After two previews, the iCaur V23 has finally made its launch debut in Malaysia. The Chinese brand’s second electric vehicle (EV) for our market goes on sale here just a few months after the 03, the latter formally introduced on September 9 this year.
Like the 03, the V23 will be offered in two variants, with the base option being the 2WD priced at RM119,800 on-the-road without insurance. This is followed by the iWD that goes for RM132,800. These figures are well below the previous estimates of RM145,000 and RM155,000 respectively. More importantly, the V23 is priced very closely to the 03 that is RM119,800 for its base 2WD and RM129,800 for the iWD.
The powertrains for both V23 variants are identical to what’s offered in Thailand where the model is known as the Chery V23. Here are the specifications:
iCaur V23 2WD
- Electric motor: 136 PS (134 hp or 100 kW) and 180 Nm; RWD
- 0-100 km/h: 11 seconds
- Top speed: 140 km/h
- Battery: 59.93 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP)
- Range (NEDC): 360 km
- DC charging: 85 kW
- AC charging: 6.6 kW
iCaur V23 iWD
- Front electric motor: 75 PS (74 hp or 55 kW) and 112 Nm
- Rear electric motor: 136 PS (134 hp or 100 kW) and 180 Nm
- Total system output: 211 PS (208 hp or 155 kW) and 292 Nm; AWD
- 0-100 km/h: 7.5 seconds
- Top speed: 140 km/h
- Battery: 81.76 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC)
- Range (NEDC): 430 km
- DC charging: 104 kW
- AC charging: 6.6 kW
At first glance, the V23 appears to be larger than the 03, but this isn’t the case. Looking at the dimensions, the former actually occupies a smaller footprint (4,220 mm long and 1,915 mm wide) than the 03 (4,406 mm long and 1,910 mm wide).
However, the V23 is taller at 1,845 mm against the 03’s 1,715 mm, which may give the illusion that it is a larger vehicle. Also noteworthy is the V23’s wheelbase that spans 2,735 mm compared to the 03 with 2,715 mm, which, along with the taller body, contributes oddly to a maximum boot space of 744 litres with the rear seats folded down (03 offers 1,238 litres). With the seats up, it’s just 234 litres (including 80 litres under the floor), less than the 03’s 450 litres.
The V23 is a boxy, rugged SUV but it isn’t as “futuristic-looking” as the 03. Instead, it draws inspiration from famous off-roaders such as the Toyota Land Cruiser, Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Land Rover Defender. This is plain to see when looking at the upright body, circular headlamps, angular wheel arches, side scuttles and side-opening tailgate with attached utility box.
You can discuss which of the two looks better in the comments below, but it’s worth pointing out the V23 has better off-road specifications with 210 mm of ground clearance (205 mm for the 2WD), a wading depth of 600 mm, an approach angle of 42 degrees, a departure angle of 41 degrees and gradeability of 40% (30% for the 2WD).
The V23’s interior is also more utilitarian in appearance too, as it doesn’t integrate all vehicle functions into its 15.4-inch central infotainment touchscreen. Those who enjoy tactility will be pleased by the panel with glove-friendly dials and switches that sits just below the rectangular-shaped air vents.
Unlike the V23 sold in China (it’s known as an iCar there), there is no circular display ahead of the driver that shows driving information. Instead, the middle display gives up about a third of its screen real estate for the things like the selected gear and speedometer.
Equipment-wise, the 2WD comes with 19-inch wheels, LED headlamps with auto high beam, side steps, faux leather seat upholstery, powered and ventilated front seats, keyless entry and start, NFC smart key, seven speakers as well as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.
The iWD improves upon the base variant by gaining 21-inch wheels and one additional drive mode for a total of six (five for the 2WD). Beyond these differences and the all-wheel drive powertrain, both variants are pretty much identical, including the standard V2L cable (worth RM500) and a three-pin portable charger (worth RM700).
This applies to the standard safety and security kit too, with six airbags (front, side and curtain), a 540-degree around view monitor, driving recorder, ESC, vehicle dynamic control, hill descent control, hill hold control, ABS, electronic parking brake with auto hold, brake assist, EBD, traction control and tyre pressure monitoring system.
On the ADAS side of things, you get 12 functions: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, door opening warning, driver attention alert, front collision warning, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, lane change warning, rear collision warning, rear cross traffic alert and traffic jam assist.
As for colours, available options include Off Road Orange, Khaki White, Army Green, Slate Silver, Gravel Grey and Carbon Black, all paired with a black interior. Each purchase comes with a seven-year/150,000-km vehicle warranty, while the battery and electric drive unit is covered for eight years or 160,000 km. Should the battery health fall below 70% within the warranty period, iCaur Malaysia guarantees a free battery replacement.
Should you be among the first 1,000 buyers, iCaur Malaysia will throw in an early bird package that includes a complimentary 7-kW AC charger (worth RM3,400) as well as an auxiliary 6.86-inch instrument cluster unit (valued at RM1,000). This package also extends the warranty coverage for the battery, electric motor(s) and power control unit to 10 years or 200,000 km.
GALLERY: 2026 iCaur V23 iWD
GALLERY: 2026 iCaur V23 2WD
GALLERY: 2026 iCaur V23 iWD on an off-roading course
GALLERY: 2026 iCaur V23 brochure
GALLERY: 2026 iCaur V23 official launch photos
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There are typo in the article. Should be 7 Speakers instead of 7 Seats
Can park beside car like FJ Cruiser, G Class, Defender. They might park far far away.
The price is too high for me. I was expecting the iWD to be circa 120k.
The v23 is about 20k cheaper than the 03 (Jaecoo J6) in Thailand but is more expensive than the 03 here in Malaysia.
Hopefully the price will come down when it is CKD in 2026.
The front reminds me of the Ssangyong Korando
better buy made in india landrover defender, worth it to pay 4x the price for ori badge.
A face only a mother could love.
the mother trucker