An electric SUV believed to be based on the Chery iCar V23 was recently seen on Indian roads wearing heavy camouflage. The sighting suggests it could be headed here through Chery’s partnership with JSW Motors. This would mark one of the first all-electric products to arrive via the partnership, with the India-spec model expected to come in after the delayed Jetour T2.
The T2 was originally planned for a 2026 debut, but reports suggest its timeline has now been pushed back, clearing the way for this EV to take priority. If introduced here, the iCar V23-based SUV is likely to sit above the MG Windsor EV in pricing, potentially landing in the ₹14 lakh to ₹18.5 lakh range (ex-showroom).
Chery iCar V23 Boxy Design With Serious Road Presence
From what’s visible on the test mule and international models, this SUV leans heavily into a rugged, upright design. It features circular headlights connected by a sealed-off front panel, while the chunky bumper draws clear inspiration from off-road icons like the Jeep Wrangler. The body is tall and squared-off, helped by a ground clearance of around 205–210 mm. In China, the iCar V23 measures:
- Length: 4,220 mm
- Width: 1,915 mm
- Height: 1,845 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,735 mm
Approach and departure angles stand at 43 degrees and 41 degrees respectively, underlining its SUV credentials. Other design highlights include pull-type door handles, optional side steps for easier access, and wheel sizes ranging from 19 to 21 inches.
At the rear, instead of a spare wheel, there’s a boxy external storage unit mounted on the side-hinged tailgate, similar in concept to what you see on the electric version of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric.
Tech and Safety
Inside, the cabin follows a black theme with yellow accents on air vents and door pockets for contrast. The centrepiece is a large 15.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Physical buttons for climate and audio sit below the screen, which should be a welcome touch for everyday usability.
Interestingly, there’s no separate driver display. Instead, most information is routed through the main touchscreen. The steering wheel uses roller-style controls, while the front seats are powered and ventilated and can recline flat. Rear seats split 50:50 to free up boot space when needed. Other features include multiple drive modes, a seven-speaker audio system, three USB ports, and a PM2.5 air filtration system.
On the safety front, the China-spec model offers ADAS, a 540-degree camera system, front and rear parking sensors, all-wheel disc brakes, tyre-pressure monitoring, and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold. A similar package is expected for India, depending on localisation.
Chery iCar V23 Battery, Motors, and Performance
Chery offers the iCar V23 with two electric powertrain options overseas. The rear-wheel-drive version makes 136 hp and 180 Nm, and it uses a 59.93 kWh battery that’s rated for up to 401 km on the CLTC cycle. Above that sits an all-wheel-drive variant pushing out 211 hp and 292 Nm, backed by a larger 81.76 kWh battery with a claimed 510 km CLTC range.
Performance figures stand at 0–100 kmph in 11 seconds for the RWD model and 7.5 seconds for the AWD version, with both capped at a top speed of 140 kmph. DC fast charging ranges between 85 kW and 104 kW, depending on battery size.
What This Means for India
With AWD on offer, a rugged look, and the promise of longer range, this SUV could stand out in India’s EV crowd. It seems aimed at buyers who want something with more character than a typical city-focused electric car. If JSW Motors sticks to its timeline, this could turn into one of the more interesting EV launches of 2026, bringing boxy styling, solid tech, and dual-motor capability to a segment that’s mostly filled with soft-roaders right now.
