Chery V23 Retrocube

First Impressions

Walking up to the Chery V23 Retrocube at the Motor Expo 2025 booth, I was genuinely taken aback. Photos online make this car look small and toy-like, but in person it's taller than me at 168 cm and wider than any eco car on the road. The Retrocube edition cranks the visual drama up several notches with chrome everywhere, safari lights on the roof, and a full-length roof rack that makes it look ready for an expedition.

This isn't just sticker work. Chery has gone all-in with a factory customization package that feels cohesive and well thought out.

Design and Exterior

The boxy silhouette is the V23's signature, and the Retrocube leans into it hard. Chrome grille slats, chrome headlight surrounds, and chrome fender accents wrap around the car giving it a retro-premium vibe. The safari lights perched on top are a fun touch that actually suits the squared-off roofline.

I checked out two color options: a classic green that feels vintage and sophisticated, and a punchy orange that screams look-at-me. Both wore the full Retrocube kit well. The rear ladder bolted to the back is not just for show either. I climbed right up on it and it held solid. The wooden side steps are the same story: they look decorative but they're genuinely sturdy enough to stand on comfortably.

Chery also showed off simpler wrap-only versions for buyers who want personality without the full accessory overload. The variety of customization paths is honestly one of the V23's strongest selling points.

Interior and Tech

Here's where the Retrocube story gets a bit thin. Step inside and it's the same V23 interior you'd find on the standard model. The 15-inch screen dominates the dashboard, the boxy air vents match the exterior theme nicely, and there are grab handles that reinforce the adventure aesthetic. Feature-wise, Chery loads it up generously.

But I was hoping for some interior-specific Retrocube touches: maybe unique upholstery, colored stitching, or special trim pieces. None of that materializes. The outside screams special edition while the inside whispers standard.

Practicality

The barn-door style tailgate swings open wide, revealing a cargo area that's more usable than you'd expect from a car this shape. The V23 isn't long, but it's wide, and that width translates into genuine day-to-day practicality. The roof rack setup is functional too. Whether you're strapping camping gear up top or just want the look, the integrated ladder means you can actually access it without dragging out a stepladder.

Driving Experience

I've driven the standard V23 previously and found it perfectly adequate for city use. Haven't had seat time in this specific Retrocube edition, but mechanically it's identical. The boxy shape means it's never going to be aerodynamically slippery, but for an urban lifestyle EV that's not really the point.

Value for Money

The Retrocube essentially eliminates the need for aftermarket modification. You drive it off the lot looking like you spent serious time and effort at a custom shop, except everything carries a factory warranty and fits properly. Compared to buying a base V23 and sourcing chrome kits, roof racks, safari lights, and a rear ladder separately, the convenience factor is real.

For buyers who see their car as an extension of their personality, this package makes a strong case for itself.

Final Verdict

The Chery V23 Retrocube is a lifestyle statement on wheels. It's bigger than you think, more charming than photos convey, and the factory customization is genuinely well executed. The only real disappointment is the unchanged interior. If you want an EV that turns heads and sparks conversations without any aftermarket fuss, the Retrocube delivers. If interior distinction matters as much as exterior flash, you might feel shortchanged.