iCar V23 2WD vs AWD: Which Trim Should You Buy in the UAE?

iCar V23 2WD vs AWD: Which Trim Should You Buy in the UAE?

Choosing between the iCar V23 2WD and AWD comes down to one question: is 11,000 AED worth dual motors, an extra 100 km of range and a full suite of off-road and safety tech? Both trims share the same boxy body and cabin, but they are very different cars to drive. This head-to-head breaks down the numbers so you can pick the right one for the UAE.

Updated August 2026.

iCar V23 2WD

Starting Price: 55,000 AED

Body Style: SUV

A boxy off-road-styled compact electric SUV from Chery's iCar sub-brand. The V23 2WD pairs a 59.93 kWh CATL LFP battery with a 134 hp rear motor for 401 km of WLTC range, blending rugged adventure looks with zero-emission running costs at an unbeatable price.

Key Highlights

• 59.93 kWh CATL LFP battery with 401 km WLTC range
• Single motor 134 hp / 180 Nm, RWD
• Boxy off-road design with 21-inch wheels
• 15.4-inch touchscreen with wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
• 8-year / 200,000 km vehicle warranty

Best for: Young buyers who want an affordable, stylish electric SUV with off-road character.

iCar V23 AWD

Starting Price: 66,000 AED

Body Style: SUV

The dual-motor AWD version of Chery's iCar V23, delivering 211 hp and 292 Nm through all four wheels with a 501 km WLTC range. It combines genuine off-road capability with a full ADAS suite, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a 540-degree camera at a price that shames every rival.

Key Highlights

• Dual-motor AWD with 211 hp / 292 Nm, 0-100 in 7.5s
• 81.8 kWh battery with 501 km WLTC range
• Full ADAS: AEB, ACC, LKA, BSD, 540-degree camera
• Off-road mode with hill descent control
• Heated & ventilated leather seats, 8-year / 200,000 km warranty

Best for: Adventure-seeking buyers who want dual-motor EV performance with off-road ability.

Performance Comparison

The performance gap between the two trims is dramatic. The 2WD uses a single rear motor producing 134 hp and 180 Nm, which is plenty for daily driving but delivers a relaxed 0-100 km/h time of around 10 seconds. Rear-wheel drive also gives the 2WD a playful, balanced feel on dry tarmac.

The AWD adds a front motor for a combined 211 hp and 292 Nm, dropping the 0-100 km/h sprint to 7.5 seconds - quick for any SUV at this price, let alone an electric one. The instant torque from both motors makes overtaking on Sheikh Zayed Road effortless, and all-wheel-drive traction means that power is usable even on loose or wet surfaces.

Range & Battery Comparison

Battery size is the other big differentiator. The 2WD carries a 59.93 kWh CATL LFP battery rated for 401 km of WLTC range. LFP chemistry is a smart choice for the UAE because it is more heat-stable and longer-lasting than NMC cells, so the battery holds up well in summer.

The AWD steps up to an 81.8 kWh battery and a 501 km WLTC range - a 25% increase that meaningfully reduces charging stops on longer trips. Realistically, expect around 330-360 km from the 2WD and 420-450 km from the AWD in UAE summer conditions with air conditioning running, which is still comfortably more than most daily drivers need.

Feature & Price Comparison

For 11,000 AED on top of the 55,000 AED base price, the AWD adds far more than just a second motor. You get the full ADAS suite (AEB, ACC, LKA, BSD, FCW, RCW), a 540-degree surround camera, heated and ventilated leather seats, 21-inch wheels with 265/45 R21 tyres, and an off-road mode with hill descent control. Each of these items would cost thousands individually on a European rival.

The 2WD keeps the core experience intact - 15.4-inch screen, wireless CarPlay, 7-speaker audio, leather seats, V2L and PM2.5 filtration - but relies on cruise control and a reverse camera rather than adaptive cruise and a surround view. If you never leave the city, the 2WD's feature set is perfectly adequate. If you value safety tech, comfort and adventure, the AWD's premium is easy to justify.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• AWD offers 211 hp and 7.5s 0-100 for 66,000 AED
• AWD adds 100 km of range (501 km WLTC)
• Full ADAS and 540-degree camera on AWD
• 2WD is the most affordable electric SUV with off-road styling
• Both share 8-year / 200,000 km warranty

Cons

• 11,000 AED gap may stretch some budgets
• 2WD lacks ACC and off-road mode
• Boot is only 280 L on both
• AWD's 21-inch tyres are more expensive to replace

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the iCar V23 AWD worth the extra 11,000 AED over the 2WD?

For most buyers, yes. The AWD adds a second motor, 100 km of range, full ADAS, a 540-degree camera, ventilated seats, 21-inch wheels and an off-road mode - exceptional value for 11,000 AED. City-only buyers may be happy saving the money with the 2WD.

Which trim is faster?

The AWD is significantly faster, with 211 hp and a 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time versus the 2WD's 134 hp and roughly 10-second sprint.

Do both trims have the same warranty?

Yes. Both the 2WD and AWD are covered by an 8-year / 200,000 km warranty.

Which trim is better for the desert?

The AWD is the clear choice for desert driving thanks to dual-motor traction, an off-road mode with hill descent control and 21-inch all-terrain-capable tyres. The 2WD is rear-wheel drive only and best kept on paved roads.

Verdict

If your budget allows, the iCar V23 AWD is the trim to buy. For 11,000 AED more than the 2WD you get a faster, longer-range, better-equipped SUV with genuine off-road ability and a full safety suite. The 2WD remains an excellent entry point at 55,000 AED for pure urban commuters, but the AWD's breadth of capability makes it the better long-term ownership proposition in the UAE.