- iCAUR V23 First Drive Impressions: 500 km Behind the Wheel in the UAE
- City Driving — Dubai Marina & JBR
- Highway Cruising — Dubai to Abu Dhabi (E11)
- Mountain Roads — Hatta
- Desert Track — Al Qudra
- Parking & Maneuvering
- Charging Stops
- Pros & Cons After 500 km
- Key Specs Recap
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Verdict
iCAUR V23 First Drive Impressions: 500 km Behind the Wheel in the UAE
We put the iCAUR V23 AWD through 500 km of UAE driving to see whether Chery's electric off-roader lives up to its spec sheet. From Dubai Marina to Abu Dhabi, up the Hatta mountains and across the Al Qudra desert, the V23 proved surprisingly capable. Here is what we learned over four days behind the wheel.
Updated August 2026.
| Test Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | iCAUR V23 AWD |
| Price (AED) | 66,000 |
| Total Distance | 500 km over 4 days |
| Power / Torque | 211 hp / 292 Nm |
| Battery / Range | 81.8 kWh / 501 km WLTC |
| Drivetrain | Dual-motor AWD |
City Driving — Dubai Marina & JBR
In tight Marina streets and the JBR promenade the V23's boxy dimensions actually help — visibility is excellent through the upright windscreen and large side mirrors. The 15.4-inch touchscreen with wireless CarPlay made navigation effortless, and the light steering at low speeds made U-turns and tight parking garages painless. Regenerative braking in its strongest setting recovered enough energy in stop-go traffic to noticeably extend range around the Marina.
Highway Cruising — Dubai to Abu Dhabi (E11)
The E11 is the ultimate UAE range test. Cruising at 120 km/h the V23 felt stable and quiet, the dual motors humming imperceptibly. Wind noise was well suppressed for a boxy SUV. We covered the 140 km Dubai-Abu Dhabi stretch using roughly 28% of the battery, suggesting a real-world highway range of around 450 km — close to the 501 km WLTC claim. Adaptive cruise control (ACC) handled traffic flow smoothly, and lane-keeping assist (LKA) kept us centred without nagging.
Mountain Roads — Hatta
The drive to Hatta revealed the V23's dual personality. On winding mountain roads the 211 hp and 292 Nm provided confident overtaking, and the AWD system kept the car planted through corners. The off-road mode engaged hill descent control on steeper gravel sections, modulating speed smoothly without brake input. The suspension soaked up broken mountain tarmac better than expected for a car at this price point.
Desert Track — Al Qudra
This is where the V23 surprised us most. Engaging off-road mode retuned the throttle for sand and the AWD distributed torque to find grip on soft sections. The 540-degree camera was invaluable for spotting rocks and ruts. We did not attempt deep dune-bashing, but for desert tracks and camping trails the V23 felt genuinely capable. Ground clearance and the boxy design that evokes the Ford Bronco gave confidence off the beaten path.
Parking & Maneuvering
The 540-degree camera system (combining 360-degree surround view with a transparent-chassis feature) made tight Mall of the Emirates parking spots trivial. The large 21-inch wheels look great but demand care around kerbs. Wireless CarPlay meant we could set navigation by voice while maneuvering, and the responsive touchscreen never lagged.
Charging Stops
Over 500 km we used two DC fast-charging stops. The 81.8 kWh battery topped from 20% to 80% in roughly 40 minutes at a 100 kW charger in Abu Dhabi. At home, overnight AC charging fully replenished the battery each night. For a 500 km loop we never felt range anxiety — the V23's real-world range is more than sufficient for typical UAE driving patterns.
Pros & Cons After 500 km
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent real-world highway range (~450 km) | Boot space (280 L) is tight for a family SUV |
| Genuinely capable off-road on desert tracks | Ride firms up over sharp potholes |
| 540-degree camera transforms parking | Brand is still new in the UAE |
| ADAS works reliably on highways | Wired CarPlay not available (wireless only) |
Key Specs Recap
| Specification | iCAUR V23 AWD |
|---|---|
| Price (AED) | 66,000 |
| Power / Torque | 211 hp / 292 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 7.5 s |
| Battery | 81.8 kWh |
| Range (WLTC) | 501 km |
| Drivetrain | Dual-motor AWD |
| Boot Space | 280 L |
| Warranty | 8 yr / 200,000 km |
| Screen | 15.4-inch touchscreen |
| Wheels | 21-inch |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the real-world range of the iCAUR V23 AWD in the UAE?
Over 500 km of mixed driving we averaged around 430-450 km per full charge with air-conditioning on. Highway cruising at 120 km/h used about 28% battery for the 140 km Dubai-Abu Dhabi stretch.
Is the V23 comfortable for long highway drives?
Yes. The cabin is quiet at speed, the heated and ventilated leather seats are supportive, and adaptive cruise control makes long E11 trips relaxing. The 15.4-inch screen with wireless CarPlay keeps navigation and music seamless.
Can the V23 handle desert driving?
For desert tracks and camping trails, absolutely. The off-road mode, hill descent control, AWD and 540-degree camera make it confident on sand and gravel. It is not a dedicated dune-basher, but it exceeds expectations for an EV at this price.
How long does charging take?
At a 100 kW DC fast charger we went from 20% to 80% in about 40 minutes. Overnight home AC charging fully replenished the 81.8 kWh battery each night.
Verdict
After 500 km across the UAE the iCAUR V23 AWD exceeded our expectations. It is not perfect — the 280 L boot and firm ride over sharp bumps are real compromises — but for 66,000 AED it delivers genuine AWD capability, excellent real-world range, a comprehensive ADAS suite and a cabin that feels more expensive than it is. As Chery's electric sub-brand gains a foothold in the UAE, the V23 is a compelling first statement.
