iCAUR V23 RWD vs AWD in Pakistan: is PKR 2m extra worth it?

iCAUR V23 price in Pakistan and the real initial gap

NexGen Auto, part of Nishat Group, launched the iCAUR brand in Pakistan on 22 September 2026. Its official communication prices the V23 Luxury RWD at PKR 9,499,000 and the V23 Premium AWD at PKR 11,499,000. The official order sheet describes both as ex-factory prices inclusive of taxes, then adds PKR 70,000 per vehicle for freight and transit insurance. [1,2]

That creates a PKR 2,000,000 ex-factory difference before registration, buyer-specific withholding tax, insurance and any accessories. The published booking advance is PKR 2,500,000, with the balance due at least one month before delivery; allocation is first come, first served and the company reserves the right to revise price or specification. Obtain a dated order, receipt, delivery month and cancellation terms before transferring money. [2]

The AWD premium buys far more motor and battery

Luxury RWD uses a 100 kW permanent-magnet motor producing 180 Nm and a 59.93 kWh CATL battery. Premium AWD combines permanent-magnet and asynchronous motors for 155 kW and 292 Nm, backed by an 81.8 kWh CATL battery. The official acceleration claims are 11.0 seconds and 7.5 seconds respectively for 0–100 km/h. [2,3]

The AWD therefore adds 55 kW, 112 Nm and 21.87 kWh of stated battery capacity. That is a meaningful mechanical upgrade, not a cosmetic trim step. But faster acceleration is a manufacturer claim and does not by itself make the more expensive car the better daily choice. Test both on representative roads and verify that the order names the correct drivetrain.

A 70 km NEDC advantage is not 70 km guaranteed on the road

iCAUR publishes 360 km for the RWD and 430 km for the AWD on the NEDC laboratory cycle. Those figures must not be presented as guaranteed Pakistan road range. Speed, heat, air conditioning, gradient, tyre pressure, payload and battery reserve can reduce what the driver sees. [2,3]

The larger AWD battery adds 70 km to the published cycle result, but it also powers two motors and moves a stated 1,820 kg curb weight—110 kg more than the RWD. Map the longest frequent return journey, preserve a charging reserve and compare the result with the RWD's lower purchase price. Buyers who can charge at home and rarely leave the city may not recover meaningful daily value from the larger pack.

Charging time needs battery size and charger power together

Both variants support 7 kW AC charging and 3.3 kW vehicle-to-load output. The RWD lists up to 85 kW DC input and 36 minutes from 20 to 80 percent; the AWD lists up to 104 kW and 42 minutes. The AWD can accept a higher peak but takes longer across the stated window because its battery is substantially larger. [2,3]

These are manufacturer charging claims under specified conditions, not a promise at every public charger. Ask whether a wallbox and cables are included, which connector standard applies, what electrical work is excluded and how battery temperature changes fast charging. A home survey should check supply capacity, protection, earthing, cable route and parking access before purchase.

Most safety and cabin equipment is shared

The Pakistan leaflet marks both versions with six airbags, vehicle dynamic control, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane support, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a 540-degree camera. It also lists a 15.4-inch centre screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, seven speakers, 50 W wireless charging and ventilated front seats for both. [3]

That shared equipment weakens the case for buying AWD merely to obtain technology. It also means the driver must understand that assistance systems have operating limits; they do not make the V23 autonomous. Ask the dealer to demonstrate the exact allocated car and compare the signed variant sheet with the vehicle before delivery.

Ride, tyres and warranty can decide the better ownership fit

RWD uses 19-inch 255/55 tyres and lists 205 mm ground clearance. AWD moves to 21-inch 265/45 tyres and 210 mm. The larger AWD wheel is visually stronger, but its lower-profile tyre may be costlier to replace and less forgiving on broken surfaces; that is an editorial ownership consideration, not an iCAUR durability claim. Price both tyre sizes locally and drive the same rough route before choosing. [2,3]

The official Pakistan leaflet states a six-year or 150,000 km vehicle warranty and an eight-year or 160,000 km battery warranty, whichever comes first. Obtain the complete warranty booklet because exclusions, inspection schedules, battery-capacity conditions and commercial-use rules matter more than the headline alone. [3]

Choose Luxury RWD when value, urban use and lower tyre and purchase exposure matter most. Choose Premium AWD when the stronger drivetrain, larger battery and quicker claimed performance solve a real need. In either case, compare the full on-road total and five-year ownership estimate—not only the ex-factory car rate.