Everything you need to know about iCAUR's electric SUVs arriving in South Africa

iCAUR has confirmed that it will enter the South African market with two models in the short term, followed by its flagship V27 SUV within the next 18 months.

The Chery sub-brand will launch locally with the V23 and 03T, both scheduled to arrive in the second quarter, while the larger V27 is expected to follow once the brand has established its dealer and aftersales footprint.

The company plans to open with an initial network of 20 fully operational dealerships across most provinces. All sites will offer sales, service and parts support from day one, backed by centralised technical assistance, training programmes and warranty systems already being put in place ahead of market entry.

Compact and electric V23

The iCAUR V23 will be the brand’s entry point into South Africa. It is a full battery-electric vehicle aimed at buyers looking for a compact, ruggedly styled SUV with everyday usability.

The V23 uses a retro-inspired design with upright proportions, drawing visual cues from traditional off-roaders rather than urban crossovers. It will be offered in both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations.

The two-wheel-drive version produces 100kW and is paired with a 60kWh battery, while four-wheel-drive variants add a second motor for improved traction. Depending on specification, the V23 offers a claimed driving range of up to 501 km on the CLTC cycle.

Local launch is expected in Q2, with pricing targeted below the R600,000 mark. Final specifications and pricing for South Africa are still to be confirmed.

03T

Launching alongside the V23 is the iCAUR 03T.

It’s equipped with a dual-motor 4WD system producing 205kW and 385Nm of torque. It uses a 69.77kWh LFP battery, providing a range of about 501 kilometres (CLTC).

It features an aggressive wide-body kit, raised suspension, and increased ground clearance of 225mm.

The 03T uses an advanced all-aluminium multi-chamber cage body, which increases torsional rigidity by 30% compared to traditional steel structures.

There will be several customisable options for the car as well.

Range extender 03T

Once the V23 and iCAUR 03T have been revealed the company is looking to launch the 03T REEV later this year.

It combines electric motors with a petrol engine that functions purely as a generator to recharge the battery. The setup allows the vehicle to retain electric driving characteristics while offering extended total range.

Flagship V27

The V27 will sit at the top of the iCAUR range when it arrives, likely within the next 18 months.

Built on iCAUR’s modular S5X platform, the V27 uses a range-extender electric vehicle (REEV) drivetrain. A turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine acts as a generator, supporting a 34.3kWh battery. The system provides up to 156 kilometres of electric-only driving, with a total combined range exceeding 1,000 kilometres.

Dual electric motors deliver a combined output of 339kW, while an intelligent all-wheel-drive system manages torque distribution between axles. Multiple drive modes are available for different road and surface conditions.

Exterior

The V27 follows a traditional large-SUV layout, with a long bonnet, upright stance and short front overhang. It measures 4,899mm in length, extending to 5,045 mm with a rear-mounted spare wheel. It’s 1,976mm wide, 1,894mm high and has a wheelbase of 2,900mm.

Large side windows and a low window line improve outward visibility, while interchangeable exterior elements and two tailgate designs allow for visual variation.

Interior

Inside, the V27 offers a quoted 69.9% space utilisation ratio, up to 50 storage compartments and interior headroom of around 1.3 metres.

Second-row legroom measures 950 mm. With the rear seats folded, cargo capacity expands to 1,818 litres, creating a flat load area close to two metres long. 

A large central touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, electric front seats with heating and ventilation, and extensive cabin glazing for a bright, open interior.

With the V23 and 03T arriving first, iCAUR’s initial focus in South Africa will be on compact and mid-size electrified SUVs, followed by the 03T REEV. The V27 will follow as a larger, more premium option once the brand has established itself locally.