iCAUR V23 vs BYD Sealion 7: Electric SUV Showdown for UAE 2026

iCAUR V23 vs BYD Sealion 7: Electric SUV Showdown for UAE 2026

Both the iCAUR V23 and the BYD Sealion 7 are Chinese electric SUVs aiming for the UAE market, but they approach the segment from very different angles. The V23 is a boxy, off-road-flavoured SUV at 66,000 AED, while the Sealion 7 is a sleek, powerful crossover at 130,000 AED. This comparison examines whether the BYD's extra performance and space justify its nearly doubled price tag.

Updated August 2026.

Quick Overview

iCAUR V23 AWD

Price: 66,000 AED | Body Style: Boxy off-road SUV

The iCAUR V23 AWD is Chery's electric off-road SUV, offering 211 hp, 501 km WLTC range, and a full ADAS suite for 66,000 AED. Its boxy, G-Class-inspired design and genuine off-road capability set it apart from the crowd.

Key Highlights

• Price: 66,000 AED
• Power: 211 hp
• Battery: 81.8 kWh
• Range: 501 km (WLTC)
• Drivetrain: Dual-motor AWD
• Boot Space: 280 L
• Warranty: 8 years / 200,000 km
• 0-100 km/h: 7.5s (0-100 km/h)
• Infotainment: 15.4-inch touchscreen
• Safety: Full ADAS (AEB, ACC, LKA, BSD)

Best For

Buyers who want a distinctive, off-road-capable electric SUV at an unbeatable price, with modern tech and a long warranty.

BYD Sealion 7

Price: 130,000 AED | Body Style: Crossover SUV

The BYD Sealion 7 is a premium electric crossover from BYD, offering 312 hp, 562 km WLTC range, and AWD performance for 130,000 AED. Its Blade LFP battery, rotating touchscreen, and established dealer network make it a strong contender in the premium EV segment.

Key Highlights

• Price: 130,000 AED
• Power: 312 hp
• Battery: ~80 kWh Blade LFP
• Range: 562 km (WLTC)
• Drivetrain: AWD
• Boot Space: 500 L
• Warranty: 8 years battery warranty
• 0-100 km/h: 5.9s (0-100 km/h)
• Infotainment: 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen
• Safety: ADAS suite (DiPilot)

Best For

Buyers who want a more powerful, faster electric SUV with more boot space and are willing to pay nearly double the price for the BYD brand and performance.

Price & Value Comparison

The price gap between these two vehicles is enormous. At 66,000 AED, the iCAUR V23 AWD costs 64,000 AED less than the BYD Sealion 7 at 130,000 AED. That difference could buy a second car or cover years of charging and insurance costs. The V23 includes features like heated and ventilated leather seats, a 540-degree camera, and full ADAS as standard, which makes the value proposition even more compelling.

Performance & Drivetrain

The BYD Sealion 7 is the performance leader, producing 312 hp and sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds. The iCAUR V23 AWD produces 211 hp and reaches 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. Both are all-wheel drive, but the BYD is noticeably quicker on tarmac. However, the iCAUR counters with a dedicated off-road mode and hill descent control, giving it capability the Sealion 7 simply does not offer.

Range & Battery

Both vehicles use LFP battery chemistry, which is well-suited to UAE conditions. The BYD Sealion 7's approximately 80 kWh Blade battery delivers 562 km of WLTC range, while the iCAUR V23's 81.8 kWh battery delivers 501 km. In real-world UAE conditions, expect both to deliver around 75-85% of their WLTC figures. The BYD's range advantage is modest but could matter for frequent long-distance drivers.

Boot Space & Practicality

This is a significant differentiator. The BYD Sealion 7 offers 500 litres of boot space, nearly double the iCAUR V23's 280 litres. For families, the Sealion 7 is the more practical choice for grocery runs, luggage, and everyday cargo. The V23's smaller boot is adequate for daily use but may struggle on longer trips or with larger items.

Technology & Interior

The BYD Sealion 7 features a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen, a unique feature that can switch between landscape and portrait orientations. The iCAUR V23 has a 15.4-inch fixed touchscreen with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. Both offer comprehensive ADAS, but the V23's 540-degree camera with underbody view is a unique advantage for off-road driving. The BYD's interior is more conventional and premium-feeling, while the V23's heated and ventilated leather seats add luxury at a lower price point.

Pros & Cons

iCAUR V23 AWD

Pros:

• Massive price advantage at 66,000 AED vs 130,000 AED
• Genuine off-road capability with AWD and hill descent control
• 540-degree camera with underbody view
• Distinctive boxy design that stands out
• Heated and ventilated leather seats included

Cons:

• Less powerful (211 hp vs 312 hp)
• Smaller boot (280 L vs 500 L)
• Slower acceleration (7.5s vs 5.9s)
• Brand is newer in the UAE market

BYD Sealion 7

Pros:

• More powerful (312 hp) and faster (5.9s 0-100)
• Larger boot space (500 L vs 280 L)
• Longer range (562 km vs 501 km WLTC)
• Established BYD dealer network in the UAE
• Blade LFP battery with strong safety reputation

Cons:

• Nearly double the price (130,000 AED vs 66,000 AED)
• No off-road mode or capability
• Conventional crossover styling is less distinctive
• Rotating screen is a gimmick for some buyers

Full Specification Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, the iCAUR V23 or the BYD Sealion 7?

The iCAUR V23 AWD is significantly cheaper at 66,000 AED compared to the BYD Sealion 7 at 130,000 AED. That is a difference of 64,000 AED, making the V23 one of the most affordable AWD electric SUVs in the UAE.

Which has more range?

The BYD Sealion 7 claims 562 km WLTC range compared to the iCAUR V23 AWD's 501 km. Both use LFP batteries, so real-world range in UAE conditions will be approximately 75-85% of these figures for both vehicles.

Which is better for off-road driving?

The iCAUR V23 is clearly the better off-road vehicle. It has a dedicated off-road mode with hill descent control, a 540-degree camera with underbody view, and a boxy design with better ground clearance. The BYD Sealion 7 is a road-focused crossover with no off-road pretensions.

Which has more boot space?

The BYD Sealion 7 has significantly more boot space at 500 litres compared to the iCAUR V23's 280 litres. If cargo capacity is a priority, the Sealion 7 is the better choice for families or those who frequently carry large items.

Is the BYD Sealion 7 worth the extra money?

If you prioritise performance, boot space, and brand maturity, the BYD Sealion 7 justifies its premium. But for buyers who want value, off-road capability, and distinctive styling, the iCAUR V23 offers more for the money. The 64,000 AED difference is substantial.

Verdict

The BYD Sealion 7 is the more refined, powerful, and practical vehicle, but the iCAUR V23 wins decisively on value. For 64,000 AED less, the V23 offers comparable range, genuine off-road capability, and a comprehensive standard equipment list. If you need maximum boot space and performance and can afford the premium, the Sealion 7 is excellent. But for most UAE buyers who want an affordable, characterful electric SUV, the iCAUR V23 is the smarter choice.