iCaur V27 SUV debuts in Dubai, the G-Class from Chinese automaker

【PCauto】Chery Group’s newly established premium brand iCAUR made its global debut in Dubai, UAE, with the launch of its flagship model, the V27.

According to information released at the event, the iCAUR V27 is scheduled to hit the Chinese market in the fourth quarter of 2025, with an estimated price range of RMB 200,000 to 250,000 (approximately MYR 118,000–148,000), as a direct competitor to iconic luxury off-roaders such as the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Land Rover Defender.

iCAUR V27 Embraces Rugged Off-Road Styling

The iCAUR V27 adopts a rugged, boxy design language referred to by its designers as “J-Style.” The front fascia features a dual-tone grille paired with oval-shaped LED headlamps, evoking strong visual similarities to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

Along the sides, the SUV showcases straight, clean lines and retains traditional exposed door handles — a nod to off-road practicality while adding a touch of retro character.

The rear is perhaps the most eye-catching part of the design: a side-hinged tailgate, full-size spare tire mounted externally, and vertically stacked LED taillights all contribute to its classic off-road SUV identity.

The overall dimensions of the iCAUR V27 are:

Length: 4980 mm

Width: 1995 mm

Height: 2010 mm

With dimensions of 4,980 mm (L) × 1,995 mm (W) × 2,010 mm (H), the iCAUR V27 stands tall among segment leaders like the Mercedes-Benz G500 (4,857 × 1,962 × 1,968 mm) and Land Rover Defender 110 (5,018 × 2,105 × 1,967 mm). A minimum ground clearance of 215 mm, along with approach and departure angles of 31° and 28°, respectively, suggests strong off-road capabilities of this Chinese-branded SUV.

“We’re not simply imitating the classics—we’re reinterpreting the rugged aesthetic through modern technology,” said the iCAUR Global Design Director during the launch. “Every edge of the V27 has been shaped through aerodynamic analysis. Beneath its boxy form lies a breakthrough drag coefficient of just 0.35 Cd—exceptional for this vehicle class.”

Extended-Range EV Setup Enables 1,000 km of Driving Range

The innovative powertrain was a major highlight of the V27’s technical briefing. It adopts a range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) architecture, featuring Chery’s third-generation 1.5TGDI Miller-cycle turbocharged engine as a generator, paired with dual electric motors at the front and rear to enable all-wheel drive.

According to the engineering team, the AWD system delivers a combined output of 449 hp (335 kW) and peak torque of 650 Nm. The V27 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds—matching, and in some metrics surpassing, the performance of the Mercedes-Benz G500 equipped with a 4.0L V8 (421 hp / 610 Nm / 5.9 seconds).

Under the CLTC cycle, the iCAUR V27 delivers 200 km of pure electric range. When combined with its 45-liter fuel tank and range-extending system, the total driving range exceeds 1,000 km.

This powertrain setup directly addresses the range anxiety often associated with rugged off-road vehicles. The V27 allows drivers to enjoy the quiet, eco-friendly benefits of electric driving during daily commutes, while also offering reliable fuel-based support for long-distance adventures.

“In the Middle East, EV charging infrastructure is still under development. Range-extended technology is currently the most practical solution,” noted the iCAUR Technical Director for the Middle East region in a media interview. “The V27 supports 70 kW DC fast charging, allowing the battery to reach 80% charge in just 30 minutes.”

iCAUR Vehicles to Be Sold Globally

iCAUR has confirmed a global sales strategy for its vehicle lineup, with the Middle East identified as a priority launch region for the V27. Initial deliveries will begin in the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain by the end of 2025, followed by a rollout in other Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. For Southeast Asia, Chery Group plans to establish localized assembly centers in Thailand and Malaysia in the first half of 2026. This move is aimed at avoiding import tariffs and enhancing the brand’s price competitiveness in the region.

In the domestic market, the model will be launched under the name iCAR V27, with a scheduled release in the fourth quarter of 2025. With a projected pre-sale price range of RMB 200,000 to 250,000 (approximately MYR 118,000–148,000), the iCAR V27 offers a clear value advantage over the much more expensive Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The model is positioned to appeal to a new generation of China’s emerging middle-class off-road enthusiasts—buyers who seek a bold, rugged exterior for self-expression, while also valuing the environmental and cost-saving benefits of new energy technologies.