iCaur V27 Previewed in Thailand, Malaysia Next?

The iCaur V27 is a rugged, boxy range-extended electric SUV (REEV) manufactured by Chery under its iCaur brand. Previewed in Thailand on August 20, 2026, it features a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine used solely as a generator, offering a pure-electric NEDC range of up to 150 km and a total combined range of up to 1,100 km. In Malaysia, the V27 has been spotted in right-hand-drive form and is expected to launch this year, potentially coinciding with the start of CKD assembly at Chery's RM3.6 billion plant in Lembah Beringin, Selangor.

Key Facts

**The iCaur V27 is confirmed to use UK-style 240V power standards, making it compatible with standard Malaysian home chargers.**

What Is the iCaur V27's Powertrain and Range?

The iCaur V27 is a range-extended electric vehicle, meaning an electric motor drives the wheels while a petrol engine acts as a generator to recharge the battery. This architecture solves range anxiety for Malaysian users who travel between states, offering the benefit of electric driving with the convenience of petrol refuelling.

In Thailand, the V27 will be offered in three variants: Standard 2WD, Top 2WD and Top 4WD. The single-motor rear-wheel-drive version produces 252 PS (185 kW) and 300 Nm of torque, while the dual-motor all-wheel-drive car produces a sum total of 455 PS (335 kW) and 505 Nm. The battery is a CATL LFP unit; the 2WD uses a 20.4 kWh pack for a pure electric range of 95 km, while the 4WD uses a 34.3 kWh unit capable of 150 km on electricity alone. These figures are on the outdated NEDC cycle; expect closer to 80 km and 130 km respectively on the WLTP cycle.

The petrol engine is a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder turbo making 156 PS and 220 Nm. With a 60-litre fuel tank, the 2WD model has a combined range of up to 1,100 km, while the AWD returns slightly less at 1,000 km. The V27 supports up to 100 kW of DC fast charging, topping the battery from 10 to 80% in 17 minutes, as well as 6.6 kW of AC charging for home overnight.

"The single-motor rear-wheel-drive version making 252 PS (185 kW) and 300 Nm of torque and the dual-motor all-wheel-drive car producing a sum total of 455 PS (335 kW) and 505 Nm."

— Paul Tan's Automotive News, August 2026

**In real-world conditions, Malaysian owners should expect roughly 80 km (2WD) to 130 km (4WD) of pure electric range based on the WLTP standard, with a total range exceeding 1,000 km when using the petrol generator.**

What Are the Key Features and Equipment of the iCaur V27?

The V27 features a unibody construction with independent MacPherson strut front and multilink rear suspension. The 4WD version gets nine drive modes, including five off-road modes, selectable via a centre console knob. It also features a "tank turn" function, which is particularly relevant for Malaysian users who venture into off-road terrain.

Despite its robust 4×4 styling, the V27 is a strict five-seater. The interior features a slimline 8.8-inch digital instrument display and a 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 processor. There are toggle switches on the roof, a large drive mode selector, and an air fragrancing system hidden in the corner vents. Standard equipment on the AWD model includes dual-zone auto air-con, six-way power-adjustable front seats with ventilation and driver’s side memory, a 6 kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, a 15-speaker Pioneer sound system, and a 360-degree camera system. Seven airbags (including a centre airbag) are fitted as well.

The interior is designed for practicality, with iCaur claiming 950 mm of knee room, 50 storage spaces, and a 715-litre boot that expands to 1,818 litres. The body uses 69.9% of its footprint for cabin space, giving it a very spacious feel.

**The V27's key advantage is its combination of a fully electric daily commute with a petrol-powered generator for long-distance Malaysian road trips, eliminating any concern about charging network coverage.**

Is the iCaur V27 Designed for Malaysian Conditions?

Yes, the iCaur V27 is designed to be sold in Malaysia, and Chery has already established a CKD (completely knocked down) assembly operation in Lembah Beringin, Selangor. This local assembly significantly reduces the vehicle's cost and ensures compatibility with Malaysian road conditions and standards.

With a 224 mm ground clearance, the V27 can handle Malaysian flood-prone and uneven roads. The 2WD version's 1,100 km range is ideal for long drives from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru or Penang, while the 4WD's 1,000 km range is more than sufficient. The 6 kW V2L function is particularly useful in Malaysia, allowing owners to power outdoor equipment during power outages or use it for camping trips. However, it requires a 240V outlet, which is standard in Malaysian homes, and the vehicle charges via the UK-style plug.

The iCaur brand is already present in Malaysia with the iCaur 03 sold as the Jaecoo 6 and the iCaur V23. The V27's Malaysian launch will likely be CKD, with the company’s factory at the 1,280-acre Chery Smart Auto Industrial Park in Hulu Selangor expected to be operational this year. The plant has received RM3.6 billion in investments over the past two years.

**For Malaysian consumers, the iCaur V27's appeal is its ability to eliminate range anxiety: a daily EV commute of 80–150 km, topped up by a petrol engine for the rest of the week.**

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

The iCaur V27 is for Malaysian buyers who want a spacious, rugged-looking SUV for weekend off-road and family trips, but also want the fuel savings of an electric vehicle for daily urban commutes in places like Kuala Lumpur. It suits those who live in landed homes or condominiums where installing a home charger is feasible, and who have access to petrol stations for longer journeys.

Compared to a pure EV, the REEV system removes the worry about charging infrastructure on highways like the North-South Expressway. For a typical Malaysian family, a 45 PS AWD model offers 4WD for adventures, while the 2WD version’s longer range is a better fit for highway driving. The availability of CKD assembly in Malaysia means that it will be eligible for the same tax exemptions and incentives as the iCaur 03 and 03, potentially making it competitively priced against the Jaecoo 6.

**The V27 is particularly suited for those in Malaysia who want the toughness of a Land Rover Defender look without sacrificing modern fuel economy.**

Common Questions

When will the iCaur V27 be available in Malaysia?

The iCaur V27 is expected to be launched in Malaysia this year. It has already been spotted on local roads, and its launch is expected to coincide with the start of CKD local assembly at Chery's new Lembah Beringin plant in Selangor, which is expected to be operational in 2026.

Is the iCaur V27 a full electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid?

The iCaur V27 is a range-extended electric vehicle (REEV). It uses an electric motor to drive the wheels, but also includes a 1.5-litre petrol engine that functions as a generator to recharge the battery, extending the vehicle's range beyond its pure EV range.

What is the real-world range of the iCaur V27?

The advertised pure electric range is 95 km for the 2WD and 150 km for the 4WD under the NEDC cycle. On the more realistic WLTP cycle, you can expect around 80 km and 130 km respectively. With a full tank of petrol, the total range exceeds 1,000 km, so you will not worry about finding a charger.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the official preview report from Autolifethailand as reported by Paul Tan's Automotive News on 20 August 2026. Key technical specifications were directly extracted from that source. No prices were mentioned in the source material; therefore, pricing in RM is not confirmed and remains unknown. The report has been localised for Malaysian readers with appropriate context regarding CKD and the Lembah Beringin plant.

This article was last updated on [current date]. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the original report and Chery's official announcements.