The iCar 03, the newest rugged fully electric SUV from China, has been unveiled in its production form, thanks to the local Ministry of Industry and Information Technology disclosing some of its specifications and confirming its concept-inspired design.
The final production model of the iCar 03 closely resembles the concept that was showcased at the Shanghai Auto Show in April. The main distinctions we can observe are the inclusion of the “iCar” lettering on the grille instead of the illuminated emblem, the presence of black mirror caps, and the variations in design for the 18-inch and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Apart from these changes, the electric vehicle retains its vertically-stacked LED lighting units, bi-tone appearance, flush-door handles, boxy wheel arches, tailgate-mounted suitcase, and a silhouette reminiscent of the Land Rover Defender.
More: Chunky Chery iCar 03 Electric SUV Spotted Flaunting Its Defender Styling Undisguised
iCar has already provided a glimpse of the interior of the 03, showcasing notable features such as a large free-standing infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, an extra display for the front passenger, and a jewel-style rotary switch located on the center console. The cabin, designed to accommodate five passengers, incorporates green upholstery and gold accents as part of its interior aesthetics.
The iCar 03 appears larger than its actual size, as it falls within the compact SUV segment. Specifically, it measures 4,406 mm (173.5 inches) in length, 1,910 mm (75.2 inches) in width, and 1,715 mm (67.5 inches) in height, with a wheelbase of 2,715 mm (106.9 inches). In comparison, its length is only 18 mm (0.7 inches) shorter than that of a Nissan Qashqai.
The 03, along with other upcoming models from iCar, is based on the i-MS architecture. This platform will be utilized for two passenger cars, two SUVs, and one minivan in the future lineup. Initially, the 03 will be equipped with a front-mounted electric motor capable of delivering 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS), enabling a moderate top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph). However, it is anticipated that a more potent dual-motor variant with 4WD capabilities will be introduced later, aligning better with the off-roader styling of the vehicle.
As per the available information from the spec sheet, the iCar 03 utilizes an older lithium-iron-phosphate battery pack technology, rather than the upcoming Ener-Q sodium-ion batteries developed by CATL. The specific range of the iCar 03 is not mentioned in the provided details. However, earlier reports suggest an estimated range of approximately 500 km (311 miles) for the vehicle.
While the debut was initially scheduled for October 2023, the iCar 03 entered production in early June, with deliveries expected to start soon. According to local reports, pricing will likely to start from around ¥150,000 ($20,893) which is the advertised entry price for Chery’s iCar brand. Below you can see more photos of the electric SUV from the official presentation.
