During a special test program in China, I had the opportunity to be among the first Europeans to drive the new iCAUR V27. The Golden REEV Classic Journey in Wuhu not only showcased the car’s technical capabilities, but also gave a clear impression of how iCAUR sees the future of range-extended electric mobility.
Author: Szilárd Szélpál
Few professional events offer the chance not only to test a new car, but also to gain direct insight into a brand’s mindset, development direction and vision for the future. For me, the iCAUR program in Wuhu, China, was exactly that kind of experience. It was a great honour to be there as one of the first Europeans, and to be among the first to try the new iCAUR V27 as part of the Golden REEV Classic Journey.
It was already a special feeling to experience the car in China, in iCAUR’s home environment. First impressions of a new model are always important, but getting to know a car on a real route, in varied traffic situations, is very different from seeing it in a sterile showroom environment. This approach felt much more authentic to me, because it brought not only the figures, but also the character of the car much closer.
Showing its abilities in real-world conditions
The test drive started from Hefei South Railway Station, where international media and partners set off towards Wuhu. The approximately 160-kilometre route was designed to include national roads, secondary roads and expressway sections. This was especially useful because the V27 could be experienced not in one artificial situation, but in a sequence of real driving conditions.
On the first sections of the route, the car’s stability, suspension and overall drivability came into focus. The V27 uses a MacPherson front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, which in practice resulted in a comfortable yet sufficiently composed ride. The car absorbed road imperfections well, without becoming uncertain or overly soft. This balance is especially important for a model that needs to perform in urban use, on country roads and on longer journeys as well.
One of my first positive impressions while driving was the excellent visibility. The higher body, clear vehicle layout and driving position together gave a confident feeling. The car did not require a long familiarisation period: its controls quickly felt natural, its reactions were predictable, and the power delivery remained smooth and linear.
Stability and a refined powertrain
The i-AWD intelligent all-wheel-drive system also played an important role in the car’s character. In changing road conditions, the system provided stability and traction, giving a strong sense of confidence throughout the drive. It is not the kind of technology that constantly tries to draw attention to itself; rather, it works quietly in the background, exactly as a well-tuned all-wheel-drive system should.
On the expressway section, another side of the V27 became apparent. Here, not only the suspension and stability mattered, but also the refinement of the powertrain. The Golden REEV system, meaning the range-extended electric drive, proved convincing: the car mainly operated in electric mode, acceleration was even, and power delivery remained predictable throughout.
The quiet operation was especially positive. The cabin insulation is fundamentally excellent, which is a major advantage on longer journeys. With all-terrain tyres, some rolling noise from the wheels can naturally be expected, especially at higher speeds or on rougher surfaces, but it is not intrusive at all. In fact, what stood out was that the car’s overall sound insulation is so good that even this more characteristic tyre noise does not significantly affect travel comfort. The V27 did not try too hard to impress; it simply performed in a refined and confident way.
Key technical features
Based on the technical data, we are talking about serious capabilities. The Golden REEV system offers a combined driving range of more than 1,000 kilometres, while in pure electric mode it can cover more than 150 kilometres. From a European perspective, I find this combination particularly interesting: a significant part of daily driving can be completed electrically, while longer journeys do not require constant adjustment to the charging infrastructure.
From both a technical and practical point of view, the V27 appears to be a highly versatile car. Its key parameters include the Golden REEV range-extended electric powertrain, a combined range of more than 1,000 kilometres, an electric-only range exceeding 150 kilometres, i-AWD intelligent all-wheel drive, MacPherson front and multi-link rear suspension, and a 6 kW external power output capability. In addition, the model features 39 standardised ecosystem interfaces, strengthening its adaptability to different lifestyles and use cases.
More than a car: a mobile lifestyle platform
One interesting stop during the tour was an outdoor camping experience, where the car appeared not only as a means of transport, but also as a kind of mobile lifestyle platform. The 6 kW external power supply makes it possible to use various outdoor devices, which can be a real advantage for camping, travel or leisure activities. This part clearly showed that the V27 was not designed only for getting from A to B, but also for users who want their car to become part of an active lifestyle.
The 39 standardised interfaces and pre-prepared connection points also indicate that iCAUR is seriously thinking about personalisation. I find this direction particularly appealing, because more and more buyers want their car to be more than just a mass-produced product: they want it to fit their needs, hobbies and lifestyle. In this respect, the V27 seems like a strong foundation, not a closed, rigid construction, but a platform that can be further adapted later.
Convincing, but not exaggerated performance
As for performance, the V27 behaved convincingly. Not in an aggressive or exaggerated way, but confidently. Acceleration felt natural, the car kept its pace well, and the operation of the powertrain did not disturb travel comfort. For me, this matters more than raw figures: with a modern electric or range-extended vehicle, the real question is how invisible the technology becomes in everyday use. In the case of the V27, I felt that the system was well integrated and did not require compromise from the driver.
The hospitality and organisation also deserve special mention. The structure of the test tour, the route selection, the rhythm of the program and the attention to detail all showed that iCAUR and the hosts took this event seriously. They did not simply want to show a car; they created an experience and context around the V27. That matters a lot, because participants received not only technical data, but also genuine impressions.
Personal conclusion
On a personal level, it felt especially good to experience all this as one of the first Europeans. Being present at the international presentation of a new model is always exciting, but this was about more than that: it was about seeing up close how a new brand with global ambitions thinks about the future. In Wuhu, I not only got to know the iCAUR V27 better, but also saw how iCAUR imagines the meeting point of classic design, electric technology and versatile usability.
Overall, the iCAUR V27 made a strong impression on me. I experienced it as a comfortable, quiet, stable and technically well-considered car. The Golden REEV powertrain, long range, electric usability, intelligent all-wheel drive and external power supply capability together create a package that is not only interesting, but also relevant for everyday use.
The Wuhu test drive will remain a memorable professional and personal experience for me. It felt good to be there, it felt good to be among the first to try the new V27, and it felt good to see that iCAUR is presenting not just a car, but a thoughtful and versatile mobility concept.
Cover photo and all photos credit: iCAUR
Szilárd Szélpál served as an environmental expert in the European Parliament from 2014, where he utilized his expertise to influence policy-making and promote sustainable practices across Europe. In addition to his environmental work, Szilárd has a deep understanding of foreign affairs, offering strategic advice and contributing to the development of policy initiatives in this field.
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