Chery iCar V23 Review: A Quirky Retro EV That Challenges Convention—But Is It More Than Just a Pretty Face?

Chery iCar V23 Review: A Quirky Retro EV That Challenges Convention—But Is It More Than Just a Pretty Face?

A Love Letter to 1980s Toy Cars‌

The iCar V23’s “square box” aesthetic channels childhood memories of Matchbox toys, blending nostalgic cues with modern tech. The circular LED headlights wink at classic 4x4s but add a futuristic twist with animated welcome sequences. Hidden door handles and flush-mounted roof rails create a clean profile, while plastic-clad wheel arches and a side-hinged rear tailgate scream “adventure-ready”—even if most owners will never leave paved roads.

Standout details include:

‌31° Approach Angle‌: More aggressive than a Honda CR-V, enabling curb-hopping confidence.

‌Magnetic Accessory Mounts‌: B-pillar slots for attaching GoPros, camping lights, or mini (potted plants).

‌Retro-Modern Color Palette‌: “Mint Mojito” and “Sunset Orange” hues that pop against gray urban sprawl.

Yet, form sometimes sabotages function: The C-pillar’s stylized floating design cuts rear visibility by 22% compared to the Wuling Bingo.

IKEA Meets Spaceship‌

Chery embraces Scandinavian minimalism with a twist. The dashboard is dominated by a 15.6-inch touchscreen (landscape orientation, unlike Tesla’s portrait style), while the steering wheel mimics Nintendo Switch joysticks. Sustainable materials surprise at this price:

‌Recycled PET Fabric Seats‌: Stain-resistant and vegan-friendly.

‌Silicone Floor Mats‌: Fully waterproof, designed for post-camping hose-downs.

‌Hidden “Junk Drawer”‌: A 7-liter glovebox-sized compartment under the center console for masks or snacks.

Powertrain: Commuter Specs in Adventure Clothing‌

The rear-mounted permanent magnet motor delivers 70kW (94 hp) and 150 N·m torque—adequate for city driving but wheezes on steep grades. Its 40.3 kWh LFP battery from Guoxuan High-Tech achieves 400 km CLTC range, though real-world highway driving at 100 km/h drains the battery 25% faster.

Charging specs reveal priorities:

30%-80% in 30 minutes via DC fast charging.

No vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, unlike BYD Dolphin.

Preheating system helps cold-weather charging but lacks a heat pump.

‌Who Should Buy It?‌

‌Urban Creatives‌: Those treating cars as mobile art installations.

‌First-Car Millennials‌: Seeking affordability (8.98-11.98万 RMB) with “xiongdi” (兄弟,兄弟) bragging rights.

‌Social Media Influencers‌: Side-hinged tailgate doubles as a vlog backdrop.