iCAUR V25 UAE Guide: EREV Boxy SUV for City‑to‑Desert Adventures

Price: AED 120,000 (estimated UAE on-road for 2026–2027)

The iCAUR V25 is a mid‑size, boxy extended‑range electric (EREV) SUV from Chery Group’s new‑energy brand iCAUR. It is aimed at buyers who split their time between Sheikh Zayed Road traffic and long weekends in the dunes, yet still want something that feels modern and efficient rather than old‑school truck.

Information on the V25 is still scattered, especially for the GCC, so this guide pulls together what is currently known from official and pre‑launch sources and flags what is still an estimate. You will find how the EREV and i‑AWD systems actually work in day‑to‑day use, realistic range in hot Gulf weather, rough running costs, and how it stacks up against familiar names like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Mazda CX‑5.

Also read: 2026 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid Uae Price Specs Release

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What Is the iCAUR V25 and Who Makes It?

The iCAUR V25 is a mid‑size, square‑shouldered SUV that sits between the smaller V23 and larger V27 in the iCAUR family. It is built by Chery Group, one of China’s largest carmakers, under its dedicated new‑energy sub‑brand.

In China the badge reads iCar, but export markets use iCAUR due to trademark rules. For UAE and wider GCC buyers who want a daily driver that can also carry camping gear and tackle rough tracks, the V25 is pitched as a practical electrified all‑rounder with:

• Distinctive, rugged boxy styling
• An extended‑range electric powertrain (EREV)
• i‑AWD electric all‑wheel drive
• Everyday comfort with weekend‑trip ability

Also read: 2026 Icaur V27 Hybrid Suv Uae Guide

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iCAUR Brand Overview and Global Expansion

iCAUR launched in 2023 as Chery Group’s new‑energy‑focused brand, developed with SmartMi Tech. The marketing story is built around five “R” principles:

• Respect
• Responsibility
• Rigor
• Reliability
• Relationship

The first model, the iCAUR V23, has already made a mark in Asia, claiming the number‑one spot in the Southeast Asia new‑energy boxy SUV segment. The company says its global campaigns have generated more than 20 billion online views across over 100 countries.

Planned expansion covers markets such as Australia and Europe, with Middle East markets, including the UAE, expected later in the rollout. For now there is no firm GCC launch date or official distributor announcement, so everything in this guide about local timing remains educated guesswork.

Also read: Mhero I Electric Off Road Suv In Uae Price Specs Desert Review

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EREV Technology Explained: How the iCAUR V25 Works

The iCAUR V25 uses an extended‑range electric vehicle (EREV) layout. In simple terms, it is an electric car that carries a small petrol generator on board.

• Battery: 33.68 kWh LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery
• Generator engine: 1.5‑litre turbocharged petrol engine that works only as a range‑extending generator
• Drive: The wheels are always powered by electric motors, 100% of the time
• EV‑only range: Around 145–150 km under WLTC test conditions

The petrol engine never sends power directly to the wheels. It just feeds electricity to the motors and, when possible, tops up the battery. Think of it as a mobile power bank on petrol.

How it works day to day

1. EV mode (battery only)
   On short daily trips the V25 behaves like a regular EV. Under WLTC testing the electric‑only range is 145–150 km, but UAE summers are not a lab. With 45°C heat, heavy A/C, and stop‑start traffic, a realistic commuting range is more like 110–130 km for most drivers.
2. Range‑extender mode
   When the battery dips below a set level, the 1.5‑litre turbo engine quietly starts, drives the generator, and feeds power to the motors. When the load is light it can also recharge the battery. There is no mechanical connection between that engine and the wheels, so you always keep the smooth feel of an EV.
3. i‑AWD system
   The i‑AWD setup uses front and rear electric motors (output may vary by market) and continuously shuffles torque between the axles. It reacts quickly when it senses slip, which helps on:
   
   • Wet city streets
   • Gravel access roads
   • Light sand and soft patches on common UAE desert routes

In UAE conditions, this adds up to:

• Mostly‑electric city commuting, if you can plug in at home or at work
• Confident inter‑emirate drives, because the generator keeps the motors running even when chargers are scarce
• Light off‑road and camping trips, with better efficiency than a pure petrol SUV

Also read: Wey Coffee 02 Phev Complete Global Buyers Guide To Chinas Long Range Plug In Hybrid Suv

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Full Specifications and Features (Global Targets)

Figures below reflect official and early information from the home market. GCC‑spec cars could differ.

