Chery’s iCaur Rugged Electric Off-Roader Set to Hit Aussie Shores in 2026

Australia is gearing up for another EV brand from China, this time in the off-road segment. Chery’s electric sub-brand, soon to be known as iCaur in export markets, is preparing to launch a rugged, battery-powered SUV that’s gunning straight for the Suzuki Jimny, but with more space, more tech, and a whole lot more electric range.

While known as iCar in China, the brand is adopting the iCaur name overseas due to trademark issues and Australia is firmly on its radar for a local debut.

▶️MORE: Which Electric Cars Have Bidirectional Charging?

Meet the iCaur V23: Jimny Size, Big Ambitions

Expected in Australia by mid-2026, the V23 will lead the iCaur lineup and carve out a niche for affordable, electric adventure rigs. We saw the iCaur V23 on display the the recent Shanghai Auto Show and it was certainly a hit with the crowds.

Key dimensions:

Off-road angles:

• Approach: 43 degrees
• Departure: 41 degrees
• No low-range gearing or locking diffs, but multiple off-road modes included

▶️MORE: Comprehensive Guide on Bidirectional Charging

Powertrain Options: Electric First, Hybrid Later

The V23 will arrive with all-electric variants first, with a range-extender hybrid version reportedly in development. Here’s how the battery-powered versions stack up:

Rear-Wheel Drive Models:

▶️MORE: When is V2G Really Coming to Australia? An Energy Insiders Take

All-Wheel Drive Model:

Expected WLTP range for AWD version: Closer to 400km, once tested under Australia’s more stringent standards.

Other key performance specs:

• 0–100km/h (AWD): 7.5 seconds
• Fast charging (30–80%): 30 minutes
• Vehicle-to-load (V2L): Supported across the range

▶️MORE: Australia's EV Market Set or Massive Growth in 2025

Price? Targeting the $40k Mark

With pricing in China ranging from AU$21,500 to AU$30,000 equivalent, the iCaur V23 could land in Australia around $40,000 or less, depending on local homologation and logistics. That undercuts many petrol and diesel off-roaders while packing full EV capabilities. By comparison the Suzuki Jimny is available from $30,490 to $37,490, but offers less technology features,

What Else Is in the Pipeline?

The V23 won’t be alone for long. iCaur is planning a full lineup, offering both larger and smaller electric SUVs down the line.

Upcoming iCaur Models:

• V25 Hybrid (2026): Jeep Wrangler-sized rugged SUV
• V21 Electric (2027): Smaller electric off-roader
• 03 Electric SUV: Already sold as the Jaecoo J6 in RHD markets; may join iCaur range in Australia

▶️MORE: These Are the Best-Selling EVs in Australia in 2025

The iCaur 03, if launched locally, would bring even more muscle:

This model leans more toward the compact SUV segment, close in size to the Nissan Qashqai or Hyundai Kona, and borrows some Defender-inspired design cues.