China’s new $30,000 Land Rover Defender lookalike has a huge range and an unexpected name
Published on Dec 02, 2025 at 4:33 AM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Dec 01, 2025 at 8:26 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
China has unveiled a new Land Rover Defender SUV lookalike for just $30,000, and it not only has an unexpected name but an incredible range as well.
Chinese cars have proven over the last few years that they have what it takes to rival those from the West.
This latest vehicle from Chery and its overseas brand is the iCaur V27, and it comes from one of the ‘big four’ manufacturers in the country.
It looks eerily similar to the Land Rover Defender, but the crucial difference is that it is available at a fraction of the price.
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How cheap is the iCaur V27?
The iCaur V27 builds on the current range, which includes the iCaur 03 and the iCaur V23.
The new V27 is the largest car that the company has made so far, and arguably the most impressive too.
However, it is not an EV, but it is instead called a range-extended electric vehicle, or REEV.
That means it does have an engine under the hood, but it’s there to charge the batteries, acting like a generator.
This is very similar to what we are seeing in the upcoming Nissan Rogue e-Power.
But you can also charge the V27 like a regular EV.
The current estimates for the price place the V27 at between $28,000 and $35,000.
An actual Land Rover Defender, meanwhile, will cost you at least $56,400.
The V27 is an attractive Land Rover Defender alternative
So far, Chery/iCaur has been quite cagey on the full specifications of its new REEV lookalike.
But we do know that there will be single and dual-motor versions.
The V27 will have up to 449hp, likely in the dual-motor version.
Inside, there will be a 34.3kWh battery pack, charged up by the car’s engine.
The most impressive aspect, however, is the SUV’s range.
Chery states that the SUV can travel for up to 745 miles with a full battery charge and a full tank of gasoline.
The numbers make for some very impressive reading, especially considering the price of the V27.
Should it make its way overseas, the iCaur 27 could really make the Land Rover Defender sweat.
History of the Chery/iCaur EV lineup
April 2023: Chery launches the iCar GT concept sports car, with a focus on ‘young people’ and performance
December 2023: iCaur 03 is launched as a small, battery-electric crossover SUV
April 2024: Chery launches the iCaur V23 as a compact electric SUV, sold under the iCar brand and iCaur for export
November 2025: Chery/iCaur launches the V27, a large REEV SUV designed as a rival to the Land Rover Defender
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
