Chery is adding to its extensive brand portfolio down under by launching its SUV-focused iCaur range, starting with its newest model, the V25. The first products are planned to arrive next year in what the manufacturer is calling “a significant milestone”.

iCaur will become the automaker’s fifth brand in Australia, joining the existing Chery, Jaecoo, Lepas and Omoda badges. Originally known as iCar, the name had to be changed for markets outside China to avoid clashes with trademarks held by Apple.

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The brand started producing electric vehicles in 2023 and launched its first small SUV the following year. A switch to a ‘new energy’ line-up was made this year with the introduction of the V27 large SUV and the model Aussies will first be tempted with, the V25.

A soft-roader that looks to compete with the GWM Tank 300, the V25 has a 33.7kWh battery enabling a claimed electric-only driving range of between 145km and 150km depending on the variant. Official fuel consumption is rated at between 1.52 and 1.54L/100km.

The V25 will reportedly offer full-electric and range-extender PHEV options, with the latter featuring a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine. The EREV drivetrain operates in a similar way to plug-in hybrids like the Leapmotor C10 and recently introduced Forthing Taikon 5. 

CarNewsChina has listed the external dimensions at 4636mm long, 1920mm wide and 1855mm tall, with a 2820mm wheelbase. Compared to the 2026 Toyota RAV4, the V25 is 36mm longer, 65mm wider and a significant 170mm taller, with a 130mm longer wheelbase.

Luxurious SUV cockpit viewed from the back seats, beige leather seats, and a large vertical center touchscreen with a right-hand drive steering wheel visible on the right side of the cabin.
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Rugged styling is common across the iCaur brand and the V25 takes cues from heavy-duty off-roaders like the Land Rover Defender and Jeep Wrangler, not to mention the Tank 300. It uses a car-like monocoque chassis instead of a dedicated body-on-frame platform, however.

Anyone who can’t wait for the model to arrive in showrooms can check it out when it makes its first Aussie appearance at the Everything Electric show in Sydney from September 18-20. Pricing, availability and full specs are yet to be announced.