JSW Motors Tests G-Wagon-Inspired Chinese Electric SUV

A heavily camouflaged sport utility vehicle based on the Chery iCAR V23 has been spotted undergoing road tests in India, indicating that JSW Motors is moving ahead with its plans to introduce new electric vehicles in the country. Spy images circulating online show the prototype wrapped in thick camouflage, but the overall proportions and styling cues clearly resemble the model already sold in China. The sighting signals the company’s growing efforts to expand its electric vehicle portfolio and marks another step toward bringing rebadged international models to Indian customers in the coming years.

The SUV appears to retain the distinctive boxy silhouette of the original Chinese model, with a tall stance and rugged styling. Visible design elements include flared wheel arches, a sidestep that improves ease of entry, and a sharply angled rear window line that gives the vehicle a unique visual character. Despite the camouflage covering most details, the prototype’s upright profile and muscular proportions suggest a strong focus on both urban usability and off-road capability, aligning with the growing demand for adventure-inspired SUVs in the Indian market.

At the rear, the test mule features a protruding section on the tailgate that hints at a dedicated storage compartment, likely intended for charging cables or related accessories. Horizontal taillights, partially visible through the camouflage, appear to give the SUV a rugged and modern look similar to that seen on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Observers have also noted similarities to test prototypes of the upcoming Mahindra Vision S, which is currently being evaluated in India.

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According to industry reports, JSW Motors plans to introduce several vehicles derived from Chinese automotive brands. These include products based on models from sub-brands such as Jetour, Jaecoo, and iCaur. The iCaur V23-inspired SUV is expected to follow other upcoming models, including a plug-in hybrid based on the Jetour T2 and an electric SUV derived from the Jaecoo J5. Local assembly at the company’s facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is likely to help keep production costs competitive.

Globally, the iCaur V23 is offered with two battery configurations. The entry-level version features a 59.93 kWh battery powering a rear-mounted electric motor that produces 136 horsepower and 180 Nm of torque. A more powerful variant comes with an 81.76 kWh battery and dual-motor all-wheel-drive system generating 211 horsepower and 292 Nm of torque. The vehicle is claimed to deliver a driving range of up to 401 km and 510 km, respectively, under the CLTC testing cycle, with support for DC fast charging that ranges from 85 kW to more than 100 kW.

If launched in India, the SUV will enter an increasingly competitive mid-size electric SUV segment. Potential rivals include the Hyundai Creta Electric, Mahindra BE 6, VinFast VF6, Maruti eVitara, MG ZS EV, Tata Curvv EV, and the upcoming Tata Sierra EV. With testing already underway, the model represents an important step in JSW’s strategy to expand its footprint in India’s fast-growing electric mobility market and offer technology-focused vehicles tailored for local conditions.

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