iCar V23 Off-Road Capability Deep Dive: Desert, Wadi & Mountain Trails

iCar V23 Off-Road Capability Deep Dive: Desert, Wadi & Mountain Trails

The iCar V23 AWD is not your typical electric SUV. With its dual-motor AWD system, 211 hp and boxy off-road design, it is built to handle the UAE's most challenging terrain — from the dunes around Liwa to the wadis of Hatta and the mountain trails of Ras Al Khaimah. This deep dive examines the iCar V23 AWD's off-road credentials in detail, covering ground clearance, traction, desert performance and water crossing capability.

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.

Ground Clearance & Angles

The iCar V23 AWD features a raised suspension with ground clearance of approximately 210 mm, which is comparable to mainstream compact SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and more than sufficient for UAE desert tracks and wadi trails. The boxy design with minimal overhangs contributes to strong approach and departure angles, allowing the iCar to climb steep dune faces and descend rocky wadi beds without scraping the bumper.

The short front and rear overhangs — a benefit of the iCar's compact footprint — give it an approach angle of approximately 26 degrees and a departure angle of approximately 29 degrees. The breakover angle is estimated at approximately 20 degrees, which is adequate for most UAE off-road scenarios short of extreme rock crawling.

The 21-inch wheels with all-terrain tyres provide additional sidewall protection against sharp rocks, and the raised suspension helps the battery pack clear obstacles that would ground a conventional low-slung EV. However, drivers should always be mindful of the battery pack's position under the floor and avoid deep ruts that could contact it.

AWD System & Traction

The iCar V23 AWD's dual-motor system is the heart of its off-road capability. The front and rear electric motors produce a combined 211 hp and 292 Nm of torque, with each motor driving its respective axle independently. This eliminates the need for a mechanical centre differential and allows the vehicle's computer to vary torque distribution between front and rear in milliseconds.

Electronic traction control monitors wheel slip at each wheel and can reduce torque to a spinning wheel almost instantly, redirecting it to the wheels with grip. This mimics the effect of a limited-slip differential without the mechanical complexity. In soft sand, where wheels can spin freely, the system continuously adjusts to maintain forward momentum.

The instant torque delivery of electric motors is a significant off-road advantage. Unlike a petrol engine that needs to rev up to produce peak torque, the iCar's motors deliver 292 Nm from zero rpm. This allows precise, controlled power delivery when climbing dunes or crawling over rocks — exactly when you need smooth, predictable torque the most.

Desert Driving Mode

The iCar V23 AWD features a dedicated off-road mode that optimises the powertrain for loose surfaces like sand and gravel. In this mode, the traction control system relaxes its intervention threshold to allow controlled wheelspin — essential for maintaining momentum in soft sand where some wheel slip is necessary to 'surf' the dunes.

Hill descent control automatically regulates the vehicle's speed on steep descents, allowing the driver to focus on steering without touching the brakes. This is particularly useful on steep dune faces where braking too hard can cause the vehicle to dig in and get stuck. The system works at speeds up to approximately 25 km/h and can be adjusted via the cruise control buttons.

In UAE desert conditions, the iCar's electric powertrain offers a unique advantage: no radiator to clog with sand and no air intake to ingest dust. The sealed electric motors and battery pack are impervious to the fine sand that can damage conventional engines, making the iCar particularly well-suited to sustained dune driving.

Wadi & Water Crossing

Wadi crossings are a popular UAE off-road activity, especially after rainfall in Hatta and the East Coast mountains. The iCar V23 AWD's electric motors are sealed units that do not require air intake, giving them a natural advantage over petrol engines in water crossings. There is no air filter to suck in water and no risk of hydrolock.

The iCar's wading depth is estimated at approximately 450 mm, which is sufficient for most shallow wadi crossings but below the 700 mm rating of serious off-roaders like the Tank 300. Drivers should always assess water depth before crossing and avoid fast-flowing water. The battery pack is sealed to IP67 standards or equivalent, protecting it from water ingress during shallow crossings.

After any wadi crossing, it is recommended to dry the brakes by applying them gently several times. The iCar's regenerative braking helps here, as the electric motor provides much of the deceleration, reducing reliance on wet brake pads. Always have the vehicle inspected if deeper water has been encountered.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Dual-motor AWD with instant 292 Nm torque from zero rpm
• No radiator or air intake — ideal for sandy conditions
• Dedicated off-road mode with hill descent control
• Sealed electric motors safe for shallow wadi crossings
• Strong approach and departure angles for a compact SUV

Cons:

• No low-range transfer case or mechanical diff locks
• Wading depth (~450 mm) is below serious off-roaders
• 210 mm ground clearance is adequate but not class-leading
• Battery pack underfloor requires care over deep ruts

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iCar V23 AWD drive in the desert?

Yes, the iCar V23 AWD is well-suited for UAE desert driving thanks to its dual-motor AWD, instant torque, dedicated off-road mode and sealed powertrain that is impervious to sand. It handles dunes, gravel tracks and desert camping trips with confidence.

What is the iCar V23 AWD's wading depth?

The iCar V23 AWD's estimated wading depth is approximately 450 mm, sufficient for most shallow wadi crossings. The sealed electric motors do not require air intake, giving a natural advantage over petrol engines in water.

Does the iCar V23 have hill descent control?

Yes, the iCar V23 AWD features hill descent control as part of its off-road mode. The system automatically regulates speed on steep descents up to approximately 25 km/h, allowing the driver to focus on steering.

Is the iCar V23 as capable off-road as the Tank 300?

No, the Tank 300 is more capable for extreme off-roading thanks to its body-on-frame construction, low-range transfer case, diff locks and 700 mm wading depth. However, the iCar V23 AWD handles 90 percent of UAE recreational off-road scenarios and costs less than half the price.

Verdict

The iCar V23 AWD is one of the most capable electric off-road SUVs in its price range. Its dual-motor AWD, instant torque, dedicated off-road mode and sealed powertrain make it genuinely capable for UAE desert driving, wadi trails and mountain tracks. It cannot match the extreme off-road ability of a body-on-frame specialist like the Tank 300, but for recreational off-roading at less than half the price, the iCar V23 AWD delivers more than enough capability for the vast majority of UAE adventurers.