• Dimensions (L × W × H): Approx. 4636 mm × 1920 mm × 1855 mm
• Wheelbase: 2820 mm
• Chassis: Monocoque body with independent suspension
• Ground clearance: 197 mm
• Approach angle: Around 30°
• Departure angle: Around 28°
• Battery: 33.68 kWh LFP
• Electric‑only range (WLTC): 145–150 km
• Combined system output: Market‑dependent, some versions reportedly above 450 hp equivalent
• Fuel consumption (hybrid operation): As low as 1.52 L/100 km in specific tests
• Static roof load rating: Around 200 kg (enough for rooftop tents or cargo boxes)
• Towing capacity (estimated): Up to 1800 kg (subject to local approval and equipment)
• Tailgate and storage: Side‑hinged rear door with a 22.7‑litre external storage box next to the spare wheel

Interior & technology:

• Large central touchscreen infotainment unit
• Fully digital instrument cluster
• Smartphone connectivity and connected‑car features (market dependent)
• Multi‑zone climate control
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), such as:
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Lane keeping assist
  • Autonomous emergency braking
  • Parking assistance features (spec depends on trim and region)

Safety features (expected):

• Multiple airbags (front, side, curtain)
• Electronic stability control and traction control
• Hill‑start assist and hill‑descent control
• ISOFIX child‑seat mounts

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Off‑Road Capability and Real‑World UAE Use

On paper the iCAUR V25 is more of a lifestyle SUV than a hardcore desert tool, yet its numbers make it suitable for many popular weekend routes out of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah.

Where it feels at home:

• Graded desert tracks and wadi crossings
• Access roads to campsites and beaches
• Mild to moderate sand driving with the right tyres and pressures
• Long highway cruises between emirates, without EV range anxiety

Why it copes in these conditions:

• 197 mm of ground clearance and usable approach (~30°) and departure (~28°) angles help clear ruts, rocks, and smaller dunes better than most urban crossovers.
• i‑AWD electric all‑wheel drive reacts quickly to wheel slip, which is exactly what you want when a front wheel starts to dig into soft sand.
• A 200 kg static roof rating lets you carry a rooftop tent, awning, or bulky camping gear.
• The 22.7‑litre external storage box is ideal for recovery boards, tow straps, or wet gear you would rather not keep inside the cabin.

Its monocoque chassis and EREV focus, however, make it more suitable for light to medium‑difficulty routes rather than:

• Serious rock crawling
• Deep, sharp dunes or aggressive dune‑bashing
• Heavy wadi bouldering routes that favour ladder‑frame SUVs with low‑range gearing

With sensible upgrades such as all‑terrain tyres, proper recovery points, and optional underbody protection, the V25 can comfortably cover most adventure trips that typical owners attempt a few times a month, while still staying efficient on workdays.

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Pricing, Availability and Market Position in the UAE

At the time of writing, Chery / iCAUR has not issued official UAE prices or a firm launch date for the V25. What follows is a realistic estimate based on Chinese pricing and common GCC cost structures.

• Chinese market price: Around USD 19,000, or roughly 70,000 AED, before shipping, duty, VAT, and dealer margins
• Projected UAE on‑road price: Close to 120,000 AED, once 5% import duty (where applicable), 5% VAT, registration, and dealer costs are added
• Likely GCC launch window: Expected after initial releases in Australia and Europe, so something around 2027 or later is a sensible working assumption, not a promise
• UAE dealer / distributor: No official name or showroom network has been confirmed yet

At that price level, the V25 would sit among:

• Electrified compact and mid‑size SUVs such as Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Mazda CX‑5 (where offered)
• Popular petrol crossovers including Mazda CX‑5, Hyundai Tucson, and Kia Sportage
• New Chinese plug‑in and range‑extended SUVs now entering GCC markets

Also read: 2026 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid Vs Honda Cr V Hybrid A Comprehensive Comparison

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Comparison with Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Mazda CX‑5 and Rivals

Below is a high‑level comparison using typical global‑spec data and estimated UAE pricing. Local specs and dealer offers will always shift the details.

*EV‑only range and price figures are approximate and may differ for GCC‑spec vehicles.

What stands out for UAE buyers:

• Against Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  
  • The V25 is slightly longer and offers genuine EV‑only daily driving, provided you charge it.
  • The RAV4 Hybrid is extremely well proven in the GCC and has a strong service network, but it does not give you 145–150 km of pure electric commuting.
• Against Mazda CX‑5 (petrol)
  
  • The CX‑5 is admired for build quality and sharp handling, yet it runs entirely on petrol.
  • With the V25 you can cut fuel bills substantially, especially if most of your weekly mileage is within that 110–130 km realistic EV range and the generator only joins in on longer trips.
• Off‑road and lifestyle use
  
  • The V25’s ground clearance, off‑road angles, roof load rating, and external storage box give it a more adventure‑friendly feel than most soft‑roaders.
  • RAV4 and CX‑5 cope fine with farm tracks and graded desert routes, but the V25 has clearly been styled and packaged for owners who actually pack recovery gear and a tent.

