iCar V23 vs BYD Atto 3: Electric SUV Comparison UAE 2026

iCar V23 vs BYD Atto 3: Electric SUV Comparison UAE 2026

The iCar V23 AWD and the BYD Atto 3 are two of the most talked-about electric SUVs in the UAE for 2026, yet they take radically different approaches to the same brief. The iCar V23 AWD arrives at 66,000 AED with 211 hp, 501 km of WLTC range and a boxy off-road character, while the BYD Atto 3 costs 110,000 AED and offers 204 hp, 420 km of WLTP range and a smooth crossover design. This comparison breaks down where each SUV excels and which one makes more sense for UAE buyers.

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.

BYD Atto 3

Starting Price: 110,000 AED

Body Style: SUV

A compact electric SUV powered by a 60.48 kWh Blade Battery delivering 204 hp and a WLTP-certified 420 km range. It is the best-selling Chinese EV in the UAE thanks to its balance of range, price and heat-stable battery chemistry.

Key Highlights

• 60.48 kWh Blade Battery with 420 km WLTP range
• 204 hp / 310 Nm electric motor, 0-100 in 7.3s
• DC fast charge 30-80% in 29 minutes
• Rotating touchscreen with Apple CarPlay
• 6-year / 150,000 km vehicle warranty

Best for: Daily commuters who want a proven, heat-tolerant electric SUV at a sharp price.

Price & Value Comparison

At 66,000 AED the iCar V23 AWD undercuts the BYD Atto 3 by 44,000 AED — a saving of roughly 40 percent. That gap is enormous in the UAE market and means many buyers could nearly buy two iCar V23 AWDs for the price of a single BYD Atto 3. For first-time EV buyers or young families watching their budget, the iCar's price point is a genuine game-changer.

The BYD Atto 3 justifies some of its premium with BYD's proven Blade Battery track record, a more established dealer network and a cabin that feels a step above in material quality. But in pure value-for-money terms, the iCar V23 AWD delivers more power, more range and more standard equipment for significantly less money.

When you factor in that both cars come with 8-year battery warranties, the iCar's value proposition becomes even stronger. You are not sacrificing longevity or peace of mind — you are simply paying less for more performance and more capability.

Performance & Range Comparison

The iCar V23 AWD produces 211 hp and 292 Nm from its dual-motor system, sprinting from 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. The BYD Atto 3 delivers 204 hp and 310 Nm from a single motor with a 0-100 time of 7.3 seconds. On paper the acceleration is close, but the iCar's dual-motor AWD gives it a traction advantage on loose surfaces and in wet conditions.

Range is where the iCar V23 AWD pulls ahead decisively. Its 81.8 kWh battery delivers 501 km of WLTC range versus the Atto 3's 60.48 kWh Blade Battery and 420 km WLTP range. That is an 81-kilometre advantage, which translates to fewer charging stops on Dubai–Abu Dhabi commutes and more confidence for weekend road trips.

Both SUVs support DC fast charging, but the iCar's larger battery means it can absorb more energy per session, giving you more kilometres per charge stop on long journeys across the Emirates.

Design & Character Comparison

The iCar V23 and BYD Atto 3 could not look more different. The iCar V23 is a boxy, off-road-styled SUV with an upright stance, 21-inch wheels and a rugged design language that nods to the Mercedes G-Class and Ford Bronco. It is designed to look adventurous even when parked at a mall in Dubai Marina.

The BYD Atto 3, by contrast, is a smooth, modern crossover with flowing lines, a sportier silhouette and a cabin that features BYD's signature rotating touchscreen and a gym-themed interior. It looks more urban and tech-forward, appealing to buyers who want a sleek daily driver rather than an adventure rig.

Your preference here is entirely subjective, but the iCar's off-road character is backed up by genuine AWD capability, while the Atto 3 is strictly a road-focused crossover with no pretensions of leaving the tarmac.

Pros & Cons

iCar V23 AWD

Pros:

• 40% cheaper than the BYD Atto 3 at 66,000 AED
• More power at 211 hp with dual-motor AWD
• Longer range at 501 km WLTC
• Boxy off-road design with genuine AWD capability
• Full ADAS suite with 540-degree camera

Cons:

• Smaller 280 L boot limits luggage capacity
• Newer sub-brand with fewer UAE service centres
• Unproven long-term residual values

BYD Atto 3

Pros:

• Proven Blade Battery with heat-stable LFP chemistry
• Established BYD dealer network across the UAE
• More refined cabin materials and rotating touchscreen
• Slightly faster 0-100 at 7.3 seconds
• Strong resale value as a proven model

Cons:

• 44,000 AED more expensive than the iCar V23 AWD
• Shorter range at 420 km WLTP
• Front-wheel drive only, no AWD option
• Less distinctive exterior design

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, the iCar V23 AWD or BYD Atto 3?

The iCar V23 AWD is significantly cheaper at 66,000 AED compared to the BYD Atto 3 at 110,000 AED — a saving of 44,000 AED or roughly 40 percent.

Which has more range, the iCar V23 or BYD Atto 3?

The iCar V23 AWD has a longer range at 501 km WLTC compared to the BYD Atto 3's 420 km WLTP, an advantage of 81 km per full charge.

Is the iCar V23 AWD faster than the BYD Atto 3?

The BYD Atto 3 is marginally faster to 100 km/h at 7.3 seconds versus the iCar V23 AWD's 7.5 seconds, but the iCar has more total power at 211 hp versus 204 hp and the advantage of all-wheel drive.

Which is better for off-road driving?

The iCar V23 AWD is the clear winner for off-road driving thanks to its dual-motor AWD system, off-road mode with hill descent control and 21-inch wheels. The BYD Atto 3 is a road-focused crossover with front-wheel drive only.

Verdict

The iCar V23 AWD wins this comparison on nearly every objective measure — it is 40 percent cheaper, more powerful, has longer range and offers genuine AWD capability. The BYD Atto 3 fights back with a proven Blade Battery, a more established dealer network and a more refined cabin, making it the safer choice for buyers who prioritise brand reassurance. But for UAE buyers who want maximum performance, range and value in an electric SUV, the iCar V23 AWD is the smarter pick in 2026.