Park Hyatt Dubai’s ballroom filled with senior executives and VIPs on February 10th, 2026, as iCAUR staged the global launch of its V27 hybrid SUV. The Emirati premiere marked the vehicle’s first commercial availability worldwide.
Chery International’s premium sub-brand chose the UAE over established automotive capitals, positioning the Gulf state as the entry point for what the company calls a “new-energy classic.” Tim Zhang, General Manager of Chery International Middle East, acknowledged the strategic weight of that decision. “iCAUR’s global debut in the UAE reflects our commitment to consumers across the Middle East,” he said at the launch. “We are dedicated to delivering leading products and premium experiences to young and young-at-heart customers in the region.”
The move places iCAUR alongside Chinese EV manufacturers like BYD and Nio in targeting the UAE’s expanding electric and hybrid market, where government incentives and a growing charging infrastructure have accelerated adoption since 2024.
Guests at the classical-themed gala explored the engineering decisions behind the five-metre-long SUV, from its boxy exterior silhouette to the “Stellar Cockpit” interior. The showcase revealed design evolution details—how round headlamps were paired with flat surfaces, why the 2,900mm wheelbase configuration was chosen, and what drove the decision to install 39 ecosystem ports for aftermarket modifications.
That wasn’t marketing theatre. Before the Park Hyatt event, iCAUR’s development teams had already spent months testing the V27 across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Summer heat trials pushed cooling systems to their limits. High-speed intercity runs between Dubai and Abu Dhabi validated range claims under real-world conditions.
The broader test programme deployed over 1,000 vehicles globally, racking up more than one million kilometres across 50 comprehensive evaluation protocols. Extreme heat. Severe cold. Complex terrain. The validation cycle covered scenarios well beyond what typical buyers will encounter, but iCAUR needed data proving the V27 could handle the Gulf’s punishing summers without compromise.
What emerged from that process is a range-extended electric vehicle—not a conventional plug-in hybrid. The distinction matters. The V27’s Golden REEV system uses electric motors exclusively for propulsion, delivering instant torque and smooth acceleration. The petrol engine? It functions solely as a generator when the battery depletes, never directly driving the wheels.
That architecture delivers over 150 kilometres of pure electric range and more than 995 kilometres combined. For urban commutes within Dubai or Abu Dhabi, owners can operate emission-free. For weekend desert excursions or intercity travel, the range-extender eliminates charging anxiety.
Inside, the “Stellar Porthole” dual panoramic sunscreen blocks 99.9% of UV radiation—a feature that addresses the Gulf climate directly rather than adapting a global specification. The floating “Star Island” ceiling and five-seat layout prioritise space efficiency over cramming in a third row.
Zhang made clear that showrooms represent just the foundation. “We have a clear vision for the UAE market – we are not content to simply open showrooms – these locations will be part of a bigger eco-system that includes world class after-sales service and establishing dedicated owner communities, so our valued customers can share experiences, enjoy interesting drives, interact with our highly trained teams and make new friends,” he commented.
Three locations opened immediately: the flagship at Oasis Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, plus showrooms in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Those sites will anchor an expansion across all seven emirates, though iCAUR hasn’t disclosed timelines or specific locations yet.
AiMOGA Robots—companion devices within iCAUR’s broader technology ecosystem—will appear alongside the V27 in showrooms, letting potential buyers interact with what the brand frames as integrated lifestyle technology rather than isolated automotive purchases.
The V27’s 39 pre-installed ecosystem ports support extensive customisation through upgrade accessories, from roof racks and off-road lighting to interior storage solutions. iCAUR is betting that younger buyers and those “young-at-heart” want personalisation options beyond paint colours and trim packages.
Pricing remains undisclosed, as does the production timeline for markets beyond the UAE. Zhang confirmed the V27 will arrive in additional countries and regions throughout 2026, though he didn’t specify which markets follow Dubai or whether right-hand-drive variants for markets like the UK are planned.
The decision to launch globally from Dubai rather than Beijing or Shanghai signals how seriously Chinese automakers now view Gulf markets. Where Tesla and European manufacturers once dominated premium EV conversations in the region, brands like iCAUR are competing directly for showroom traffic and customer deposits.
Whether the V27’s blend of boxy aesthetics, range-extended technology, and customisation ecosystem resonates with UAE buyers will become clear in the months ahead. For now, iCAUR has made its statement: the future of its flagship SUV starts in the Emirates, not anywhere else.
The Park Hyatt gala attendees left with brochures and test-drive invitations. By mid-2026, the real test begins—not in controlled environments across a million kilometres, but in Dubai traffic, weekend desert camps, and the daily decisions of customers choosing between iCAUR’s vision and the established alternatives already lining Sheikh Zayed Road showrooms.