iCar V23 vs Geely Coolray: Electric vs Petrol Compact SUV

iCar V23 vs Geely Coolray: Electric vs Petrol Compact SUV

If you are shopping for a compact SUV in the 65,000–80,000 AED range, the iCar V23 AWD and Geely Coolray represent two very different paths. The iCar V23 AWD is a fully electric SUV with 211 hp, 501 km of range and AWD at 66,000 AED. The Geely Coolray is a petrol-powered compact SUV with a 1.5L turbo producing 177 hp at 75,900 AED. This comparison helps UAE buyers decide between going electric or sticking with petrol.

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.

Geely Coolray

Starting Price: 75,900 AED

Body Style: SUV

A compact sporty SUV with a 1.5L turbo producing 177 hp. The Coolray is Geely's volume leader in the UAE, offering sharp handling and Volvo-grade safety tech at an accessible price.

Key Highlights

• 1.5L turbo with 177 hp and 255 Nm
• 7-speed DCT, sporty compact SUV
• Volvo-influenced safety systems
• Punchy performance for the price
• 5-year / 150,000 km warranty

Best for: Young buyers who want a sporty, well-equipped compact SUV.

Purchase Price Comparison

The iCar V23 AWD starts at 66,000 AED while the Geely Coolray starts at 75,900 AED — a difference of 9,900 AED in favour of the iCar. This is remarkable given that the iCar is electric, AWD and more powerful, yet still costs less upfront than the petrol Coolray.

The Coolray's higher purchase price reflects its established position in the market and Volvo-influenced engineering. However, buyers who choose the iCar V23 AWD not only save nearly 10,000 AED at purchase but also benefit from dramatically lower running costs over the life of the vehicle.

With UAE banks increasingly offering green-car financing at reduced rates for EVs, the iCar V23's monthly payments can be lower than the Coolray's despite the iCar being a more capable vehicle overall.

Running Cost: Electric vs Petrol

This is where the iCar V23 AWD pulls far ahead. Charging at home in the UAE costs roughly 0.23 AED per kWh at off-peak rates. To cover 20,000 km per year, the iCar's 81.8 kWh battery needs approximately 4,100 kWh annually, costing about 940 AED per year — or roughly 78 AED per month.

The Geely Coolray's 1.5L turbo consumes approximately 8 L/100 km. At the UAE petrol price of roughly 2.90 AED per litre (Special 95), covering 20,000 km per year requires 1,600 litres of petrol, costing approximately 4,640 AED per year — or about 387 AED per month. That is nearly five times the iCar's monthly energy cost.

Over five years, the running cost difference compounds dramatically: the iCar V23 AWD costs roughly 4,700 AED in electricity versus the Coolray's 23,200 AED in petrol — a saving of over 18,000 AED. When combined with the lower purchase price, the iCar is more than 28,000 AED cheaper to own over five years.

Performance & Driving Comparison

The iCar V23 AWD produces 211 hp and 292 Nm of instant electric torque, sprinting to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. Electric motors deliver maximum torque from zero rpm, so the iCar feels effortlessly quick in city traffic and on highway merges. The dual-motor AWD also provides superior traction in all conditions.

The Geely Coolray's 1.5L turbo makes 177 hp and 255 Nm, with power building as the turbo spools. It is a genuinely sporty compact SUV with a 7-speed DCT that rewards enthusiastic driving. However, it cannot match the iCar's instant torque delivery or its AWD grip.

For daily driving in UAE traffic, the iCar's smooth, silent electric powertrain is more relaxing. The Coolray offers a more traditional driving experience with engine sound and gear changes that some enthusiasts prefer, but it is less refined in stop-start traffic.

Practicality Comparison

The iCar V23 AWD's 501 km WLTC range is more than enough for a full week of UAE commuting without charging. Home charging overnight takes approximately 8-10 hours on AC, while DC fast charging can top up 20-80% in about 42 minutes. The main practicality limitation is the 280 L boot, which is smaller than most compact SUVs.

The Geely Coolray has no range anxiety — a full tank of petrol takes minutes to refill at any of the UAE's ubiquitous fuel stations. Its 333 L boot is also larger than the iCar's, though still compact for the class. For long road trips across the GCC, the Coolray's petrol powertrain offers unlimited range as long as fuel stations are available.

The iCar's V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) feature is a unique practicality advantage — it can power external devices and appliances at up to 3.3 kW, making it ideal for camping and outdoor activities that the Coolray simply cannot match.

Pros & Cons

iCar V23 AWD

Pros:

• Cheaper to buy at 66,000 AED vs 75,900 AED
• Roughly 80% lower monthly running costs
• More powerful at 211 hp with instant electric torque
• Dual-motor AWD for superior traction
• V2L capability for powering external devices

Cons:

• Smaller 280 L boot
• Requires home or public charging infrastructure
• Longer refuelling time compared to petrol

Geely Coolray

Pros:

• No range anxiety — instant refuelling anywhere
• Sporty 1.5L turbo with engaging 7-speed DCT
• Volvo-influenced safety engineering
• Larger 333 L boot
• No charging infrastructure needed

Cons:

• 9,900 AED more expensive to purchase
• Petrol running costs are nearly 5x higher
• Less power at 177 hp and FWD only
• Higher CO2 emissions and environmental impact

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the iCar V23 cheaper to run than the Geely Coolray?

Yes, dramatically. The iCar V23 AWD costs approximately 78 AED per month in electricity versus the Coolray's 387 AED per month in petrol — a saving of roughly 80 percent.

Which is faster, the iCar V23 or Geely Coolray?

The iCar V23 AWD is faster, with 211 hp and a 0-100 time of 7.5 seconds versus the Coolray's 177 hp and approximately 8.5 seconds. The iCar also benefits from instant electric torque.

Which is better for long road trips?

The Geely Coolray is more convenient for long road trips since petrol stations are everywhere and refuelling takes minutes. The iCar V23's 501 km range is excellent for daily use but requires planning around charging stops on very long journeys.

Can the iCar V23 power external devices?

Yes, the iCar V23 features V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) capability at 3.3 kW, allowing it to power camping equipment, tools and appliances. The Geely Coolray does not have this feature.

Verdict

For UAE buyers choosing between electric and petrol in the compact SUV segment, the iCar V23 AWD is the stronger choice. It is cheaper to buy, vastly cheaper to run, more powerful and offers AWD and V2L capability that the Coolray cannot match. The Geely Coolray wins on refuelling convenience and has a slightly larger boot, making it the pick for buyers who frequently travel beyond charging infrastructure. But for the majority of UAE drivers whose daily routine is within the iCar's 501 km range, the electric iCar V23 AWD is the smarter financial and performance choice.