Carloha  Chery’s iCAUR V23:  Electric Off-Road SUV with 5-Star Safety Rating

Bennett Oghifo 

As the global automotive industry accelerates toward electrification, a new generation of vehicles is emerging – combining advanced technology, bold design, and uncompromising safety. One of the most exciting entrants in this space is the iCAUR V23, a fully electric, retro-styled off-road SUV developed by Chery, which has recently achieved a prestigious 5-Star safety rating from the ASEAN New Car Assessment Programme (ASEAN NCAP).

This innovative electric SUV was recently introduced to Nigerian audiences when Carloha Nigeria, the official representative of Chery in the country, showcased the vehicle at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, during the celebration of the Chinese New Year in Nigeria.

Felix Mahan, General Manager, Marketing at Carloha Nigeria, while speaking about the vehicle, described it as a bold statement about the future of electric mobility.

“The iCAUR V23 represents a new direction for electric mobility – one that appeals not only to environmentally conscious drivers but also to adventure seekers and urban explorers. It is designed for the young-at-heart, tech-forward, and adventurous individual. This masterpiece is simply put, Born to Play,” he said.

Retro Design Meets Modern Electric Engineering

The iCAUR V23 stands out immediately for its distinctive retro-inspired styling. With its boxy proportions, upright stance, and rugged exterior cues, the vehicle channels the classic spirit of traditional off-roaders while integrating contemporary design elements.

Its compact yet muscular build gives it a commanding road presence, making it equally suited to city streets and off-road terrain. The SUV measures approximately 4,220mm in length, 1,915mm in width, and 1,845mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,735mm, providing a balance of agility and interior space.

Inside the cabin, modern digital technology takes centre stage. The vehicle features an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, delivering an intuitive and connected driving experience. The system is powered by a high-performance chipset and supports smart connectivity features including Apple CarPlay.

Powerful Electric Performance

Beneath the floor, the iCAUR V23 houses advanced electric powertrain technology designed for both efficiency and performance.

The SUV is available in two main configurations:

Rear-Wheel Drive (2WD): Producing about 136 PS (100 kW) with 180 Nm of torque, powered by a 59.9 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery that offers a driving range of up to 401 km (NEDC).

Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (iWD): Featuring dual motors producing 211 PS (155 kW) and 292 Nm of torque, paired with an 81.8 kWh battery capable of delivering up to 501 km of range.

The vehicle also supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, allowing it to power external devices—an especially useful feature for camping, outdoor work, and emergency situations.

5-Star ASEAN NCAP Safety Rating

Safety is one of the strongest highlights of the iCAUR V23. The electric SUV recently earned a 5-Star rating under the ASEAN NCAP 2021–2025 testing protocol, scoring 91.02 points overall.

The rating was based on four major safety categories:

Adult Occupant Protection: 39.71 points

Child Occupant Protection: 16.67 points

Safety Assist Technologies: 17.14 points

Motorcyclist Safety: 17.50 points

This performance places the V23 among the top-rated vehicles tested under the current ASEAN NCAP protocol and makes it one of the first fully electric off-road SUVs evaluated under the programme.

Built with Advanced Structural Protection

The vehicle’s strong safety performance is supported by its robust construction. The V23 uses a cage-type body structure composed of approximately 70 percent high-strength steel, providing excellent rigidity and crash protection.

Equally important is its advanced Battery Management System (BMS), which incorporates high-voltage protection and liquid-cooled thermal regulation to keep the battery pack safe and stable—even during extreme conditions or collisions.

Comprehensive Driver Assistance Technology

The iCAUR V23 also features a comprehensive Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) designed to improve both safety and driving convenience.

Standard safety technologies include:

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)

Front Collision Warning (FCW)

Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention

Adaptive Cruise Control

Blind Spot Detection

Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Traffic Jam Assist

Door Opening Warning

In addition, the SUV comes equipped with six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard safety features.

A Glimpse into the Future of Electric SUVs

The iCAUR V23 demonstrates how modern electric vehicles are evolving beyond simple urban mobility tools. By combining retro-inspired design, rugged off-road capability, long-range electric power, and top-tier safety, the SUV reflects the next phase of innovation in the global EV market.

For markets like Nigeria, where interest in electric mobility is gradually increasing, the V23 represents a glimpse into the future—an EV that does not compromise on adventure, style, or safety.

As the automotive industry continues its shift toward electrification, vehicles such as the iCAUR V23 show that the transition can be both exciting and practical, bringing together cutting-edge technology with the timeless appeal of a classic off-road machine.