Chery iCaur V25 Hybrid SUV: Unveiled, Could Challenge Mahindra Thar in India Soon

Chery iCaur V25 Hybrid SUV: If you love SUVs that look tough enough to leave the road behind and explore the unknown, the newly unveiled Chery iCaur V25 is difficult to ignore. With its bold, boxy design, advanced range-extender hybrid technology and serious off-road character, this new lifestyle SUV has all the ingredients to attract adventure-loving buyers.

Backed by Chinese automaker Chery, iCaur, also known as iCar in some markets, has expanded its lifestyle SUV family with the new V25. The model sits between the smaller V23 and the larger flagship V27, offering buyers a combination of rugged styling, modern technology and improved practicality.

Chery iCaur V25 Hybrid SUV

Chery iCaur V25 Brings a Strong and Rugged Road Presence

The iCaur V25 follows the familiar boxy design language that has become increasingly popular among lifestyle SUVs. Its upright body, muscular proportions, and chunky exterior elements give it a confident appearance that immediately reflects its adventure-focused personality.

Although the overall silhouette shares similarities with the smaller V23, the V25 receives several unique design changes. These updates help the SUV establish its own identity while maintaining the rugged character of the wider iCaur family.

Larger Dimensions Give the V25 a More Imposing Look

The new iCaur V25 measures 4,636 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, and 1,855 mm in height, while its wheelbase stretches to 2,820 mm. These dimensions make it significantly larger than the compact V23 but still smaller than the flagship V27.

The larger footprint should translate into a more spacious cabin while also giving the SUV a stronger road presence. Its dimensions position it as a practical middle option for buyers who want something more substantial than the V23 without moving to the much larger V27.

Fresh Front Design Makes the SUV Stand Out

The front of the iCaur V25 receives several noticeable changes compared with its smaller sibling. New headlamps feature distinctive half-circle LED daytime running lights, replacing the twin horizontal DRL design seen on the V23.

The grille has also been redesigned with a more open rectangular mesh pattern. A chunky front bumper with prominent cladding adds to the SUV’s tough appearance and gives the front end a more adventure-ready personality.

Rear Styling Gets Its Own Unique Identity

Changes are also visible at the rear of the V25. The number plate has been moved away from the side-hinged tailgate and is now positioned within a recessed section of the rear bumper.

The area near the D-pillars also receives revised trim elements, including an additional insert and subtle indentation. These may appear to be small changes, but they help visually separate the V25 from the V23 while maintaining the same family design language.

Range-Extender Hybrid Technology Is a Major Highlight

Unlike the fully electric V23, the new V25 uses a range-extended electric vehicle, or REEV, powertrain. This setup combines electric propulsion with a petrol engine that primarily works as a generator to recharge the battery.

According to regulatory information from China, the SUV uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 156 PS. The engine supports a 33.68 kWh battery pack, while the electric drive system is responsible for powering the vehicle.

This setup could appeal to buyers who like the smooth driving experience of an electric vehicle but remain concerned about finding charging stations during longer journeys.

Electric-Only Range Could Reach Up to 150 Km

Depending on the selected variant, the iCaur V25 is claimed to offer an electric-only driving range of either 145 km or 150 km under the WLTC testing cycle. This could allow many owners to complete shorter daily journeys primarily on electric power.

Details regarding the output of the electric motor have not yet been revealed. However, the SUV is reportedly capable of reaching a top speed of 180 kmph, suggesting that the V25 is designed to offer more than just rugged looks.

Strong Towing Capacity Adds More Practicality

The iCaur V25 has also been designed with practicality in mind. Buyers can reportedly choose an optional towing package that allows the SUV to pull loads weighing up to 1,800 kg.

The standard approach angle is rated at 28 degrees. However, selecting the optional towing package reduces the departure angle from 24 degrees to 15 degrees. The SUV will also be available with a choice of 19-inch and 21-inch alloy wheels, allowing buyers to choose between different visual and driving characteristics.

LiDAR Technology Could Bring Advanced Driver Assistance

Despite its rugged appearance, the V25 is expected to offer plenty of modern technology. The SUV can reportedly be equipped with a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor, which could support advanced driver assistance features.

Reports from China suggest that the system could work with Horizon Journey 6 computing hardware. This would give the vehicle greater processing capability for its advanced assistance technologies and further strengthen its premium positioning.

Could the iCaur V25 Eventually Come to India?

The possibility of iCaur products reaching India has become particularly interesting because several vehicles associated with Chery-backed brands have reportedly been patented in the country. These include models such as the iCar V23, Jetour T2, Jaecoo J5, Jaecoo J7, Exeed RX and Lepas L4 EV.

Some of these vehicles could potentially arrive through JSW’s independent automotive venture. The Jetour T2 is among the models being linked with this future strategy, although official confirmation regarding individual product launches is still awaited.

The V25 itself has not been confirmed for India. However, the growing interest in rugged lifestyle SUVs means a model with this design and technology could attract considerable attention if it were ever introduced in the country.

Could It Become a Mahindra Thar Rival?

The iCaur V25 certainly has the visual character to attract buyers who admire rugged SUVs such as the Mahindra Thar. Its boxy styling, adventure-focused design, and large dimensions give it the appearance of a serious lifestyle vehicle.

However, any direct comparison will depend on whether the V25 is launched in India, how it is priced, and what specifications are offered for the local market. Its range-extender hybrid technology would also give it a very different character compared with conventional petrol and diesel off-road SUVs.

If introduced at a competitive price, the V25 could offer Indian buyers an interesting combination of electric driving, petrol-backed range flexibility, advanced technology and bold SUV styling.

Chery iCaur V25 Adds a Fresh Twist to Rugged SUVs

The newly unveiled iCaur V25 shows how quickly the lifestyle SUV segment is evolving. Rugged design is no longer limited to traditional petrol and diesel off-roaders, as manufacturers are now combining adventurous styling with electrified powertrains and advanced technology.

With a 33.68 kWh battery, a 1.5-litre turbocharged range-extender engine, up to 150 km of claimed electric-only range and a towing capacity of up to 1,800 kg, the V25 brings together several interesting qualities.

Whether it eventually reaches Indian roads remains uncertain. But if Chery-backed products do enter the country through a future partnership or venture, SUVs such as the iCaur V25 could bring some exciting new competition to India’s growing lifestyle vehicle market.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on available reports, regulatory filings, and details revealed about the Chery iCaur V25. The SUV has not been officially confirmed for launch in India. Specifications, features, range figures, equipment, and market availability may vary depending on the final production model and region.

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