Chery iCar V23 Electric SUV Spotted Testing in India: A New Rival for Maruti e Vitara?

The Indian electric vehicle landscape is about to get a dose of retro modern styling. A heavily camouflaged test mule of the Chery iCar V23 electric SUV has been spotted testing on Indian roads for the first time, sparking rumors of an impending launch by JSW Motors.

This sighting confirms that the JSW Group is moving quickly with its partnership with Chinese automaker Chery to bring a diverse portfolio of EVs to the Indian market.

Retro Design Meets Modern EV Tech

The iCar V23 is part of Chery’s "iCar" ecosystem, designed specifically for younger buyers who want a "lifestyle" off roader. The design is a blend of iconic SUV silhouettes:

• Front Fascia: Heavily inspired by the classic Toyota Land Cruiser J40 with round LED headlamps.

• Side Profile: Features the boxy, upright stance of a Land Rover Defender.

• Rear View: Reminiscent of a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, complete with an external storage box that mimics a spare wheel cover.

Performance and Battery Range

While official Indian specifications are yet to be revealed, the international version of the iCar V23 offers two battery configurations that would be highly competitive in the Indian market:

1. 59.93 kWh Battery: Offering a range of approximately 360 km (NEDC).

2. 81.76 kWh Battery: Offering a range of approximately 430 km (NEDC).

The SUV is available globally in both Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) and All Wheel Drive (AWD) setups, with the dual motor AWD version producing up to 211 bhp.

Interior and Smart Features

Inside, the iCar V23 follows a minimalist "Tesla-style" approach but retains a rugged feel. The cabin is dominated by a massive 15.4-inch 2.5K touchscreen infotainment system powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip. Despite its compact 4.2-meter length, the clever packaging offers a massive 744 liters of boot space with the rear seats folded.

JSW Motors’ Strategy in India

The arrival of the iCar V23 suggests a shift in JSW Motors’ timeline. While the Jetour T2 plug in hybrid was previously expected to be the first launch from the partnership, the sighting of the V23 indicates that a pure electric SUV might take center stage to take advantage of India’s lower GST on EVs.

Once launched, the Chery iCar V23 will compete directly with the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara, the Hyundai Creta EV, and the Tata Sierra.ev.