iCAUR V23 vs Geely EX5: Dual-Motor AWD vs Electric SUV UAE 2026

iCAUR V23 vs Geely EX5: Dual-Motor AWD vs Electric SUV UAE 2026

The electric SUV market in the UAE has exploded in 2026, with Chinese manufacturers leading the charge by offering compelling EVs at prices that make European and Japanese alternatives look overpriced. Two of the most exciting electric SUVs in this space take different approaches to delivering the EV experience. The iCAUR V23, at 66,000 AED, features a dual-motor AWD system with 211 hp, 501 km of WLTC range, and a bold boxy design inspired by the Mercedes G-Class. The Geely EX5, at 134,900 AED, offers a more powerful 215 hp single-motor FWD layout, a 530 km CLTC range, fast charging that tops up 30-80% in just 20 minutes, and Geely's latest EV platform with L2 autonomous driving. This comparison is fascinating because it pits a budget AWD EV against a premium FWD EV, raising the question of whether the EX5's faster charging, longer range, and more refined platform justify its 68,900 AED price premium. For UAE buyers navigating the growing electric SUV landscape, this comparison provides essential guidance. We examine the critical differences between AWD and FWD electric powertrains, analyzing how each performs in UAE conditions from summer highway commuting to occasional desert excursions. The V23's dual-motor AWD offers superior traction and off-road capability, while the EX5's more advanced platform delivers faster charging, a larger boot, and a more refined driving experience. We also consider the total cost of ownership, where both vehicles benefit from electric efficiency, but the V23's dramatically lower purchase price creates a significant financial advantage. The EX5 counters with superior technology, including L2 autonomous driving, and a more spacious, premium cabin. This comparison will help you determine whether the iCAUR V23's unbeatable value and AWD capability or the Geely EX5's refined platform and faster charging is the right electric SUV for your needs.

Updated August 2026. Data verified against manufacturer specifications and Cartea UAE market data.

Quick Overview

iCAUR V23

Price: 66,000 AED | Body Style: SUV | Powertrain: Dual-motor AWD Electric (EV) | Power: 211 hp

The iCAUR V23 is a SUV from iCAUR, priced at 66,000 AED in the UAE market. It features a Dual-motor AWD Electric (EV) delivering 211 hp, making it a compelling option in the Chinese cars segment. The iCAUR V23 is designed for Adventure-seeking buyers wanting AWD EV performance at an unbeatable price.

Under the bonnet, the iCAUR V23 produces 211 hp and 292 Nm. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 7.5s, delivering performance for its class. The AWD layout is designed for efficiency and predictable handling on UAE roads.

Inside, the iCAUR V23 offers a comfortable cabin with seating for 5 and a 280 L boot. Standard features include advanced driver assistance systems, and the 8 yr / 200,000 km warranty provides long-term peace of mind.

Key Highlights

• Dual-motor AWD with 211 hp at just 66,000 AED
• 501 km WLTC range from 81.8 kWh battery
• Boxy off-road design inspired by G-Class
• Full ADAS suite with 540-degree camera
• Heated and ventilated leather seats standard

Best For: Adventure-seeking buyers wanting AWD EV performance at an unbeatable price

Geely EX5

Price: 134,900 AED | Body Style: SUV | Powertrain: Pure Electric (EV) | Power: 215 hp

The Geely EX5 is a SUV from Geely, priced at 134,900 AED in the UAE market. It features a Pure Electric (EV) delivering 215 hp, making it a compelling option in the Chinese cars segment. The Geely EX5 is designed for Tech-savvy buyers wanting a modern electric SUV.

Under the bonnet, the Geely EX5 produces 215 hp and 320 Nm. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 7.0s, delivering performance for its class. The FWD layout is designed for efficiency and predictable handling on UAE roads.

Inside, the Geely EX5 offers a comfortable cabin with seating for 5 and a 480 L boot. Standard features include advanced driver assistance systems, and the 8 yr / 200,000 km warranty provides long-term peace of mind.

Key Highlights

• 215 hp electric SUV with 530 km CLTC range
• Fast charging 30-80% in 20 min
• Premium interior with large screens
• L2 autonomous driving
• Geely's latest EV platform

Best For: Tech-savvy buyers wanting a modern electric SUV

Price & Value Comparison

The iCAUR V23 at 66,000 AED is less than half the price of the Geely EX5 at 134,900 AED, making it one of the most aggressively priced electric SUVs in the market. Despite this massive price difference, the V23 offers dual-motor AWD, a feature the FWD EX5 lacks, along with heated and ventilated leather seats and a 540-degree camera. In terms of features per dirham, the V23's value proposition is extraordinary and arguably unmatched in the EV market.

