The coolest SUV right now is Chinese

The Chinese automotive market sees new models arriving every week. Between the worst and the best, sometimes a gem can be found.

Saying “Chinese electric vehicle” is enough to ignite any debate. Between government subsidies and low-cost labor, this unfair competition fuels all kinds of hatred, quite logically, since everything is verified. But it is also a wonderful way in which the car of tomorrow is being invented every day. A world where all kinds of madness are possible, from small urban cars with a kawaii look to hypercars with more than 1000 horsepower.

Today, we focus on a particularly interesting small Chinese SUV, the Chery iCar V23. It is interesting first of all because of its look, but especially because it might arrive in Europe! Chery Automobile has recently confirmed the launch of SUVs from three different brands in Europe over the next two years. Aware that having a base on the old continent greatly eases access to a market that is becoming increasingly protectionist towards Chinese manufacturers, Chery will also build a factory there. Finally, it should be noted that Xiaomi, through its subsidiary Zhimi Technology, is directly involved in the design of the iCar V23. Honestly, it’s hard to do better!

Sized for Europe?

Overall, the iCar V23 adopts the square shape commonly seen in the most extreme off-road SUVs, with round headlights, large bumpers, an elevated front hood, widened wheel arches, and side steps. But all of this is contained within just 4.22 meters of length! There is a bit of everything in the look of this vehicle, but also a lot of the best. A touch of Defender, a dose of Land Cruiser, and a hint of G-Class to create a completely captivating SUV!

It is available in two versions, front-wheel drive powered by a 100 kW (134 hp) electric motor and all-wheel drive with an additional 55 kW (74 hp) electric motor on the front axle. Both versions have a top speed limited to 140 km/h, and their range was expected to be around 400 km. When it comes to Chinese cars, prices are always out of this world, so this is a fitting note to conclude on. The entry-level is offered at less than 16,000 euros, while the top-of-the-line propulsion version does not exceed 20,000 euros on the Chinese market. Imagine if Chery decides to build it in Europe?