Quick Highlights:

  • Chery iCar V23 electric SUV has been spied testing in India again ahead of launch.
  • It will likely launch under JSW Motors’ new automotive brand with local assembly.
  • The rugged neo-retro electric SUV design draws inspiration from classic off-roaders.
  • Expected to rival lifestyle EVs such as the Mahindra BE 6 and upcoming Thar EV.

Chery iCar V23 Spied Testing in India — Launch Likely Under JSW Motors

The JSW Group is actively expanding its automotive ambitions in India. While it already holds a partnership with SAIC Motor’s MG Motor India, the company is also establishing an independent manufacturing operation under the name JSW Motors.

JSW Motors has already set up a new manufacturing facility in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra, which will assemble multiple vehicles developed in collaboration with Chery Automobile of China.

Among the upcoming models planned for India is the Chery iCar V23, which has now been spied testing on public roads once again, revealing more about its proportions and road presence.

From what I can see in the spy shots, the vehicle looks surprisingly substantial for its segment and clearly aims to project a serious off-road personality.

JSW Chery iCar V23 Spied Testing in India
JSW Chery iCar V23 Spied Testing in India

JSW Motors’ First Vehicle Could Be a Plug-in Hybrid “Muscle Car”

Interestingly, JSW Motors’ first launch may not be the iCar V23.

According to Managing Director Sajjan Jindal, the company’s first vehicle for India will be a “muscle car”, widely rumoured to be the Jetour T2 PHEV. If that happens, it could become India’s first mainstream plug-in hybrid SUV.

Following that launch, JSW Motors is expected to bring multiple models including:

  • Chery iCar V23
  • Jaecoo J5

Both vehicles have already been spotted testing in India, suggesting CKD (Completely Knocked Down) assembly or local production.

However, an interesting twist is that JSW Motors officially teased the iCar V23 earlier, which has sparked speculation that this EV could actually arrive earlier than expected.

JSW Chery iCar V23 Spied Testing in India
JSW Chery iCar V23 Spied Testing in India

Rugged Neo-Retro Design With Classic SUV Inspirations

The heavily camouflaged test mule still reveals the distinctive boxy silhouette of the China-spec iCar V23.

Personally, I think the design confidently wears its inspirations.

Some clear styling cues include:

  • Round LED headlamps and upright front fascia reminiscent of the Toyota Land Cruiser J40
  • Boxy side profile similar to the Land Rover Defender
  • Rear design with an external storage box styled like a spare wheel cover, similar to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The SUV’s muscular stance and upright proportions make it look purpose-built for trails rather than just being another urban crossover.

JSW Chery iCar V23 Spied Testing in India
JSW Chery iCar V23 Spied Testing in India

Dimensions Indicate Serious Off-Road Capability

The international version of the iCar V23 comes with the following dimensions:

  • Length: 4,220 mm
  • Width: 1,915 mm
  • Height: 1,845 mm
  • Wheelbase: 2,735 mm
  • Ground Clearance: 205-210 mm
  • Approach Angle: 43°
  • Departure Angle: 41°

These figures strongly suggest proper off-road credentials, not just styling gimmicks.

In my view, this could easily become one of the most interesting lifestyle EVs in India, especially if JSW retains these hardware specs.

JSW Motor Chery iCar V23 EV - Main
JSW Motor Chery iCar V23 EV - Main

Practical Exterior Features

Unlike many EVs that prioritize futuristic aesthetics, the iCar V23 focuses on practicality.

Key exterior elements include:

  • Traditional pull-type door handles
  • Side steps for easier cabin access
  • 19-inch or 21-inch alloy wheels
  • Side-hinged tailgate
  • External rear-mounted storage box

That external storage box is an unusual but clever touch, especially for off-road or adventure gear.

JSW Motor Chery iCar V23 EV - interior and dashboard
JSW Motor Chery iCar V23 EV - interior and dashboard

Modern Cabin With Large Touchscreen

Inside, the China-spec model offers a minimal yet tech-focused interior layout.

Notable features include:

  • 15.4-inch central touchscreen
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Physical climate and audio controls
  • Roller-type steering wheel controls
  • Powered and ventilated front seats
  • Flat-reclining front seats
  • 50:50 split-folding rear seats

With the rear seats folded, the SUV offers up to 744 litres of boot space, which is impressive for a compact SUV.

Additional equipment includes:

  • 7-speaker sound system
  • Three USB ports
  • PM2.5 air filtration system
  • Multiple drive modes
JSW Motor Chery iCar V23 EV - Front
JSW Motor Chery iCar V23 EV - Front

Safety and Driver Assistance

The iCar V23 also packs a strong safety package.

Key safety features include:

  • ADAS driver assistance suite
  • 540-degree camera system
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Four-wheel disc brakes
  • Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
  • Electronic parking brake with auto-hold

For an electric SUV in this size category, the equipment list looks quite comprehensive.

JSW Motor Chery iCar V23 EV - Side
JSW Motor Chery iCar V23 EV - Side

Powertrain Options: RWD and AWD

Globally, the iCar V23 is available with two electric powertrain configurations.

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

  • Power: 136 hp
  • Torque: 180 Nm
  • Battery: 59.93 kWh
  • Range: 401 km (CLTC)
  • 0–100 km/h: 11 seconds
  • Top Speed: 140 km/h

All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

  • Power: 211 hp
  • Torque: 292 Nm
  • Battery: 81.76 kWh
  • Range: Up to 510 km (CLTC)
  • 0–100 km/h: 7.5 seconds
  • Top Speed: 140 km/h

The SUV also supports DC fast charging between 85 kW and 104 kW, depending on the battery variant.

If JSW brings the AWD version to India, it could easily become one of the few genuinely capable off-road electric SUVs available here.

JSW Motor Chery iCar V23 EV - Rear
JSW Motor Chery iCar V23 EV - Rear

Expected Launch Timeline in India

While JSW Motors has not officially confirmed the launch timeline, the company’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar plant is expected to begin assembly operations in August 2026.

Once production begins, the iCar V23 could launch soon after, possibly by late 2026 or early 2027.

Importantly, the India-spec model is expected to carry a different name under the JSW brand.

Expected Rivals

When it arrives, the iCar V23 will compete with emerging lifestyle electric SUVs such as:

  • Mahindra BE 6
  • Mahindra Thar EV (upcoming)

Given its rugged design and AWD capability, the iCar V23 could carve out a unique niche among adventure-focused EV buyers.

JSW Motor Chery iCar V23 EV
JSW Motor Chery iCar V23 EV

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQs

Q. What is the Chery iCar V23?

  • The Chery iCar V23 is a rugged electric SUV developed by Chery Automobile, featuring a boxy off-road design, AWD option, and up to 510 km claimed range.

Q. Will the iCar V23 launch in India?

  • Yes, the SUV has already been spied testing in India and is expected to launch under the JSW Motors brand.

Q. When will the Chery iCar V23 launch in India?

  • The launch could happen after JSW Motors begins production at its Maharashtra plant in August 2026, likely by late 2026 or early 2027.

Q. What range does the iCar V23 offer?

  • The SUV offers 401 km (RWD) and up to 510 km (AWD) of range according to the CLTC cycle.

Q. What cars will rival the iCar V23 in India?

  • The SUV will likely compete with Mahindra BE 6 and the upcoming Mahindra Thar EV in the lifestyle electric SUV segment.

Q. Will the India version keep the same name?

  • No. The India-spec model is expected to launch with a new name under JSW Motors branding.