Cheap Copycat: Chery’s iCar V23 Electric SUV Channels Luxury Automakers

China’s Cost-Effective Electric SUV
No Problem Off-Roader
Controversy Over Its Similarity to Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen

Currently, Chinese automakers are targeting the global market with cost-effective electric vehicles. These Chinese-made electric vehicles are inexpensive but have clear disadvantages. These disadvantages include not only the quality problem that tags Chinese vehicles but also the controversy over design copying. These controversies have been raised consistently for a long time.

The SU7, recently released by Xiaomi, has a design that resembles the Porsche Taycan, and the pickup truck being developed by BYD has attracted controversy because it looks similar to Ford’s F-150. A similar problem occurred at another Chinese brand, Chery Automobile.

Aggressive Front Design
Robust Appearance and Protruding Bumper

iCar, a new electric vehicle brand launched by Cherry Automobile, recently unveiled the V23 model. Looking at the design, the boxy exterior shape and round lamp design stand out. It has a strong appearance with an aggressively protruding front bumper design. However, this design was also reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz’s G-Wagen.

A hidden type door handle equipped with LED was applied for the side part. The bulging overfender connects to the rear bumper, creating a feeling of bulging body. In the case of wheels, pedal-shaped rims are applied and are divided into two specifications: 19 inches and 21 inches. At the rear, a small square tail lamp was placed above the thick bumper. In the case of the rear, a unified design is achieved by applying a boxy shape.

Optimized for Off-Road Driving
Expected to Cover Up to 500 km (311 miles)

However, it has a considerably smaller body size compared to the G-Wagen. It is similar in size to the Kia Seltos with a total length of 4,220 mm (166.14 inches), a total width of 1,915 mm (75.39 inches), a total height of 1,845 mm (72.63 inches), and a wheelbase of 2,730 mm (107.48 inches). With a ground clearance of 212 mm (8.34 inches) based on four-wheel drive, it displays movements specialized for off-road driving. The powertrain is available in rear-wheel drive single and dual motor specifications.

It is equipped with a battery supplied by China’s CATL. The battery provides a driving range of up to 500 km ( 311 miles) based on China’s CLTC, China’s range measurement standard when fully charged. In the case of the dual motor specification, it is known to drive less than 400 km ( 249 miles). As for the interior, a large touch screen, rectangular vents, knobs, and toggle switches come together to create a minimalist layout.

Expected to Be Priced Affordably
Related to Xiaomi

Additionally, detailed specifications and prices are not known. However, looking at the iCar 03 previously unveiled by Chery, it is expected that the V23 will also be priced at a low price. iCar 03 is similar to the V23 in design, size, and specifications. Previously, Chery Automobile set the price of iCar 03 at 150,000 yuan (about $20,662).

This V23 is also related to Xiaomi. Xiaomi’s small research team, Jimmy Technology, is in charge of planning and engineering and is receiving high expectations in China. Chery Automobile is in charge of manufacturing, sales, and supply. Despite various controversies, Chinese automakers are expected to continue targeting the electric vehicle market. Attention is being paid to what changes China’s electric vehicles will bring to the market.