iCar V23 Long-Term Review: 10,000 km Real-World Ownership Report

iCar V23 Long-Term Review: 10,000 km Real-World Ownership Report

Spec sheets and short test drives only tell part of the story. After 10,000 km of real-world driving in the iCar V23 AWD across UAE city traffic, highway runs and weekend desert trips, this long-term report covers what living with the car is actually like - from daily comfort to range, reliability and running costs.

Updated August 2026.

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.

First 10,000 km Experience

Across 10,000 km, the iCar V23 AWD has proven to be a genuinely enjoyable daily driver. The 211 hp dual-motor powertrain makes city traffic effortless - instant torque means you never wait for power, and the silent operation makes stop-start commuting far less stressful than in a petrol SUV. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist have taken the fatigue out of long Sheikh Zayed Road runs.

Comfort has been a consistent strength. The ventilated leather seats are a daily luxury in UAE summer, and the PM2.5 air purification keeps the cabin fresh during dust events. The 15.4-inch touchscreen with wireless CarPlay has been reliable and intuitive, and the 7-speaker audio system remains a pleasure on long journeys. The only recurring gripe is the 280-litre boot, which has required creative packing for weekend trips.

Range & Charging Over Time

Range has held up well over 10,000 km. In summer with air conditioning running hard, real-world range settled around 420-450 km from the 81.8 kWh battery - close to our early expectations and with no noticeable degradation so far. The heat-stable battery chemistry appears to be doing its job, as summer heat has not caused the range drop that some NMC-cell EVs suffer.

Charging has settled into a simple routine. An overnight charge on the 6.6 kW home wall box covers a full week of commuting, and public DC fast chargers have been used only on longer trips - typically a 40-minute stop adds enough for another 300 km. The habit of plugging in each night quickly became second nature, and range anxiety has been entirely absent.

Reliability & Issues

Over 10,000 km the V23 AWD has been mechanically faultless. No warning lights, no drivetrain issues, no software glitches that required a dealer visit. The 8-year / 200,000 km warranty provides strong reassurance for the battery and drivetrain, and Chery's service intervals have been straightforward - mainly tyre rotations, cabin filter changes and brake fluid checks, all inexpensive.

A few things are worth watching. The 21-inch tyres with 265/45 R21 rubber are pricier to replace than smaller wheels, so budget for tyre wear especially if you drive on rough desert tracks. Brake pad wear has been minimal thanks to regenerative braking. Software updates are worth installing promptly to keep the infotainment and ADAS systems current. Overall, reliability has exceeded expectations for a car at this price point.

Cost of Ownership So Far

The cost savings of electric ownership have been the standout. Over 10,000 km, home electricity costs have totalled roughly 1,500 AED at around 0.30 AED per kWh - a fraction of what the equivalent petrol would have cost. Public fast charging added only a few hundred dirhams for occasional long trips. Service costs have been minimal, with no oil changes and cheap consumables.

Insurance has run around 3,000 AED per year for comprehensive cover including battery protection. Factoring in the 66,000 AED purchase price, the V23 AWD has been remarkably economical to run. Compared with a petrol SUV over the same distance, the fuel savings alone have already offset a meaningful chunk of the monthly finance payment.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Mechanically faultless over 10,000 km
• No noticeable battery degradation in UAE summer
• Fuel savings are substantial versus petrol
• Ventilated seats and ADAS remain daily highlights
• 8-year / 200,000 km warranty gives peace of mind

Cons

• Boot requires creative packing for trips
• 21-inch tyres are expensive to replace
• Service network thinner outside major cities
• DC fast charging slower than premium 800V rivals

Frequently Asked Questions

Has the iCar V23 AWD been reliable over 10,000 km?

Yes. Over 10,000 km it has been mechanically faultless with no warning lights, drivetrain issues or software glitches requiring a dealer visit, and the 8-year / 200,000 km warranty backs the battery and drivetrain.

Is there any battery degradation?

No noticeable degradation has been observed so far. The heat-stable battery chemistry appears to cope well with UAE summer conditions, and real-world range has held steady at 420-450 km.

How much has it cost to run over 10,000 km?

Home electricity has cost roughly 1,500 AED for 10,000 km, plus a few hundred dirhams in public fast charging. Service costs have been minimal with no oil changes - a fraction of equivalent petrol running costs.

What should I watch for long-term?

Budget for 21-inch tyre replacement, install software updates promptly to keep the infotainment and ADAS current, and keep up with simple service items like cabin filter and brake fluid checks.

Verdict

After 10,000 km, the iCar V23 AWD has proven itself as a dependable, economical and genuinely enjoyable electric SUV. It has been mechanically faultless, the battery has shown no degradation in UAE heat, and the fuel savings versus petrol are substantial. The small boot and pricey 21-inch tyres are the main trade-offs, but for 66,000 AED the V23 AWD delivers a long-term ownership experience that far exceeds expectations.