Chery International’s new iCaur V25 SUV blends rugged 4×4 styling with electric and hybrid powertrains, aiming for a 2027 UK launch. The design mixes elements from classic vehicles: rounded headlights like a Land Cruiser, a rear end resembling a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and a silhouette evoking a Jeep Wrangler. Its boxy, chunky shape gives it a cyberpunk-inspired look, though the inspiration is clearly rooted in off-road heritage.
The V25 will be 4.7 meters long and offered in two powertrain options: a full electric model and a plug-in hybrid range extender. The electric version uses an 80kWh battery, delivering 248 horsepower in a two-wheel-drive setup or 449 horsepower in four-wheel drive. However, real-world range is limited—276 miles for rear-wheel drive and 248 miles for all-wheel drive, based on the less stringent NEDC cycle. The range-extender hybrid, by contrast, combines a combustion engine with a 34kWh battery, promising over 500 miles of range.
Inside, the V25 leans into a tech-forward but tactile approach, featuring a large central touchscreen alongside physical switches and dials. The center console includes a row of toggles above the seats, similar to the Ineos Grenadier, while digital gauges complete the modern feel. The blend of analog and digital controls suggests a design aimed at practicality without sacrificing futuristic aesthetics.
The V25 hasn’t been officially confirmed for the UK market, but its arrival there in mid-2027 seems likely. If it proceeds, it will face competition from other new Chinese 4×4s, including the BYD Ti7, Denza Bao 5, and the production version of the Geely Galaxy Cruiser concept. Whether the V25’s mix of retro-inspired design and electric capability will resonate with buyers remains to be seen, especially given its limited electric range compared to rivals.
Chery has positioned the V25 as a bridge between off-road tradition and modern mobility, but its success may hinge on how well it balances nostalgia with the demands of today’s electric market. The UK launch, if approved, will test whether European consumers are ready for a vehicle that looks like a cyberpunk Land Cruiser while still delivering the capability of one.
