Zakirin
The Chinese automotive conglomerate Chery continues to expand the regional footprint of its premium sub-brand, iCAUR. While the brand has already established a presence in the Malaysian market, iCAUR has now officially launched its flagship model, the iCAUR V27 REEV 4WD, in Thailand, marking its formal debut in that country.
Known domestically in China as “iCAR,” the brand has adopted the “iCAUR” moniker for international markets due to global copyright restrictions. The V27 is positioned as a large, premium, boxy SUV utilizing Range Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) technology. Given Chery’s established CKD (Completely Knocked Down) footprint in Malaysia via its Omoda, Tiggo, and Jaecoo brands, industry analysts anticipate that the iCAUR V27 may soon be earmarked for the Malaysian market.
Below is a comprehensive technical breakdown of the flagship iCAUR V27 REEV 4WD.
Dimensions and Exterior Engineering
The iCAUR V27 features a robust, squared-off exterior design language. It commands a significant road presence with dimensions categorized in the large SUV segment:
- Length: 5,045 mm
- Width: 1,976 mm
- Height: 1,894 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,900 mm
- Ground Clearance: 224 mm
- Track Width (Front/Rear): 1,688 mm / 1,673 mm
The vehicle is fitted with 21-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 265/45 R21 tires and includes a full-size spare. Exterior equipment includes a panoramic glass roof, roof rails, an electronic soft-close tailgate, standard side steps, and a suite of automated LED lighting, including Intelligent Headlamp Control (IHC) and automatic puddle lamps.
Notably for tropical climates prone to flooding, the V27 boasts a maximum wading depth of 600 mm. It is equipped with a proprietary “Wet Mode,” which automatically deactivates the internal combustion engine and the front cooling fan to prevent water ingestion during deep water crossings.
REEV Powertrain and Performance
The V27 utilizes a Range Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) architecture. Unlike traditional Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), the internal combustion engine in a REEV does not mechanically drive the wheels; it serves exclusively as an onboard generator to supply electrical power to the battery and electric motors.
Propulsion System:
- Drivetrain: Dual-motor, Four-Wheel Drive (4WD).
- Maximum Power Output: 335 kW (455 PS).
- Maximum Torque: 505 Nm.
- Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 6.0 seconds.
Generator System:
- Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.
- Generator Output: 136 PS / 220 Nm.
- Fuel Capacity: 60 litres (Compatible with standard RON95 petrol).
Battery Specification and Charging Capabilities
The vehicle houses a 34.31 kWh battery pack, providing a pure-electric, zero-emission driving range of 150 kilometers (NEDC standard). When operating with a fully charged battery and a full tank of fuel, the V27 achieves a combined maximum range of 1,000 kilometers, mitigating the range anxiety often associated with interstate travel.
- DC Fast Charging: Supports up to 100 kW (Capable of charging from 30% to 80% in 15 minutes).
- AC Charging: Supports up to 6.6 kW.
- Vehicle-to-Load (V2L): Provides a high-capacity 6 kW output to power external electrical appliances, suitable for remote industrial work, camping, or emergency power supply.
Chassis and Off-Road Capability
The suspension system utilizes MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. Braking is handled by ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid discs at the rear.
The V27 features a sophisticated Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) and an All-Wheel Drive system programmed with multiple off-road profiles, including Sand, Mud, Slippery, Uneven, and All-Terrain. Advanced off-road driver aids include an Off-Road Cruise Control system and a specialized turning assist function designed to reduce the turning radius in restricted environments.
Interior Appointments and Technology
The cabin is designed to offer a premium digital experience, centered around a high-resolution 15.4-inch central infotainment interface and an 8.88-inch digital driver display.
Interior Features Include:
- Connectivity: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth integration.
- Audio: 15-speaker Pioneer premium audio system featuring a dedicated subwoofer.
- Seating: 6-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and memory functions, including an automatic ingress/egress slide feature for the driver. Rear seats feature a 60:40 split-folding mechanism.
- Climate Control: Dual-zone automatic climate control featuring a built-in PM2.5 air purification system and rear-seat air vents.
- Convenience: A ventilated center console storage compartment, wireless smartphone charging, a 12V power outlet, and ambient cabin lighting.
Safety and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
The iCAUR V27 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety technologies. Passive safety includes ISOFIX child seat anchors and seven airbags, which consist of dual front, dual side, dual curtain, and a specialized center-front airbag to prevent occupant collision during lateral impacts.
Maneuverability is aided by a 540-degree panoramic camera system, front and rear parking sensors, and an Automated Parking Assist (APA) system.
The ADAS suite encompasses:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Traffic Jam Assist (TJA).
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW).
- Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), and Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK).
- Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Rear Cross Traffic Braking (RCTB).
- Front Departure Alert (DAI).
- Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) and Hill Descent Control (HDC).
- Driver Monitoring System (DMS) for fatigue detection.
- Integrated digital driving video recorder (Dashcam) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Market Availability
In the Thai market, the iCAUR V27 REEV 4WD is offered in four exterior paint options: White, Black, Green, and Sand (Cream). While a black interior is standard, the Sand exterior option allows for a choice between a black or brown interior finish. Chery is reportedly expanding its dealer network in Thailand to accommodate dedicated “iCAUR Zones” to support the brand’s launch.
Official announcements regarding the iCAUR V27’s availability and pricing for the Malaysian market remain pending.
