A strong start in the Saudi market: iCAUR V27 steals the show in Jeddah
Reflecting the growing dynamism of the Saudi Arabian automotive market, the first media test drive of the new iCAUR V27 was successfully held in the coastal city of Jeddah. The event, which took place on February 5th, focused on providing a comprehensive driving experience of this hybrid SUV, testing its powerful performance and advanced technologies on busy city streets and extended highways, highlighting its adaptability to various modern driving conditions.
Background of the event and its importance in the context of Vision 2030
The launch of the V27 comes at a pivotal time as the Kingdom undergoes a major economic and social transformation under the umbrella of Vision 2030. The Vision aims to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil, with a strong focus on sustainability and the adoption of modern technologies. Within this framework, the electric and hybrid vehicle sector is gaining increasing importance, as consumers are increasingly turning to vehicles that combine fuel efficiency, powerful performance, and smart technologies. The entry of the iCAUR brand into the Saudi market is a direct response to this trend, offering a new and competitive option in the new energy vehicle (NEV) segment.
Driving Experience Details: From the heart of Jeddah to King Abdullah Economic City
The event began with a gathering of select media representatives and specialist platforms, including the leading platform “Motory,” at Millionaire Restaurant, one of Jeddah’s most prestigious landmarks. There, the iCAUR Saudi Arabia team presented a detailed explanation of the V27’s design philosophy and core technologies, followed by an open discussion that allowed attendees to gain a deep understanding of the brand’s vision and the model’s strengths. Afterward, a driving experience took place on a diverse route encompassing Jeddah’s urban streets and the highways leading to King Abdullah Economic City, providing an ideal environment to evaluate the car’s performance under various conditions, from traffic congestion to high speeds on open roads.
Exceptional performance thanks to Golden REEV technology
The iCAUR V27 has proven to transcend the conventional notion of balancing power and range. It features the innovative Golden REEV system, which incorporates a 1.5-liter turbocharged range-extending engine with a thermal efficiency of 45.79%, generating 3.71 kWh of electricity per liter of fuel. This system gives the car a total range exceeding 1,000 km, effectively addressing concerns about long-distance travel. On highways, the V27 unleashes the power of its twin electric motors, producing up to 455 hp, achieving acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5 seconds, with immediate and consistent response that makes overtaking and lane changes seamless and safe.
Sporty controls and a smart cabin
What particularly impressed the participants was the precise handling and stability the vehicle demonstrated, a direct result of the chassis tuned in collaboration with the renowned Prodrive racing team, as well as the intelligent i-AWD all-wheel-drive system. These features instilled in the driver a sense of confidence and control, challenging the stereotype that large vehicles are cumbersome. Inside, a 15.4-inch 3K touchscreen dominated the dashboard, powered by the 8155 processor, ensuring the infotainment system operated with exceptional smoothness. Comfort features such as a cooled armrest and ventilated and heated seats further enhanced the driving experience. One journalist commented after the test drive: “I didn’t expect an SUV of this size to be so agile; it was a joy to drive from start to finish.”.
Expected impact and regional ambitions
The Jeddah experience was just the beginning, as the iCAUR V27 prepares for its official launch in the UAE on February 8, followed by the Kingdom of Bahrain on February 10. The arrival of the V27 is expected to add new momentum to the region's luxury and sustainable mobility sector, setting a new standard for what hybrid SUVs can offer in terms of the balance between sporty performance, operational efficiency, and advanced technologies that meet the aspirations of drivers in the Middle East.
