JSW will be entering the Indian market as an independent car brand in the coming months. The brand is expected to be officially launched around the festive season this year, and from the reports, it is already clear that JSW has tied up with Chinese car manufacturer Chery for this. Like many brands, JSW is also expected to focus on the SUV segment and new energy vehicles. A design patent for one such upcoming SUV from JSW was recently filed in India. The SUV is the iCar V23 EV, and the Indian version looks slightly different from the international version.
The patent images that have surfaced online actually show the design of the upcoming iCar V23. This is an electric SUV that is already on sale in many markets. The Indian version of the V23 is likely to be known by a different name under the JSW brand. The SUV seen here in the patent images looks slightly different, and it looks like the SUV gets specific changes for our market.
Starting with the front, the V23 EV continues to get the same circular LED headlamp design, but the front grille looks slightly different. We do not see V23 branding on the grille. We expect the JSW branding to be placed on the grille when the EV gets launched. Apart from this, the SUV gets the same bumper design as the international variant.
The V23, as we all know, comes with an exterior design that looks heavily inspired by the likes of the Defender and Rubicon. The boxy design is retained in the Indian version too, but the closed-off portion in the C- and D-pillar region of the SUV gets a rectangular element. It needs to be seen whether that portion would turn out to be a small glass panel or a plastic trim that can be removed for installing additional accessories.
The design patent also shows one more feature that is missing in the international version. The India-spec V23 will be offered with a panoramic sunroof. As we move to the rear, we see the same layout and design as the regular version. Instead of a spare wheel, the EV gets a boxy design element with LED lights in it. The vehicle branding is likely to be seen inside the transparent case. It is actually a storage compartment that can be accessed from inside the vehicle.
Just like the exterior, we expect to see minor tweaks in the interior of the V23 too. The SUV is likely to get the same clean and minimalist-looking dashboard layout with a large 15.4-inch infotainment screen, which also doubles up as a driver display. As the SUV carries a neo-retro design on the outside, the same will reflect in the cabin too.
We expect to see rotary knobs below the infotainment screen to control the volume, drive modes, and climate control. The three-spoke steering wheel on the SUV is likely to be the same as the international version but with JSW’s branding. We expect to see features like leatherette upholstery and possibly seat ventilation, along with other features.
Internationally, the V23 is not a feature-loaded SUV, and it needs to be seen whether JSW would like to maintain that image and price it aggressively or load it up with more features to keep up with the competition.
The V23 will come with a 59.93 kWh or an 81.76 kWh battery pack. It offers a claimed driving range of anywhere between 360 and 430 km. The reason why the bigger battery pack’s claimed driving range is under 500 km is because this version is internationally available with dual motors or an AWD setup. Reports suggest that the V23 in India is expected to be offered in both 2WD and AWD versions and is likely to be priced around Rs 20 lakh. While the brand will officially get launched later this year, their first product is expected to get launched in 2027. The Icar V23 EV is likely to be the second product from JSW after Jetour T2.