iCaur V23 Wins German Red Dot Design Award
Chery's iCaur brand earned the 2026 Red Dot Design Concept honor for its V23 SUV, which has surpassed 100,000 global sales.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Car Types
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Chery's dedicated new energy brand iCaur won the German Red Dot Design Award: Design Concept 2026 for the V23 SUV. The vehicle has sold roughly 100,000 units in its domestic market and has surpassed 100,000 global sales across about 20 international markets.
Why it matters
The award and sales milestone signal that Chery's new energy lineup is gaining traction beyond China as the company expands into Europe and tests the U.S. market. Chery will need an American partner to bypass U.S. restrictions on Chinese EVs.
The V23 RWD starts at 99,800 yuan (roughly $13,700) with 134 horsepower, 0-62 mph in 11.0 seconds, a top speed of 87 mph, and 249 miles CLTC range. The range-topping Super V23 Series starts at 174,800 yuan ($24,600) with 449 horsepower and 0-62 mph in 4.5 seconds.
The players
Chery
Chery is a major Chinese automaker that operates a smart factory in Wuhu and is expanding its electric vehicle lineup into international markets.
Dr. Su Jun
Dr. Su Jun is Chery's vice president and design head who cited the Ford Bronco and Tesla Model S as inspirations for the V23.
The details
The V23 features circular headlights resembling those on the Ford Bronco and a small integrated rectangular storage box in place of a full-size spare tire. Chery design head Dr. Su Jun cited the Ford Bronco and Tesla Model S as design inspirations, and the brand was renamed from iCAR to iCaur to avoid a trademark dispute with Apple.
Timeline
Within one year of launch, the V23 sold roughly 100,000 units in China.
In 2026, the V23 won the German Red Dot Design Award: Design Concept 2026.
Roadmap
The V23's success follows Chery's broader push to build a global electric vehicle business despite barriers in key markets. The company's U.S. ambitions depend on finding an American partner to navigate restrictions on Chinese-made EVs.
Buyers in markets where the V23 is sold can expect a starting price near $13,700 for the RWD version, while the all-wheel-drive Super V23 begins at $24,600. The U.S. remains unavailable for now due to tariff barriers on Chinese EVs.
The takeaway
Global design recognition and strong sales can give a newer automaker credibility as it enters competitive markets. Shoppers comparing EVs should weigh price and range against the specific trim they need.
Further reading
Explore more on Car Types to see how this SUV compares with other vehicles on the market.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Autoevolution.
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