iCAUR V23 vs Tank 500: Electric Off-Road vs Luxury Off-Road SUV

iCAUR V23 vs Tank 500: Electric Off-Road vs Luxury Off-Road SUV

The iCAUR V23 AWD and the Tank 500 are both Chinese off-road SUVs, but they could hardly be more different. The V23 is a compact, fully electric, budget adventure SUV at 66,000 AED. The Tank 500 is a full-size, plug-in hybrid luxury off-roader at 155,000 AED. With an 89,000 AED gap between them, this is a clash of two completely different off-road philosophies.

Updated August 2026.

Overview

iCAUR V23 AWD

Price: 66,000 AED   |   Body style: Compact boxy off-road SUV

The iCAUR V23 AWD is the budget adventurer's choice. Its dual-motor AWD system produces 211 hp and 292 Nm, good for a 0-100 km/h time of 7.5 seconds, while the 81.8 kWh battery delivers 501 km of WLTC range. With an off-road mode, hill descent control, and a 540-degree camera, it is genuinely capable beyond the tarmac - all for a price that leaves plenty of budget for accessories and trips.

Key highlights:

• 501 km WLTC pure-electric range.
• Dual-motor AWD with off-road mode and hill descent control.
• 540-degree camera and full ADAS suite.
• Heated and ventilated leather seats.
• 8-year / 200,000 km warranty.
• Zero tailpipe emissions and cheap running costs.

Best for: Budget-conscious adventurers who want capable electric off-roading without the luxury price tag.

Tank 500

Price: 155,000 AED   |   Body style: Full-size luxury off-road SUV

The Tank 500 is GWM's flagship luxury off-roader. Its 2.0L turbo plug-in hybrid system produces a combined 252 hp, delivered through an AWD system, with a 0-100 km/h time of 7.9 seconds. It is a full-size vehicle with a cavernous 800-litre boot, premium materials throughout, and the sort of presence that commands attention on any road - or off it.

Key highlights:

• Full-size luxury off-road SUV with premium cabin.
• 2.0L turbo PHEV with 252 hp combined.
• 800-litre boot - nearly triple the V23's.
• AWD with serious off-road hardware.
• No range anxiety - petrol hybrid powertrain.
• 5-year / 150,000 km warranty.

Best for: Buyers who want a luxurious, full-size off-roader with petrol-hybrid convenience and are willing to pay a premium for it.

Electric vs PHEV: Two Off-Road Approaches

The powertrain difference is fundamental. The iCAUR V23 is fully electric, meaning zero tailpipe emissions, silent operation, instant torque, and very low running costs - but it depends on charging infrastructure. The Tank 500 is a plug-in hybrid, combining electric driving for short trips with a petrol engine for unlimited range. The PHEV eliminates range anxiety entirely, but it consumes petrol and produces emissions on longer journeys.

Compact vs Full-Size

The Tank 500 is a full-size luxury SUV, both longer and wider than the compact iCAUR V23. This translates directly to interior space: the Tank's 800-litre boot dwarfs the V23's 280 litres. The Tank also offers a more spacious cabin and a more commanding, imposing road presence. The V23 counters with easier parking, better urban agility, and a lighter footprint on narrow off-road trails.

The 89,000 AED Price Gap

This is one of the largest price gaps in any of our comparisons. The Tank 500 costs 89,000 AED more than the iCAUR V23 AWD - more than the V23's entire purchase price. That premium buys full-size luxury, a petrol-hybrid powertrain with no range anxiety, and a far larger boot. But it also means far higher running costs and a shorter warranty.

Performance Comparison

The two vehicles are surprisingly close on acceleration: the iCAUR V23 AWD hits 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds versus the Tank 500's 7.9 seconds. The Tank has more combined power (252 hp vs 211 hp) but is also much heavier, which eats into its advantage. Both are AWD, but the Tank's larger size and traditional low-range off-road hardware may give it an edge in extreme off-road conditions, while the V23 is more nimble.

Pros & Cons

iCAUR V23 AWD pros: dramatically cheaper, zero emissions, very low running costs, longer warranty, nimble compact size, instant electric torque.

iCAUR V23 AWD cons: small boot, range dependent on charging, compact rather than full-size.

Tank 500 pros: full-size luxury cabin, 800 L boot, no range anxiety (PHEV), imposing presence, premium materials.

Tank 500 cons: 89,000 AED more expensive, higher running costs, shorter warranty, produces emissions on petrol.

Spec Comparison Table

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for off-roading, the iCAUR V23 or the Tank 500?

Both are capable, but in different ways. The Tank 500 is a full-size luxury off-roader with traditional low-range hardware and serious presence. The iCAUR V23 AWD is more compact and nimble, with an off-road mode, hill descent control, and a 540-degree camera. For extreme conditions, the Tank has the edge; for agile, budget off-roading, the V23 is excellent.

Which is cheaper to run?

The iCAUR V23 AWD is far cheaper to run. Home charging costs about 0.06 AED per km, while the Tank 500's petrol-hybrid consumption works out to roughly 0.25-0.30 AED per km.

Does the Tank 500 eliminate range anxiety?

Yes. As a plug-in hybrid, the Tank 500 can run on electricity for short trips but falls back on its petrol engine for unlimited range. The iCAUR V23, being fully electric, requires access to charging for longer journeys.

Which has more boot space?

The Tank 500, by a wide margin. Its 800-litre boot is nearly triple the iCAUR V23's 280 litres, making it the clear choice for families who need maximum cargo volume.

Verdict

These two SUVs serve completely different buyers. The Tank 500 is a full-size luxury off-roader for those who want premium comfort, a huge boot, and zero range anxiety - and can afford 155,000 AED plus higher running costs. The iCAUR V23 AWD is the smart choice for budget-conscious adventurers who want capable electric off-roading, extremely low running costs, and a longer warranty for 89,000 AED less. If you do not need full-size luxury, the iCAUR V23 delivers an extraordinary amount of off-road EV capability for the money.