iCAUR is coming to Croatia, a new Chinese premium brand on the trail of Land Rover

A new Chinese premium brand, iCAUR, is set to enter the Croatian and Slovenian markets later this year, positioning itself as a competitor to established luxury vehicle brands such as Land Rover. The brand, part of the Chery automotive group, is known for its distinctive design that blends classic boxy aesthetics with advanced electric propulsion technology and high-quality interiors. It targets both urban driving and outdoor activities, offering models tailored for diverse environments. The iCAUR brand was introduced in 2023 as a fully electric vehicle manufacturer and has since expanded to more than 20 global markets. Its compact model, the V23, has already achieved notable success, being recognized as the leading boxy SUV in Thailand, among the top three best-selling battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in Malaysia, and positioned as the premier luxury electric car in South Africa. In Indonesia, the brand won awards for the most popular vehicle presentation and the most popular new brand, and in 2026, it received the prestigious Red Dot Design Concept award for innovative design. The debut model in Croatia and Slovenia will be the iCAUR V27, a large SUV measuring nearly five meters in length and serving as the flagship model in the brand's lineup. It features a range-extender propulsion system, which means the vehicle is entirely electric-powered, with an internal combustion engine generating electricity for extended range when needed. The V27 offers rear-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations, with power outputs of either 185 kW or 335 kW and a battery capacity of 34.3 kWh. The vehicle provides eight basic and additional driving modes tailored to different road and terrain conditions, a ground clearance of 224 mm, and the ability to ford water up to 600 mm deep. For enthusiasts of outdoor activities, the V27 includes 39 pre-installed connection points for additional equipment and external power supply capability of up to 6 kW. The cargo space ranges from 715 to 1,818 liters depending on the position of the rear seats, while technological features include a central 15.4-inch display, an audio system with 15 speakers, and 21 driver assistance functions. The first iCAUR vehicles are expected to arrive at Auto Benussi, the distributor bringing the brand to the Croatian and Slovenian markets, by the end of the year. Following the V27 model, other models from the lineup, including the V25 and V23, will also be introduced. Details regarding prices, specifications, and exact launch dates will be published subsequently, with current technical specifications noted as provisional and subject to change pending European certification. The arrival of iCAUR aligns with the broader expansion of Chinese automotive brands into the region and coincides with a period of strong growth for the Chery group on a global scale. According to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, Chery achieved a 4.1 percent share of the global market in the first half of 2026, matching Ford’s ninth place among the world’s largest automobile manufacturers. Additionally, in August, the company exported over 200,000 vehicles in a single month, setting a record for Chinese manufacturers. The entry of iCAUR into the Croatian and Slovenian markets reflects the growing influence of Chinese automotive brands in Europe, driven by advancements in electric vehicle technology and increasing consumer interest in sustainable transportation options. As the brand prepares to launch its first models in the region, it faces competition from well-established players but brings with it a unique blend of design innovation and technological capabilities aimed at appealing to a broad spectrum of consumers. The iCAUR V27 is scheduled to begin arriving at dealerships in Croatia and Slovenia towards the end of the year, marking a significant step in the brand's international expansion strategy. This move is expected to contribute to the ongoing trend of increased presence of Chinese automotive manufacturers in European markets, reflecting broader shifts in the global automotive industry toward electrification and sustainability.