of the manufacturer. Furthermore, there are promises of gifts for test drives and an exclusive surprise worth 3,000 CNY (~$450) on delivery of the vehicle. The full launch of sales is slated for the first quarter of the current year.

In 2026, the SUV will debut in Russia as the iCar V27.

Amidst a surge in hybrid vehicle advancements, the iCar V27 stands in league with renowned competitors such as the Toyota RAV4 Prime and the Ford Escape Hybrid. Enhanced battery technologies have notably increased driving range and efficiency. The hybrid and electric vehicle market continues to expand rapidly, driven by environmental benefits and government incentives. Industry experts underscore the swift growth within this segment, highlighting emerging trends and consumer shifting preferences towards more sustainable vehicle options.