The Geely EX5 at 134,900 AED justifies much of its premium with a more advanced EV platform, faster charging (30-80% in 20 minutes versus the V23's approximately 40 minutes), L2 autonomous driving, a larger 480-litre boot, and a more refined cabin. The EX5 also benefits from Geely's partnership with Volvo, which brings proven engineering expertise to its EV platforms. The 8-year, 200,000 km warranty matches the V23's coverage.

In terms of total cost of ownership, both vehicles benefit from electric efficiency, with monthly charging costs of 200-300 AED. However, the V23's 68,900 AED lower purchase price is a massive financial advantage that the EX5's faster charging and additional features cannot offset over a typical ownership period. The V23 is the clear value winner, while the EX5 offers a more premium, refined EV experience for buyers who can afford the premium.

Performance & Range Comparison

Performance is closely matched, with the iCAUR V23 producing 211 hp and 292 Nm from its dual-motor AWD system, and the Geely EX5 producing 215 hp and 320 Nm from its single-motor FWD layout. The V23 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, while the EX5 achieves the same sprint in 7.0 seconds. The EX5 is marginally quicker in a straight line, but the V23's AWD system provides superior traction and launch capability, particularly in low-traction conditions.

The AWD versus FWD distinction is significant for UAE buyers. The V23's dual-motor AWD system distributes torque to all four wheels, providing superior traction on wet roads, loose sand, and during aggressive acceleration. The EX5's FWD layout is adequate for most driving scenarios but cannot match the V23's all-weather confidence and light off-road capability. For buyers who venture off-road or drive in challenging conditions, the V23's AWD is a meaningful advantage.

Range slightly favours the EX5, with its 530 km CLTC range compared to the V23's 501 km WLTC range. However, CLTC and WLTC are different testing standards, and real-world UAE range for both vehicles is likely in the 400-450 km range, with the EX5 holding a marginal advantage. The EX5's faster charging (20 minutes for 30-80% versus 40 minutes for the V23) is a more significant practical advantage, reducing charging stop duration on long journeys.

Interior & Technology Comparison

The Geely EX5's interior is more refined and premium than the iCAUR V23's, reflecting its higher price point. The EX5 features high-quality materials, a large dual-screen setup, L2 autonomous driving with highway assist, and Geely's latest connected car platform. The cabin is spacious, well-finished, and feels like a vehicle from a higher price segment. The EX5's infotainment system is more advanced, with smoother performance and more features.

The iCAUR V23's cabin is impressive for its price but cannot match the EX5's material quality and fit-and-finish. The V23 does include heated and ventilated leather seats, a 540-degree camera, and a full ADAS suite, which are remarkable features at 66,000 AED. However, the overall cabin refinement, material quality, and infotainment system smoothness are a step below the EX5's more mature implementation.

In terms of technology depth, the EX5 holds the advantage with its L2 autonomous driving capability, which includes highway pilot features that the V23's ADAS suite does not fully match. Both vehicles offer OTA updates and connected services, but the EX5's platform is more advanced and better integrated. For tech-focused buyers, the EX5 is the more sophisticated choice, while the V23 offers impressive technology at a fraction of the price.

Practicality & Boot Space Comparison

The Geely EX5's 480-litre boot is significantly larger than the iCAUR V23's 280 litres, making it the more practical choice for families. The EX5 can accommodate multiple suitcases, a stroller, and weekly groceries with ease, while the V23's smaller boot requires more careful packing. Both vehicles offer a front trunk for charging cables and small items, but the EX5's overall cargo advantage is substantial.

The iCAUR V23's 280-litre boot is its most significant practical compromise. The boxy design and dual-motor AWD layout consume space that could be dedicated to cargo. For singles or couples who do not regularly carry large loads, the V23's boot is adequate, but for families, the EX5's 480 litres make it the far more practical choice.

Both vehicles seat five passengers comfortably, but the EX5's larger exterior dimensions provide better rear legroom and headroom. The V23's boxy design gives it a higher driving position and better visibility, which some buyers prefer. In terms of everyday practicality, the EX5 is the more family-friendly vehicle, while the V23 prioritizes AWD capability and value over cargo space.

Off-Road & Driving Dynamics Comparison

The iCAUR V23's dual-motor AWD system gives it a clear advantage for off-road and low-traction scenarios. With independent front and rear motors, the V23 can distribute torque to maximize traction on sand, gravel, or wet surfaces. The 540-degree camera and raised ground clearance enhance its adventure credentials, making it a capable light off-roader. For UAE buyers who enjoy weekend desert trips, the V23 is the more capable companion.

