A heavily camouflaged electric SUV based on the Chery iCar V23 has been spotted testing on Indian roads, confirming that the JSW Motors–Chery joint venture is moving ahead with its product plans. The test mule was photographed during early development runs and shows the boxy, upright silhouette that defines the global model. This will be the third vehicle from JSW Motors' new standalone passenger vehicle division, arriving after the Jetour T2-based plug-in hybrid and the Jaecoo J5-based electric SUV.
JSW Group has partnered with China's Chery Automobile to bring rebadged models from Chery's sub-brands — Jetour, Jaecoo, and iCar — to the Indian market. Like its siblings, the iCar V23 will wear a JSW badge when it goes on sale. The India-spec model is expected to be locally assembled at JSW's upcoming new energy vehicle facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad), Maharashtra. Local assembly should help keep the starting price under Rs 20 lakh, ex-showroom, with industry estimates pointing to a ₹17–20 lakh range.
Design and dimensions
The spy shots reveal a compact SUV with a squared-off stance, short overhangs, and flared wheel arches. The front end carries a blacked-out grille with round headlights, while the rear shows a tailgate-mounted protrusion that likely houses a charging-cable storage box. Horizontal tail-lights, a side step, and a kinked rear window line complete the rugged look. Globally, the iCar V23 measures 4,220 mm in length, 1,915 mm in width, and 1,845 mm in height, with a 2,735 mm wheelbase. Ground clearance stands at 210 mm for the all-wheel-drive version, with approach and departure angles of 43 and 41 degrees respectively — genuine off-road credentials for a vehicle of this size.
Powertrain options and range
In international markets, Chery offers the iCar V23 with two distinct powertrains. The rear-wheel-drive version uses a 59.93 kWh battery paired with a single motor producing 136 hp and 180 Nm. It delivers a claimed CLTC range of 401 km and completes the 0–100 km/h sprint in 11 seconds. The all-wheel-drive variant gets a larger 81.76 kWh battery and a dual-motor setup generating 211 hp and 292 Nm. This version claims 510 km of CLTC range and hits 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. Both variants share a 140 km/h top speed and support DC fast charging between 85 kW and 104 kW depending on the battery pack. It remains unclear which configuration JSW will offer in India, though the dual-motor AWD version would have no direct rival in the sub-Rs 20 lakh space.
Market positioning and rivals
If dimensions and pricing stay close to current estimates, the JSW iCar V23-based SUV will compete in the fiercely contested midsize electric SUV segment. Its rivals will include the Hyundai Creta Electric, Mahindra BE 6, VinFast VF6, Maruti Suzuki e Vitara, MG ZS EV, Tata Curvv EV, Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella, and the upcoming Tata Sierra EV. The model's boxy design and off-road orientation could help it carve a niche among buyers looking for a lifestyle-oriented electric SUV with genuine capability.
Launch timeline and latest updates
JSW Motors' design patent for the iCar V23-based SUV was granted in India on 16 September 2026. Interior spy shots surfaced in May 2026, and the first exterior test mule was captured in March 2026. The original February 2026 announcement confirmed the Chery–JSW tie-up. While early reports suggested a 2027 arrival, the latest information points to a 2028 launch, slotting in after the Jetour T2-based PHEV and the Jaecoo J5-based eSUV.
The JSW–Chery iCar V23 represents an important step for JSW Group as it establishes an independent passenger vehicle brand alongside its existing joint venture with MG Motor India. By leveraging Chery's global EV platforms and adapting them for Indian conditions, JSW aims to enter the market quickly with locally assembled, competitively priced electric SUVs. The iCar V23's blend of compact dimensions, rugged styling, and a potential AWD option at a sub-Rs 20 lakh price point could make it a compelling choice when it arrives.
FAQs
When is the JSW Motors Chery iCar V23 expected to launch in India?
The electric SUV is currently expected to launch in 2028, arriving after the Jetour T2-based plug-in hybrid and the Jaecoo J5-based electric SUV from the same joint venture.
What will be the price range of the JSW iCar V23-based SUV?
Industry estimates suggest a starting price under Rs 20 lakh, ex-showroom, with a likely range of ₹17–20 lakh depending on variant and localisation levels.
Will the India-spec model be imported or locally assembled?
The vehicle is expected to be locally assembled at JSW Motors' new energy vehicle plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, which should help keep costs competitive.
What powertrain options are available globally for the Chery iCar V23?
Global markets get a rear-wheel-drive version with a 59.93 kWh battery (136 hp, 401 km CLTC range) and an all-wheel-drive version with an 81.76 kWh battery (211 hp, 510 km CLTC range). Both support DC fast charging up to 104 kW.
Which electric SUVs will rival the JSW iCar V23 in India?
Key rivals will include the Hyundai Creta Electric, Mahindra BE 6, VinFast VF6, Maruti Suzuki e Vitara, MG ZS EV, Tata Curvv EV, Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella, and the upcoming Tata Sierra EV.
