It’s not every day that a car as visually distinct as the iCaur V23 enters Nepal’s electric vehicle (EV) market. After months of speculation, delays due to natural disruptions, and whispers of its heritage-inspired aesthetic, Chery Nepal has finally brought in the iCaur V23, an electric SUV that’s as much about style and attitude as it is about clean mobility.
Launched under Chery’s youth-focused electric sub-brand iCar (now stylized internationally as iCaur due to trademark concerns), this SUV walks the fine line between nostalgia and innovation. The V23 is not trying to outdo the EV segment with sheer performance or luxury, its strength lies in character, practicality, and a surprising amount of tech.
SPG Automobiles, the official distributor for Chery, Jaecoo, and Omoda in Nepal, has now opened bookings for this much-anticipated model. At a launch price of NPR 47.99 lakhs (limited quota), it lands in a competitive territory, but its uniqueness might just give it the edge.
Pricing and Availability in Nepal
The iCaur V23 is officially priced at Rs. 49,99,000 in Nepal, but early birds can grab it for an introductory offer of Rs. 47,99,000. Bookings have opened at Omoda & Jaecoo showrooms, and with its uniqueness, demand is expected to rise fast.
Compared to its closest in-house sibling, the Jaecoo J6, which costs nearly Rs. 20 lakhs more, the V23 is carving its niche as a lifestyle-oriented, value-packed electric SUV.
Design
The iCaur V23 doesn’t whisper “off-roader”, it declares it. Its square proportions and short overhangs are directly inspired by the classic BAW BJ212, but it takes things up a notch by adding styling cues reminiscent of the Suzuki Jimny and even the old-school Land Cruiser. Yet, it still manages to look futuristic enough to belong in 2025.
At the front, the circular LED headlights embedded in a gloss-black horizontal strip give it a clean yet assertive face. A flat, non-opening bonnet retains its retro charm, while the dual-tone lower bumper adds to the off-road persona. Side-mounted rearview mirrors and flushed door handles strike a balance between classic boxy utility and contemporary EV minimalism.
The 19-inch alloys fit snugly under prominent wheel arches, and there’s a curious, body-colored filler panel between the C and D pillars, an unconventional design move that adds to its playful, non-traditional approach. Around the back, the tailgate-mounted "backpack box" not only houses brake lights but also contributes to extra internal storage, showcasing both form and function.
Interior
Step inside the iCaur V23, and the rugged exterior gives way to a surprisingly refined interior. A 15.4-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard, serving dual roles as infotainment and instrument cluster. Interestingly, iCaur hasn't gone all-in on the touch revolution, physical controls for essential functions remain in the form of metallic knobs and toggles below the AC vents.
The squared-off dashboard is clean, featuring soft-touch materials and metallic accents that lend a premium touch. Buyers can choose between black or white interior themes, both of which complement the SUV’s boxy aesthetic.
The seating layout continues to defy norms. While marketed as a 4-seater, the V23 technically accommodates five, but the rear center seat is best suited for short hops, not long hauls. Fold the rear seats down, and you get a cargo space boost from 334 liters to 744 liters, with an additional 90 liters in the underfloor trunk and over 20 flexible storage areas scattered throughout.
Performance
Under the hood, figuratively speaking since it doesn’t open, you’ll find a 100kW rear-wheel-drive electric motor churning out 136PS and 180Nm of torque. It’s enough to launch the V23 from 0 to 50 km/h in 4.8 seconds, decent for urban drives and adventurous getaways.
Its 59.93kWh CATL-sourced LFP battery offers a CLTC-rated range of 401 km. While this figure should be taken with a grain of salt due to Nepal’s topographical challenges, it remains a respectable benchmark. Charging is well-covered, with 8.8 hours on a 7.2kW AC charger and just 36 minutes from 20–80% on an 85kW DC fast charger.
But it’s not just a pretty face with city manners. The V23 boasts a 210mm ground clearance, 42° approach angle, 40° departure angle, and 600mm wading depth. These specs make it more than capable for light off-road action, even if it lacks a low-range gearbox or locking differentials. There’s no AWD option in the Nepal variant for now, which feels like a missed opportunity, especially considering its rugged look and potential.
Technology and Features
Despite its throwback aesthetics, the iCaur V23 is a thoroughly modern machine. It rides on the new i-SWIFT architecture and comes loaded with safety features such as:
Six airbags
L2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)
360-degree surround camera
ABS, EBD, and Electronic Stability Control
Two mm-wave radars and twelve ultrasonic radars for semi-autonomous driving features
The infotainment unit is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8155 chipset, ensuring a smooth and responsive experience. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both supported.
It also includes Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, meaning you can use the car to power external devices like camping gear or even small kitchen appliances, a nice touch for outdoor lovers.
Specifications at a Glance
While we've covered most details, here’s a quick dive into some key specs:
Dimensions: 4220mm (L) x 1915mm (W) x 1845mm (H)
Wheelbase: 2735mm
Kerb Weight: 1785 kg
Motor: 100kW RWD PMSM
Top Speed: 140 km/h
Battery: 59.93 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)
Range: 401 km (CLTC)
Ground Clearance: 210 mm
Charging Time: 8.8 hrs (AC), 36 mins (DC fast)
Tyres: 255/55R19 Tubeless
Conclusion
The iCaur V23 isn’t trying to be everything for everyone. It doesn’t pretend to outmatch premium off-roaders or dominate performance charts. Instead, it embraces a bold identity: a second EV for city dwellers that also speaks to their sense of adventure. A car that turns heads, fits urban lifestyles, and occasionally dares to get muddy.
Yes, the lack of AWD may limit its off-road credibility, but that doesn’t take away from what it does right, especially at its price point. The V23 is for those who want an EV with personality, something different from the aerodynamic sameness of modern crossovers.
