New Car Brands in UAE Making a Huge Difference

The UAE’s roads have long been dominated by familiar names, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, BMW, and Ford. These automotive giants shaped the nation’s driving culture for decades, blending power, reliability, and luxury in a market that loves performance and prestige.

But in 2025, a new chapter is unfolding. The UAE is welcoming a wave of innovative global and Asian brands, each bringing something different to the table, smarter technology, electric innovation, and design philosophies tuned for modern lifestyles.

This transformation isn’t just about new cars, it’s about how UAE drivers see mobility. The rise of tech-forward EVs, premium hybrids, and off-road-ready SUVs is redefining what it means to drive in the Emirates. Here are the seven brands driving that change, and how they’re reshaping the future of UAE roads.

Zeekr – Scandinavian Design Meets Chinese Power

Zeekr might be new to UAE drivers, but its DNA is rich with automotive excellence. A premium brand under Geely Holding Group (the same group behind Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus), Zeekr is a showcase of futuristic design blended with performance engineering.

Its standout model, the Zeekr 7X, is a luxury electric SUV that delivers 646 horsepower and accelerates from 0–100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Thanks to an 800V fast-charging system, it can recharge from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes. Add to that a Euro NCAP 5-star safety rating and a minimalist Scandinavian interior, and you’ve got an EV that feels more like a tech-luxury lounge than a traditional SUV.

For UAE buyers who crave elegance, speed, and sustainability, Zeekr is quickly becoming the go-to name for electric sophistication.

Exeed – Where Premium Meets Practical Innovation

Launched in 2017, Exeed is Chery’s premium sub-brand; a name that’s gaining serious traction across the Middle East. Designed to rival Lexus and BMW, Exeed models combine luxury comfort with advanced hybrid efficiency.

The Exeed ET SUV and Exeed ES sedan are the flag-bearers of this philosophy. Both are available as Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Range Extended Electric Vehicles (REEVs), offering up to 1,000 km of driving range on a single charge.

Inside, tri-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and plush seating create a cabin experience that rivals European competitors.

In a country like the UAE, where range anxiety still worries some potential EV buyers, Exeed provides the perfect middle ground: premium quality with extended range and peace of mind.

Jaecoo – Urban Adventure for the Modern Explorer

Meet Jaecoo, the youthful, adventure-driven brand under the Omoda–Jaecoo umbrella. Born for the new generation of UAE drivers, Jaecoo fuses urban styling with off-road strength, reflecting its “Go Discover” brand philosophy.

Its headline models, the Jaecoo J5 and the upcoming J7 hybrid, pack a blend of affordability and innovation. The vehicles feature a 540° panoramic camera system, intelligent all-road drive, and multiple terrain modes, ideal for UAE drivers who move effortlessly between city roads and desert dunes.

With its rugged stance, smart interiors, and approachable price point, Jaecoo is carving out a niche among young, adventurous professionals who want style and substance in equal measure.

BYD – Battery Mastery and Global Momentum

If there’s one brand that’s rewriting the global EV playbook, it’s BYD (Build Your Dreams). What started as a battery manufacturer in 1995 is now the world’s top-selling EV maker, surpassing Tesla in global unit sales.

In the UAE, BYD has partnered with Al-Futtaim to bring its cutting-edge electric models to local showrooms, and the response has been tremendous. The BYD Song Plus Hybrid SUV stands out for its practicality and tech-rich interior, featuring a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen, Blade Battery technology, and a range of up to 1,000 km on a single charge.

The brand’s commitment to safety, battery durability, and efficiency has made it an ideal choice for UAE families transitioning from fuel to electric. BYD offers real-world EV convenience without compromise, something that deeply resonates in a market that values both performance and reliability.

Lynk & Co – Digital Lifestyle on Wheels

A collaboration between Geely and Volvo, Lynk & Co is not just another car brand, it’s a mobility concept built around digital convenience and community-driven ownership.

Its flagship Lynk & Co 09 SUV, built on Volvo’s XC90 platform, features a hybrid powertrain, advanced Scandinavian safety systems, and a sleek, minimal interior design.

What truly sets it apart is its subscription-ready ownership model, allowing customers to access or share vehicles through a connected digital platform.

For UAE’s tech-driven population, especially in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Lynk & Co represents mobility as a lifestyle rather than a product. It’s a car brand designed for people who value connectivity, sustainability, and a seamless user experience.

INEOS – The Return of True Off-Road Grit

While many automakers chase futuristic designs, INEOS is going back to basics, and doing it brilliantly. Founded by the British INEOS Group, this brand revives the spirit of the classic Land Rover Defender with modern engineering and rugged durability.

The INEOS Grenadier is a powerhouse off-roader equipped with a BMW-sourced inline-six engine, three locking differentials, and a heavy-duty ladder-frame chassis. It’s built to handle extreme terrain, from desert dunes to mountain trails, making it a natural fit for UAE’s off-road culture.

Available in Station Wagon, Trialmaster, and Fieldmaster Editions, the Grenadier blends heritage with innovation, appealing to enthusiasts who prefer grit over glamour.

Lucid Motors – The Californian Luxury EV Challenger

The electric revolution wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Lucid Motors, the American EV powerhouse backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Lucid recently expanded its presence in the UAE with the Lucid Gravity Grand Touring SUV, a model that pushes the boundaries of design, performance, and luxury. Delivering 828 horsepower and a range of over 700 km, it rivals Tesla’s flagship lineup and top European EVs.

Lucid’s mission is clear: to redefine what luxury electric mobility looks and feels like. For UAE’s discerning drivers, it represents the perfect mix of Californian creativity and Arabian ambition.

The Bigger Picture: What These New Entrants Mean for UAE Drivers

The arrival of Zeekr, Exeed, Jaecoo, BYD, Lynk & Co, INEOS, and Lucid marks a transformative moment for the UAE auto market.

• More competition means better prices, warranties, and technology for buyers.
  
• Sustainability goals are accelerating EV adoption and green infrastructure development.
  
• Charging networks are rapidly expanding, making EVs practical for everyday use.
  
• Consumer choice is broader than ever, from rugged off-road beasts to ultra-luxury EVs.
  

The shift also signals a national readiness for a post-fuel future, one that aligns perfectly with the UAE’s Vision 2030 sustainability and innovation goals.

Conclusion

The UAE’s automotive scene is evolving at record speed. From Zeekr’s performance-driven elegance to Lucid’s futuristic sophistication, these new brands are not just adding diversity, they’re setting new benchmarks.

Today, the UAE stands as one of the most exciting automotive markets in the world, a living laboratory for electrification, design, and innovation. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a tech enthusiast, or a luxury connoisseur, there’s now a brand built just for you on UAE roads.

As the engines hum quieter and the roads grow smarter, one thing is certain, the future of driving in the UAE is already here.