India’s electric SUV market is evolving rapidly, and competition is getting tougher every year. Just when enthusiasts were eagerly waiting for the upcoming Mahindra Thar EV, a new rugged electric SUV has been spotted testing on Indian roads under heavy camouflage. The model is believed to be based on the Chery iCar V23, which could enter the Indian market through a partnership between Chery Automobile and JSW Group. Reports suggest that this electric mid-size SUV may launch under a new JSW electric vehicle brand, aiming to attract buyers who want a stylish yet adventure-ready electric SUV.
This upcoming EV is expected to compete with popular SUVs such as the Tata Nexon EV while also taking on lifestyle off-roaders like the Mahindra Thar EV. If everything goes according to plan, the vehicle could arrive in India by the end of 2026 or early 2027. Local manufacturing may help the company keep prices relatively affordable, which could make the SUV an appealing option for buyers looking for a capable and eco-friendly vehicle.
Rugged Design Built for Adventure
One of the most striking aspects of this electric SUV is its bold and rugged design. The vehicle is expected to feature a strong boxy silhouette with an upright windshield, round headlamps, and flared wheel arches that enhance its off-road character. With a length of around 4220 mm, width of 1915 mm, height of 1845 mm, and a wheelbase of 2730 mm, the SUV will likely offer a spacious cabin and stable road presence.
The design appears to take inspiration from iconic off-road SUVs such as the Land Rover Defender, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class. Its neo-retro styling combines classic off-roader aesthetics with modern EV elements. A high ground clearance of around 205–210 mm further enhances its rugged personality, making it suitable for rough terrains and outdoor adventures.
Modern Cabin and Comfortable Interior
Inside the cabin, the SUV is expected to offer a modern and tech-focused interior designed to improve comfort and convenience. The dashboard will likely feature a large 15.4-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing seamless smartphone connectivity. The dashboard layout may follow a flat layered design, giving the cabin a clean and contemporary appearance.
The interior could also include a retro-style center console and a multifunction three-spoke steering wheel. Front seats are expected to be electrically adjustable and ventilated, providing additional comfort during long drives. Interestingly, the seats may also fold up to 180 degrees, which could be useful for resting during long trips or outdoor travel.
Other comfort and convenience features may include stretchable storage pockets, a 540-degree surround view camera, a 7-speaker audio system, and a PM2.5 air filtration system that helps maintain better air quality inside the cabin.
Advanced Safety and Smart Features
Modern SUVs are expected to offer strong safety technology, and this upcoming electric SUV is likely to follow the same trend. Reports indicate that it may feature Level-2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which can enhance driving safety and convenience.
The ADAS system may include features such as autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and blind-spot detection. These technologies help reduce the chances of accidents by assisting the driver in critical situations.
In addition to ADAS, the SUV is expected to offer several essential safety features including six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, ISOFIX child-seat mounts, and pedestrian protection systems. The global version has reportedly achieved an impressive score in ASEAN safety testing, suggesting that the SUV could deliver strong safety performance.
Battery, Motor and Driving Range
Since the vehicle is fully electric, performance will depend on its battery and motor configuration. The SUV is expected to come with multiple powertrain options. The rear-wheel-drive variant may feature a single electric motor producing around 136 PS and 180 Nm of torque, paired with a 59.93 kWh battery pack. This setup could offer a driving range of approximately 401 km on the CLTC cycle.
A more powerful all-wheel-drive variant is also expected. This version could use dual electric motors producing around 211 PS and 292 Nm of torque, along with a larger 81.76 kWh battery pack. The estimated driving range for this variant may reach around 501 to 510 km on a single charge.
Performance figures also look promising. The dual-motor version may accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in about 7.5 seconds, while the top speed is expected to be around 140 km/h. For the Indian market, the powertrain could be optimized further to suit local driving conditions and road environments.
Expected Launch and Market Impact
The new electric SUV is expected to be the first EV from the JSW automotive brand, developed through collaboration with Chery Automobile. If local manufacturing plans move forward successfully, the company could price the SUV competitively in the Indian market.
A launch timeline around late 2026 or early 2027 seems likely at the moment. If priced well, the vehicle could attract buyers who want a rugged lifestyle SUV but prefer the environmental benefits of an electric vehicle.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming electric SUV based on the Chery iCar V23 has the potential to bring a fresh wave of excitement to India’s EV market. Its combination of rugged off-road design, modern interior technology, advanced safety systems, and long electric driving range makes it a promising contender in the growing electric SUV segment.
If the production model stays close to the version currently being tested, it could become one of the most interesting electric SUVs in India. When it finally launches, the competition between it and the upcoming Mahindra Thar EV could turn into one of the most exciting EV battles in the Indian automobile industry.
Rohit Sharma
AuthorLast updated 3 hours ago
