806 kilometers. 

That’s the claimed range of Chery’s new V23 electric SUV — 

a figure that instantly sets it apart in a segment where most rivals struggle to cross half that distance.  

The V23 is styled with deliberate nostalgia. Boxy lines, round headlamps, detachable fenders, and a tailgate storage box give it the silhouette of a downsized Land Rover Defender. 

Retro boxy silhouette hides lithium‑iron‑phosphate batteries built for durability. Credit: New Atlas

But beneath the retro exterior is a modern EV platform built around lithium‑iron‑phosphate batteries, a chemistry known for durability and safety compared to nickel‑based alternatives.  

AWD Peak trim delivers 211 hp and 0–100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. Credit: Chery Thailand

Three versions are offered. The base model is rear‑wheel drive, producing 134 horsepower with a 47.28‑kWh battery and a claimed 484 kilometers of range under China’s CLTC cycle. 

“We wanted utility with affordability,” says Chery’s design team. Credit: New Atlas

A mid‑range trim keeps the same motor but upgrades to a 63.87‑kWh pack, stretching range to 645 kilometers. 

Panoramic 15.4‑inch infotainment runs on Snapdragon 8155 chip. Credit: New Atlas

The flagship AWD Peak variant adds a second motor for a combined 211 horsepower, an 81.76‑kWh battery, and that headline 806‑kilometer figure.  

“We wanted utility with affordability,” says Chery’s design team. Credit: New Atlas

Performance is modest but respectable. The AWD model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, while the smaller trims take closer to nine. 

Starting at US$13,700 in Thailand, the V23 undercuts Suzuki Jimny EV. Credit: Chery Thailand

Charging is handled by DC fast‑charge ports rated between 85 and 104 kW, enough to take the battery from 30 to 80 percent in about half an hour.  

Panoramic 15.4‑inch infotainment runs on Snapdragon 8155 chip. Credit: New Atlas

Dimensions reinforce the SUV image. At 4,220 mm long, 1,915 mm wide, and 1,845 mm tall, the V23 sits high with 210 mm of ground clearance. 

Approach and departure angles of 43° and 41° hint at off‑road intent. Credit: Chery Thailand

Approach and departure angles of 43 and 41 degrees suggest off‑road intent, though the drivetrain and suspension are tuned more for lifestyle use than serious rock crawling.  

Inside, the focus is on tech. A 15.4‑inch 2.5K infotainment display runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8155 chip, paired with a seven‑speaker audio system. 

Upholstery is utilitarian, designed to withstand outdoor use. 

Safety features include twelve driver‑assist systems: adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, blind spot detection, and collision warnings among them.  

Pricing is where the V23 makes its strongest case. In Thailand, the base model starts at 699,900 baht — about US$13,700. 

The mid‑range trim is around US$17,000, while the AWD Peak tops out near US$21,000. 

That undercuts competitors like the Suzuki Jimny EV or Land Rover Defender by a wide margin, while offering a claimed range that looks impressive on paper.  

The range figures, however, come with caveats. CLTC testing is known for optimism, often overstating real‑world performance by 20 to 30 percent. 

That means the AWD Peak’s 806 kilometers could translate to closer to 560 kilometers in everyday driving. 

Still, even adjusted, the numbers remain competitive for the price bracket.  

Chery has positioned the V23 as a bridge between rugged design and affordable EV practicality. 

It’s not built to replace hardcore off‑roaders, but to give younger buyers a vehicle that looks adventurous, performs adequately, and doesn’t break the bank.  

The perspective to sit with is this: the V23 isn’t just another budget SUV. It’s a signal that retro‑styled, lifestyle‑oriented EVs are moving into mass‑market territory. 

By 2030, the idea of an affordable electric “mini‑Defender” may not feel novel at all — it may simply be the default choice for drivers who want utility, style, and range without the premium badge.