Recently, the iCAR V23 made its official debut, marking the first model jointly developed by Chery and Zhimi Technology. Positioned as a pure electric compact SUV, the vehicle boasts an official range of up to 500 kilometers. Additionally, the iCAR V23 serves as the inaugural model of the iCAR brand’s new V series, focusing primarily on off-road styled vehicles (while the 0 series, represented by the iCAR 03 (Jaecoo 6), will emphasize a refined and technological aesthetic). The car is expected to debut at the Beijing Auto Show and is planned to commence pre-sales, market launch, and deliveries in the latter half of the year.

New car features

Based on real-life images, the exterior design of the iCAR V23 maintains the rugged SUV style commonly seen in “boxy” designs. However, modern touches are applied to details, including robust bumpers, round light designs, raised hood, and widened wheel arches. Additionally, the vehicle will feature a new brand emblem and be equipped with millimeter-wave radar technology.

Side

From the side profile, the iCAR V23 adopts a four-wheel-four-corner design layout, featuring roof rails, concealed door handles, and side steps. In terms of dimensions, the iCAR V23 measures 4220/1915/1845 millimeters in length, width, and height respectively, with a wheelbase of 2730 millimeters. The overall dimensions are similar to those of the iCAR 03 (4406/1910/1715 millimeters, with a wheelbase of 2715 millimeters), and larger than the Baojun Yueye Plus (3996/1760/1726 millimeters, with a wheelbase of 2560 millimeters), which is positioned similarly.

Furthermore, the iCAR V23 offers an approach angle of 42/43 degrees and a departure angle of 40/41 degrees, with a minimum ground clearance of 206/212 millimeters (for the front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions respectively). Additionally, it comes with options for either 19-inch or 21-inch wheels.

Rear

The styling of the rear end of the iCAR V23 complements its front face. The tailgate will feature a side-opening mechanism, with an externally-mounted storage compartment that is internally accessible, serving as additional storage space. However, it is worth noting that this compartment cannot be opened from the outside. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with a total of four millimeter-wave radars, enabling L2+ intelligent driving assistance functions.

Interior

Currently, the interior of the iCAR V23 has not been revealed, but it is expected to continue the interior style used in the iCAR 03, which includes a large central touchscreen and physical buttons on the center console. However, it is regrettable that the vehicle’s infotainment system does not feature the popular 8295 chip, but rather utilizes the more common 8155 chip.

iCAR brand:

As a new venture by Chery in the field of new energy vehicles, the iCAR brand adopts a completely different design approach from its previous brand models. This endeavor also involves the participation of Xiaomi’s ecological chain enterprise, Zhimi Technology. Taking the iCAR V23 as an example, Zhimi Technology’s team is responsible for product definition, styling design, engineering research and innovation marketing. On the other hand, Chery’s iCAR is responsible for development, production, channel construction, sales, delivery, and service. Moving forward, both parties will continue to follow this model to develop more products. According to the plan, iCAR aims to launch 6-8 models within the next three years.

Prospect analysis:

Returning to the product itself, the positioning of the iCAR V23 is very close to the already launched iCAR 03, which may lead to a situation of “fighting within the same family.” However, benefiting from the advantage of being a latecomer and with the support of Zhimi Technology, the iCAR V23 is expected to focus on human-machine interaction, similar to Xiaomi’s approach in the automotive sector. Additionally, with its rugged styling, the electric compact SUV segment is becoming a focus for some automakers. In the future, the iCAR V23 may face direct competition from models like the Baojun Yueye Plus.