iCar V23 vs MG ZS EV: Budget Electric SUV Showdown

iCar V23 vs MG ZS EV: Budget Electric SUV Showdown

When it comes to affordable electric SUVs in the UAE, the iCar V23 and MG ZS EV are two of the most compelling options on the market. The iCar V23 starts at just 55,000 AED for the 2WD and 66,000 AED for the AWD, while the MG ZS EV sits at 85,000 AED. Both are Chinese-built electric SUVs aimed at budget-conscious buyers, but they differ sharply in range, performance and character. This showdown helps you decide which one fits your needs and your wallet.

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.

MG ZS EV

Starting Price: 85,000 AED

Body Style: SUV

The electric version of MG's best-selling ZS SUV. With 176 hp and a 320 km range, the ZS EV is the most affordable electric SUV in the UAE, offering the same practical body as the petrol ZS.

Key Highlights

• Electric version of the MG ZS
• 320 km range
• Most affordable electric SUV
• Same practical SUV body as petrol ZS
• 7-year / 150,000 km battery warranty

Best for: Buyers who want the cheapest electric SUV in the UAE.

Price Comparison

The iCar V23 is the clear price leader. The 2WD starts at 55,000 AED and the AWD at 66,000 AED, while the MG ZS EV costs 85,000 AED. That means the iCar V23 AWD undercuts the MG ZS EV by 19,000 AED while delivering more power and significantly more range. Even the entry-level iCar V23 2WD saves you 30,000 AED compared to the MG.

For buyers on a strict budget, the iCar V23 2WD at 55,000 AED is one of the cheapest electric SUVs you can buy in the UAE. The MG ZS EV's higher price reflects MG's longer-established presence in the market and its larger dealer and service network, but you are paying a significant premium for that peace of mind.

When you compare the iCar V23 AWD to the MG ZS EV directly, the value gap is stark: 19,000 AED less for more power, more range, AWD and a longer warranty. The MG's only real price advantage is its larger 448 L boot versus the iCar's 280 L.

Range & Performance Comparison

The iCar V23 2WD delivers 134 hp and 401 km of WLTC range from its 59.93 kWh LFP battery, while the AWD version produces 211 hp and 501 km from its larger 81.8 kWh battery. The MG ZS EV offers 176 hp and just 320 km of range from its smaller battery. Across both trims, the iCar V23 offers more range than the MG ZS EV.

In performance terms, the iCar V23 AWD's 211 hp comfortably outmuscles the MG ZS EV's 176 hp, and its dual-motor AWD provides superior traction. Even the iCar V23 2WD's 134 hp is adequate for city driving, though it trails the MG on raw output. The MG's advantage is its familiarity — it uses the same practical SUV body as the petrol MG ZS, so the driving experience is well-understood.

For UAE buyers who regularly drive between emirates, the iCar's range advantage is crucial. The MG ZS EV's 320 km range may require a midweek top-up for Abu Dhabi commuters, while the iCar V23 AWD's 501 km range comfortably covers a full week of inter-emirate driving on a single charge.

Features & Equipment Comparison

The iCar V23 comes well-equipped with a 15.4-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the AWD version adds a full ADAS suite including AEB, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot detection and a 540-degree camera. Heated and ventilated leather seats are also standard on the AWD.

The MG ZS EV offers a more conventional feature set with a smaller infotainment screen, standard Apple CarPlay and a familiar MG interior. It does not match the iCar's 540-degree camera or ventilated seats, but its interior is more spacious with a 448 L boot versus the iCar's 280 L.

On warranty, the iCar V23's 8-year / 200,000 km coverage edges out the MG ZS EV's 7-year / 150,000 km package, giving iCar buyers an extra year and 50,000 km of protection.

Pros & Cons

iCar V23

Pros:

• Starting price from just 55,000 AED — cheapest electric SUV
• Up to 501 km WLTC range in the AWD model
• Dual-motor AWD with 211 hp available
• 15.4-inch screen with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto
• 8-year / 200,000 km warranty

Cons:

• Smaller 280 L boot is tight for family luggage
• iCar is a newer sub-brand with a smaller UAE footprint
• 2WD version only has 134 hp

MG ZS EV

Pros:

• Established MG dealer network across the UAE
• Familiar, practical SUV body with 448 L boot
• 176 hp is competitive for the price
• Proven reliability from MG's ZS platform
• 7-year / 150,000 km battery warranty

Cons:

• More expensive at 85,000 AED
• Shorter range at only 320 km
• No AWD option available
• Less standard tech than the iCar V23

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the cheapest electric SUV, the iCar V23 or MG ZS EV?

The iCar V23 2WD at 55,000 AED is the cheapest, followed by the iCar V23 AWD at 66,000 AED. The MG ZS EV costs 85,000 AED, making it the most expensive of the three.

Which has more range, the iCar V23 or MG ZS EV?

The iCar V23 AWD has 501 km WLTC range and the 2WD has 401 km, both of which exceed the MG ZS EV's 320 km range.

Does the MG ZS EV have all-wheel drive?

No, the MG ZS EV is front-wheel drive only. The iCar V23 is available in both RWD (2WD) and dual-motor AWD configurations.

Which has a bigger boot, the iCar V23 or MG ZS EV?

The MG ZS EV has the larger boot at 448 L compared to the iCar V23's 280 L, making the MG more practical for families who need cargo space.

Verdict

The iCar V23 wins this budget EV SUV showdown on almost every metric. It is cheaper (from 55,000 AED), has more range (up to 501 km), offers more power (up to 211 hp) and comes with a longer warranty. The MG ZS EV's only real advantages are its larger boot and established dealer network. For UAE buyers who prioritise value, range and performance, the iCar V23 is the clear winner. If boot space and brand familiarity matter most, the MG ZS EV remains a solid — if pricier — choice.