Taken over several years, especially in UAE driving cycles where daily trips are short and predictable, an EREV like the V25 can work out cheaper to run than comparable petrol SUVs, as long as electricity prices stay reasonable and home or workplace charging is available.

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Ownership Costs, Warranty and Service in the GCC

GCC‑specific packages are still under wraps, but Chery’s existing new‑energy models give a fair hint of what to expect.

Warranty (indicative)

• Battery warranty: Typically around 8 years or about 160,000 km on many new‑energy vehicles
• Vehicle warranty: Often 6–8 years, usually with a lower mileage cap depending on the market and distributor

Actual UAE figures will depend on the chosen importer and how aggressively they want to court early adopters.

Running costs in the UAE

• Daily commuting on electricity
  With overnight charging at a villa or dedicated apartment parking, most city drives fall comfortably inside the 110–130 km real‑world electric range. Petrol use can drop sharply for Monday‑to‑Friday use.
• Generator use on longer trips
  Once you head from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, or beyond, the generator will step in. Test cycle figures quote as low as 1.52 L/100 km, but expect higher numbers in reality, given highway speeds, A/C on full, and frequent short stops.
• Maintenance
  
  • Electric motors and single‑speed transmissions usually involve fewer wear items than a traditional multi‑gear automatic.
  • The 1.5‑litre turbo generator still needs regular servicing: oil, filters, coolant, plugs.
  • Service bills will depend heavily on the eventual GCC distributor, labour rates, and how parts are stocked locally.

Parts and service network

• Chery Group already sells cars in several Middle East markets, which should make logistics easier once iCAUR officially arrives.
• As more iCAUR models land in the region, parts supply and technician training typically scale up, similar to what has happened with other Chinese brands over the past 5–10 years.

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Conclusion

The iCAUR V25 combines extended‑range electric technology with chunky, box‑style looks that feel perfectly at home in a Dubai car park one day and in the dunes near Al Qudra the next. Its electric‑only range is long enough to cover most daily commutes, and the petrol generator removes the usual EV range anxiety on family road trips or spur‑of‑the‑moment desert runs.

With a projected on‑road price of about 120,000 AED, it should land in the heart of the mid‑size crossover segment while offering something different: a genuine EV driving feel without the need to plan every trip around chargers.

Buyers who like the idea should:

• Treat all current specs and prices as indicative, not final
• Keep an eye on official GCC announcements for confirmed features, pricing, and dealer details once the model is green‑lit for our region

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Summary Table

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People Also Ask

What is the iCAUR V25 and which company makes it?

The iCAUR V25 is a mid‑size, boxy‑style extended‑range electric (EREV) SUV. It is manufactured by Chery Group under its iCAUR new‑energy sub‑brand (known as iCar in China).

Is the iCAUR V25 electric, hybrid, or petrol, and how does its EREV system work?

The V25 is an extended‑range electric vehicle (EREV). It is driven only by electric motors. A 1.5‑litre turbo petrol engine works solely as a generator to produce electricity for the motors and recharge the battery; it does not directly drive the wheels.

What are the dimensions, battery size, power output, and EV range of the iCAUR V25?

The V25 is approximately 4636 mm long, 1920 mm wide, and 1855 mm tall, with a 2820 mm wheelbase. It uses a 33.68 kWh LFP battery, and the electric‑only range is targeted at 145–150 km under the WLTC test cycle. Combined system output depends on market configuration, with some versions reported to exceed 450 hp equivalent.

When will the iCAUR V25 be available in the UAE, and what price range is expected?

UAE availability remains unconfirmed. Based on the brand’s global rollout plans, it is likely to arrive after launches in markets such as Australia and Europe; around 2027 or later is a reasonable working estimate, not an official date. Projected UAE on‑road pricing is around 120,000 AED, including VAT and typical registration and dealer charges, but this is still an informed estimate until local details are published.

How does the iCAUR V25 compare to the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX‑5, and other boxy SUVs for off‑road and family use in the Middle East?

The V25 offers true electric‑only range for daily driving, which most conventional hybrids like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid cannot match. It is slightly larger than many compact crossovers and has better off‑road angles, a higher roof load capacity, and more adventure‑oriented storage solutions than typical urban SUVs. Compared with petrol models such as the Mazda CX‑5, the V25 can cut fuel costs significantly for mixed city and highway driving, especially when home or workplace charging is available.

Where can I schedule a test drive for a new luxury car in the UAE?

Alba Cars offers a range of new and nearly new vehicle experiences in the UAE. Visit Alba Cars for current stock, offers, and to inquire about booking a test drive.