Not a Defender nor a Land Cruiser: the new Chinese iCar V27 packs 455 hp and starts from just €24,000 to challenge the off-road legends

The iCar V27 is set to become China’s next big SUV sensation — over 5 meters long, 455 hp, and an extended-range electric system that puts it head-to-head with the segment’s icons.

iCar V27: the new off-roader ready to take on the giants

While brands like Toyota, Land Rover, and Mercedes-Benz continue to dominate the 4×4 world, China is once again shaking things up. Its latest creation, the iCar V27, developed by automotive giant Chery, aims to become one of the most powerful, advanced, and affordable off-road vehicles in its class. Scheduled for launch in China in late 2025, all signs suggest that it could arrive in Spain by 2026, following in the footsteps of its smaller sibling, the iCar V23.

Imposing design and cutting-edge engineering

The iCar V27 stretches over 5 meters in length, with a bold, boxy silhouette that clearly pays homage to legendary off-roaders like the Land Cruiser, Defender, and G-Class. But the real revolution lies beneath the surface: an REEV (Range-Extended Electric Vehicle) powertrain that allows it to travel up to 200 km in full-electric mode, based on the Chinese CLTC cycle. This setup combines a 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine, acting as a generator, with one or two electric motors, delivering up to 455 hp in its all-wheel-drive versions.

Performance, technology, and unbeatable value

Beyond sheer power, the iCar V27 stands out for its exceptional value for money, posing a serious challenge to premium European and Japanese SUVs. With an expected price range between €24,000 and €30,000, it offers something unheard of in this segment: high performance, premium design, and genuine electric range at a fraction of the cost. On top of that, it features the latest in connectivity and driver-assistance systems, confirming its status as a vehicle built for every terrain — and for the future.

Chery and iCar: China’s global offensive continues

The launch of the V27 reinforces Chery’s strategy to conquer Europe with high-performance electrified models. Following the buzz generated by the iCar V23, developed in collaboration with Xiaomi, this new SUV emerges as the brand’s flagship. It brings together rugged off-road capability, energy efficiency, and smart technology — a combination that could redefine how we view 4x4s in the coming decade.

A direct challenge to off-road royalty

The iCar V27 doesn’t aim to blend in — it’s here to break the rules. With performance figures worthy of a Land Cruiser or a Defender, yet costing only a fraction of their price, it represents the bold leap of Chinese engineering into one of the toughest markets in the world. If it delivers on its promises, 2026 could mark the start of a new era, where the world’s most respected off-roaders finally meet their match.