The boxy newcomer from Chery's iCaur lands in Europe with a screen the size of a tablet

© A. Krivonosov / SPEEDME

iCaur, another sub-brand from China's Chery, is gearing up to launch its first major project in Europe — the V27. It's a boxy SUV with a 455 hp range-extender hybrid powertrain, but right now the headline isn't the hardware, it's the cabin.

The dashboard is laid out horizontally and looks deliberately understated. The digital instrument cluster is integrated into the dashboard architecture rather than sitting on top of it like a separate tablet. Centre stage goes to a 15.4-inch screen with 3K resolution, controlling navigation, climate, driver assistance, the energy system and entertainment.

The tech vibe is backed up by multicolour ambient lighting, a 15-speaker audio system and two panoramic roofs. iCaur is clearly trying to escape the feel of a utilitarian EV: the cabin is trimmed in biscuit-coloured leather, grey technical fabric and modern decorative inserts.

There are also some unusual touches. The ventilation system has a built-in cabin fragrance module, the centre armrest is cooled, and the driver's seat gets six-way electric adjustment, heating and ventilation.

At the back, iCaur promises 950 mm of knee room and a seating position designed for long-distance travel. Interior height is quoted at 1.3 m, so the cabin should feel airier than in many crossovers with a more steeply raked roofline.

Practicality is pushed as a separate selling point: around 50 storage compartments, a double glovebox and another 40 litres under the boot floor. Maximum capacity with the rear seats folded is 1818 litres; the minimum figure hasn't been disclosed yet.

The iCaur V27 lands in a segment where rugged design alone is no longer enough. Buyers of a large hybrid SUV now want everything at once: range without a plug, a comfortable second row, a big boot and a cabin that doesn't look utilitarian.