Chery's Off-Road Brand iCaur Is Coming to the UK with the V27

iCaur, Chery's off-road-focused sub-brand, will enter the UK market in early 2027 with its launch vehicle, the V27 . The company officially confirmed this entry on October 15, 2026, making iCaur Chery's fifth brand in the UK. This boxy SUV, sized like the Defender and featuring range-extender hybrid technology, will go head-to-head with Land Rover's classic off-roader in one of Britain's most competitive segments.

Whose Brand Is iCaur and Why Does It Matter So Much?

iCaur is Chery Automobile's off-road and exploration-themed sub-brand. The brand was established in 2023 as an entirely new-energy-focused entity and is known as iCar in China. In other markets, the iCaur name was chosen to avoid a potential naming dispute with Apple. The brand's philosophy is built on freedom, exploration, and challenging convention; in this respect, it speaks a different language from traditional brands.

From Chery's perspective, iCaur's entry into the UK is a strategic move. The company already has Omoda, Jaecoo, Chery, and Lepas brands operating in that market. According to Autocar, the Freelander and Jetour brands could also be added in the future under the joint venture established with JLR. 2027 marks the 30th anniversary of Chery's founding, and the company seems to be preparing for a rather busy year.

An important detail: while Omoda and Jaecoo share a dealer network, iCaur will be positioned as an independent brand . Chery has now begun the dealer acquisition process in the UK and is showing the V27 to potential sellers. This is a signal of the brand's determination to set out with its own identity.

What Are the Technical Specifications of the iCaur V27?

The V27 is a five-seat SUV with dimensions close to the Defender and angular lines. Its length is 4,899 mm, width 1,976 mm, height 1,894 mm, and wheelbase 2,900 mm. These measurements create a silhouette slightly shorter and narrower than the Defender 110. It is stated that the design was created with urban comfort in mind alongside its promised off-road capability.

Range-Extender Hybrid Powertrain

At the heart of the V27 is a 1.5-liter turbo petrol four-cylinder engine. However, this engine does not send power directly to the wheels; it works as a generator to feed the battery, and the vehicle gets its actual propulsion from electric motors. Systems of this type are called range-extender hybrids or REEVs. It is not yet clear whether the UK version will be rear-wheel drive or the dual-motor AWD version; only that an electrified powertrain will be offered has been confirmed.

Regarding electric range, versions in regional markets show a value between 150 and 200 km. The Long-Range version, meanwhile, was confirmed with a 51.2 kWh CATL battery for September 2026 and 300 km electric range is offering. It has not yet been officially announced how much range the UK specifications will offer. As for total range, figures exceeding 1,000 kilometers are being mentioned.

One notable feature on the equipment side 6 kW Vehicle-to-Load or V2L power. This means electricity can be transferred from the vehicle's battery to external devices; a practical advantage for camping or outdoor use. Inside the cabin, it is interesting that physical buttons have been preserved despite modern screens; this interior design won the Best Interior Design award in the Premium Car category at the 2026 TADA awards held in Turin.

How Will the V27 Be Adapted to UK Roads?

The V27 has been tested camouflaged on British roads. Chery will adapt the vehicle for the UK market at its new R&D base at the UTAC Millbrook proving ground in Bedfordshire. The suspension, steering and comfort settings are planned to be localized through this base. This is a detail that will directly affect a new brand's first impression in the market; because European roads and driving expectations may not exactly match the character the vehicle displays in other markets.

The right-hand-drive version of the V27 was introduced at the Beijing Auto Show in April 2026. The brand's ROBOX concept also took the stage at the same show. In other words, the UK entry is not a sudden decision; it is the final step of a long-prepared plan.

How Much Will the iCaur V27 Cost?

The UK price has not yet been announced. However, the V27's order book opened in selected European markets before launch, and prices start from EUR 55,000 which is roughly GBP 46,000 as a starting point. JLR's cheapest Defender 110 sits approximately GBP 18,000 above this level. So the V27 is not a direct equivalent of the Defender; it has been designed as an alternative that stands in its shadow but at an accessible price point.

The second model in the UK is expected to be the V25. This mid-size SUV with range-extender hybrid power will be introduced at the Chery International User Summit. It is also reported that the fully electric small crossover V23 is being considered for the UK. So the V27 will not come alone, but as the forerunner of a model lineup.

Does It Have a Realistic Chance Against the Defender?

iCaur's positioning has sparked debate in the automotive press. Some publications have mockingly dubbed the vehicle the "Temu Defender"; the resemblance to the Defender's design language appears so close that some commentators have described it as more than inspiration - as outright borrowing. On the other hand, there are plenty who point out that JLR charges over £70,000 for similar concept vehicles; the price difference gives iCaur a serious justification.

Another problem is market saturation. Chery has already experienced rapid growth in the UK with its Omoda and Jaecoo brands; Jaecoo has reached 10,000 sales a month. In this picture, the question is being asked whether Britain really needs another SUV brand. Nevertheless, Chery is adding iCaur as its fifth brand while its brands, holding a 7% share of UK sales, compete against customs tariffs as of 2026. This shows that speed and volume are priorities in the company's European strategy.

Nor are the risks absent. It is noted that China-based SUVs have experienced insurance coverage problems in the UK, with many insurers excluding these vehicles from coverage or demanding almost double the premium. iCaur's sales success will also depend on how quickly these infrastructural barriers can be overcome. Additionally, while some user experiences have pointed to wind noise and stability problems at high speeds, this information is social-media-sourced and has a low level of verification.

As someone who has been following this industry for more than thirty years, it is possible to say this: A Chinese brand challenging the Defender class used to read as a comical scenario. Now, with Jaecoo's 10,000 monthly sales figure, its R&D base at Millbrook and a serious technical dossier in plain view, this scenario has become a legitimate market calculation. An electric range exceeding 150 kilometres and total range of over 1,000 km offers a package where you can run most of your daily use on electricity while carrying no range anxiety on long journeys. The price difference is also an argument that is hard to answer; an entry point £18,000 more affordable than the Defender goes some way towards offsetting the design criticism.

Conclusion: Where Is iCaur's UK Entry Headed?

iCaur's entry into the UK with the V27 will take place in early 2027, and it is hard to see the market looking at it without making the Defender comparison. The determination to establish an independent dealer network, the localisation work at Millbrook and a young but full model range set this entry apart from an ordinary launch. However, the key to success will depend less on technical specifications and more on consumer trust, insurance access and the brand's long-term presence. 2027 looks set to be remembered as both Chery's founding anniversary and the year of its most ambitious move in Europe.

Sources

• The Chinese iCAUR V27 is coming to Britain in 2027 to scare the Defender - Top Gear
• Defender-rivalling iCaur V27 confirmed for UK - PistonHeads
• Jaecoo sibling iCaur confirms UK launch in 2027 with V27 4x4 - Autocar
• Chery's Rugged New ICAUR V27 SUV Heads To The UK In 2027 - Forbes
• iCAUR GLOBAL
• iCar V27 - Wikipedia
• Chery iCaur V27 Long-Range Edition confirmed with 51.2 kWh CATL battery - CarNewsChina
• Chery adds iCaur as fifth UK brand in race to beat tariffs - Automotive World