Chery’s off-road EV brand iCar confirmed for New Zealand launch in 2027

iCar, the lifestyle-focused electric sub-brand of Chery, has been confirmed for a New Zealand launch in early 2027, bringing a new wave of electrified off-roaders aimed at younger buyers.

Speaking to CarExpert NZ during a drive event near the company’s headquarters in Wuhu, China, an iCar product manager confirmed preparations are well underway to introduce the brand to both New Zealand and Australian markets next year.

The brand is expected to be renamed ‘iCaur’ locally due to trademark conflicts with Apple, and was originally launched in 2023 as a dedicated EV offshoot of Chery.

Positioned as a more rugged and design-led alternative to mainstream EVs, iCar are set to rival affordable electric offerings from brands like MG and BYD, while also appealing to buyers of traditional off-roaders such as the Suzuki Jimny and Jeep Wrangler.

The local lineup is expected to be headlined by the iCar V27, which recently debuted in right-hand drive form at the 2026 Beijing motor show.

The V27 is a range-extended electric vehicle (REEV), pairing a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. The engine acts as a generator rather than directly driving the wheels.

In all-wheel drive guise, the V27 features a 34kWh battery offering a claimed 150km of electric-only driving range, alongside a total driving range of up to 995km (NEDC).

Total system outputs are quoted at 335kW of power and 505Nm of torque, enabling a claimed 0-100km/h time of 5.9 seconds for the 2355kg SUV.

Measuring 5045mm long, 1976mm wide and 1894mm high, the V27 is larger than than the recently-launched Denza B5 and Land Rover Defender 110, with styling that appears heavily inspired by the British off-roader.

A second model, the V25, is expected to follow after launch. Still under development and due for reveal in mid-2026, it will also adopt REEV technology and measure around 4800mm in length.

In its home market, iCar already offers two fully electric models: the 03 and V23. The latter has drawn comparisons to the Suzuki Jimny thanks to its compact, boxy design and off-road-focused stance.

The V23 features an 81kWh battery, producing 155kW and 292Nm, with a claimed driving range of 430km. While not yet confirmed for New Zealand, it’s understood the model is a strong candidate for local introduction once right-hand drive production begins in 2027.

The New Zealand rollout of the iCar brand is expected to align with the start of right-hand drive V27 production in the first quarter of 2027, with the first model lineup and dealer network details due to be announced in the Q3, 2026.