The Geely EX5 is a front-wheel-drive electric SUV with limited off-road capability. Its lower ground clearance and road-focused suspension are designed for urban and highway use, not off-road adventures. The EX5 can handle graded desert tracks but is not suited for serious off-roading. Its strengths lie in on-road refinement, with a smooth, quiet, and composed driving experience that is ideal for daily commuting and long-distance travel.

On-road, the EX5 is the more refined and comfortable vehicle, with a smoother ride, quieter cabin, and more polished driving dynamics. The V23 is capable but less refined, with a firmer ride and more road noise. For buyers who prioritize on-road comfort and refinement, the EX5 is the superior choice. For buyers who value AWD capability and off-road potential, the V23 is the better option.

Pros and Cons

iCAUR V23 - Pros

• Dual-motor AWD with 211 hp at just 66,000 AED
• 501 km WLTC range from 81.8 kWh battery
• Boxy off-road design inspired by G-Class
• Full ADAS suite with 540-degree camera
• Heated and ventilated leather seats standard

iCAUR V23 - Cons

• Basic equipment compared to higher-spec models
• Limited advanced safety features
• Smaller boot limits luggage capacity

Geely EX5 - Pros

• 215 hp electric SUV with 530 km CLTC range
• Fast charging 30-80% in 20 min
• Premium interior with large screens
• L2 autonomous driving
• Geely's latest EV platform

Geely EX5 - Cons

• Higher price point in Chinese car segment
• Limited dealer network compared to Japanese brands

Full Specifications Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Which electric SUV is better value, the iCAUR V23 or Geely EX5?

The iCAUR V23 is the overwhelming value winner at 66,000 AED, less than half the price of the Geely EX5 at 134,900 AED. Despite the massive price difference, the V23 offers dual-motor AWD, similar performance, and a comparable range. The EX5 justifies its premium with faster charging, L2 autonomous driving, a larger boot, and a more refined cabin, but the V23 delivers far more capability per dirham.

Does the iCAUR V23's AWD system give it an advantage over the Geely EX5's FWD?

Yes, the iCAUR V23's dual-motor AWD system provides superior traction in all conditions, particularly on wet roads, loose sand, and during aggressive acceleration. The EX5's FWD layout is adequate for most driving but cannot match the V23's all-weather confidence and light off-road capability. For UAE buyers who encounter varied conditions, the V23's AWD is a meaningful advantage.

Is the Geely EX5's faster charging worth the price premium?

The Geely EX5's 20-minute fast charging (30-80%) is significantly faster than the iCAUR V23's approximately 40-minute time, which is valuable during long-distance travel. However, this advantage alone does not justify the 68,900 AED price premium. For buyers who frequently undertake long journeys, the EX5's faster charging is a genuine benefit; for daily commuters with home charging, the difference is less significant.

Which electric SUV has more boot space for family use?

The Geely EX5 has significantly more boot space, with 480 litres compared to the iCAUR V23's 280 litres. This 200-litre difference is substantial for families, as the EX5 can accommodate strollers, multiple suitcases, and large grocery trips with ease. If boot space is a priority, the EX5 is the clear winner.

Can both electric SUVs handle UAE summer conditions?

Yes, both the iCAUR V23 and Geely EX5 feature advanced battery thermal management systems that actively cool their batteries during charging and operation. Real-world range decreases by 15-20% in peak UAE summer due to air conditioning load, but both vehicles remain practical daily drivers. The V23's heated and ventilated seats are particularly valuable during summer, while the EX5's more refined cabin insulation provides superior comfort.

Final Verdict

This comparison pits a budget AWD EV against a premium FWD EV, and both excel in their respective domains. The iCAUR V23 is the value and capability champion, offering dual-motor AWD, strong performance, and advanced features at a price that is less than half of the EX5's. It is the ideal choice for buyers who want electric AWD capability at an unbeatable price. The Geely EX5 is the refinement and technology champion, with faster charging, L2 autonomous driving, a larger boot, and a more polished driving experience. It is the right choice for buyers who prioritize on-road refinement and are willing to pay a premium for a more mature EV platform.

Overall Scores

If your priority is value, AWD capability, and maximum features per dirham, the iCAUR V23 is the clear winner. If you prioritize faster charging, L2 autonomous driving, a larger boot, and a more refined driving experience, the Geely EX5 justifies its premium. Both are excellent electric SUVs, and your choice should reflect whether you value affordability and capability or refinement and technology maturity.