iCaur V27 745-mile range Revealed: Defender Lookalike Uses Range Extender
The Chinese car industry is quickly making waves globally, and the latest release from Chery’s subsidiary, iCaur, is raising eyebrows. The iCaur V27 745-mile range REEV (Range-Extended Electric Vehicle) has debuted, marrying a highly advanced electrified powertrain with a tough, boxy design that strongly evokes the Land Rover Defender.
Priced in China between the equivalent of $28,000 to $35,000, this large midsize crossover is a compelling example of Chinese automakers pushing value and technology. Its unique powertrain setup eliminates range anxiety while providing strong electric performance.
Here is a closer look at the key specs and why this is different from a standard plug-in hybrid.
The Powertrain: REEV, Not PHEV
Unlike a traditional Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), the V27 uses a series hybrid drivetrain. The engine’s sole purpose is to charge the batteries as a generator, similar to the technology used by the Nissan Rogue e-Power.
| Feature | Specification | Impact on Driving |
| Powertrain Type | Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) | Only the electric motors drive the wheels. |
| Engine | 1.5-liter Turbo Petrol | Acts purely as a generator; never drives the wheels directly. |
| Max Output (AWD) | 335 kW (449 hp) | High performance from the dual-motor electric setup. |
| Battery Capacity | 34.3 kWh LFP Pack | Sufficient for a significant all-electric commute. |
| Total Combined Range | 745 Miles (Over 1,000 km) | Eliminates range anxiety for long-distance travel. |
| EV-Only Range (CLTC) | ~200 km (124 Miles) | Better than most standard PHEVs. |
The impressive iCaur V27 745-mile range is achieved by running solely on electric motors, using the gasoline engine only to maintain battery charge on long trips.
Design and Interior Technology
The V27 is iCaur’s largest model to date, putting it roughly the same size as a Honda Pilot (measuring 199 inches long). The design features strong retro influences:
- Defender Look: Round LED headlights and a boxy silhouette at the front, echoing the Land Rover Defender, paired with taillights reminiscent of the Land Cruiser 250 Series.
- Interior: The cabin features a large, floating central infotainment screen running on a high-performance Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 processor. A thin display serves as the instrument panel, and the vehicle includes a row of actual hard buttons below the central screen.
- Smart Features: The V27 is expected to feature a LiDAR system and a top-tier Horizon Robotics chip for semi-autonomous driving capabilities, showing a commitment to advanced ADAS tech.
The iCaur V27 745-mile range and its high-tech, low-cost platform underscore why Chinese automakers are rapidly increasing their competitive pressure on legacy brands globally. Though it remains a unibody crossover (meaning it’s built for easy trails, not hard-core rock crawling), the value and technology offered are hard to ignore.
Also Read – Mazda US import tariffs Cause 10.3 Billion Yen Loss in Q2 2026
Pingback: Hyundai Kia EV Slow Charging On Tesla Superchargers: The 800V Problem