Cars
Volvo Cars Launches its XC40 Small Premium SUV in Dubai
Volvo Cars has revealed the latest addition to its lineup of SUVs, the all-new XC40 small premium SUV in Dubai. With its innovative approach inside the XC40, Volvo Cars takes the lead in the small premium SUV segment in terms of space, storage, infotainment and all-round functionality.
The new XC40 is the first model on Volvo Cars’ new modular vehicle architecture (CMA), which will underpin all other upcoming cars in the 40 Series including fully electrified vehicles. The XC40 also offers a radically new approach to storage inside the car. Ingenious interior design provides XC40 drivers with, among other things, more functional storage space in the doors and under the seats, a special space for phones including inductive charging, a fold-out hook for small bags and a removable waste bin in the tunnel console.
“The XC40 is our first entry in the small SUV segment, broadening the appeal of the Volvo brand and moving it in a new direction,” said Håkan Samuelsson, Volvo president and chief executive. “The EMEA region is an important one for our company and we have great plans to further develop our presence and offering in it. The introduction of the XC40 will be instrumental in that process.”, says Jesus Fernandez de Mesa, Managing Director Volvo Cars EMEA.
Designed with urban living in mind, the XC40 combines a commanding road view with unparalleled ergonomics and a host of safety systems (Pilot Assist system, City Safety, Run-off Road protection and mitigation, Cross Traffic alert) to constantly monitor the driver surroundings for potential hazards, such as other vehicles, pedestrians, or even animals, that could cause an accident. These systems will safely intervene as soon as an imminent collision is detected, and will even guide the driver safely back onto the road if they detect the vehicle drifting off-course.
The XC40 will be offered with a choice of diesel or petrol turbocharged four-cylinder engines, a T5 petrol four-cylinder Drive-E powertrain, as well as with 3-cylinder, hybrid and fully electric powertrains later in the production run. Power is delivered via Volvo’s all-wheel drive system, keeping the XC40 sure-footed in all weather conditions. With muscular lines and a bullish stance, the XC40’s aggressive, yet tasteful design sets it apart from competitors in the compact SUV segment.
A variety of exterior trim options, that include an R-design package, will also be available. With assembly taking place at Volvo’s plant in Ghent, Belgium, the XC40 is now available for customer orders in all GCC markets and will be available in showrooms as of February. The selling prices start at AED 170,000 for the XC40 T5 Momentum and AED 185,000 for the XC40 T5 R-Design in UAE.

Cars
JAECOO J5 Set to Launch in UAE in July 2025

The long-anticipated JAECOO J5, hailed as “the new darling of future travel”, is set to debut in the UAE this July 2025, marking the region’s entry into a new era of light off-road lifestyle and refined outdoor mobility. After making waves globally during its reveal at the Shanghai Auto Show held in April 2025, the J5 is finally arriving in the UAE — where automotive enthusiasts and adventurers alike can experience the future of travel with exclusive test drives available at JAECOO showrooms across the Emirates.
Designed for modern explorers seeking a harmonious connection with nature, the JAECOO J5 blends rugged capability with elegant aesthetics, drawing inspiration from snow-capped mountains and meandering rivers. With a bold waterfall grille, sharply defined ridge-like body lines, and integrated rear spoiler, the J5 combines strength and softness in perfect balance — a true masterpiece “from classic, beyond classic.”
“The JAECOO J5 is more than a vehicle; it’s a lifestyle statement for today’s generation of freedom seekers,” said Shawn Xu, CEO of OMODA & JAECOO Automobile International. “It’s engineered to fulfill a growing longing for nature and freedom in the midst of urban hustle, and we are proud to bring that vision to the UAE.”
Built on a new powertrain platform, the J5 ensures smooth yet powerful driving performance across all road conditions — from daily city commutes to spontaneous desert adventures. The in-car microphone and karaoke mode add entertainment elements to family trips. “J5 reflects our belief that travel should not only be bold and beautiful but deeply personal and inclusive,” added Shawn Xu. “We invite all UAE residents to test drive the J5 and discover a new standard of off-road elegance.”
The JAECOO J5 will be available for test drives by the end of June 2025 at all official JAECOO showrooms in the UAE.
Cars
NIO Intros 3-Minute Battery Swapping for EVs in UAE

NIO has launched its Power Swap Station technology in the UAE, offering a rapid alternative to traditional EV charging. This system allows drivers to exchange a depleted battery for a fully charged one in approximately three minutes. This infrastructure is designed to address common concerns regarding EV adoption in the UAE, namely long charging times and charger availability. The process is fully automated: vehicles autonomously park within the station, where the discharged battery is automatically removed and replaced. Each swapped battery undergoes a comprehensive health check, ensuring optimal performance and safety, and is charged under ideal conditions to promote longevity.
Key advantages of NIO’s battery swapping include its speed, which is comparable to refueling a traditional car, and a hassle-free, automated process that doesn’t require drivers to leave their vehicle. The system also performs a full system health check with every swap and optimizes battery charging to extend lifespan. Furthermore, the swappable battery design facilitates easier reuse and recycling.
The UAE’s inaugural Power Swap Station opened in February 2025 at Yas Marina Circuit. Since its launch, about 15% of NIO users in the UAE are actively utilizing the battery swapping service, indicating growing local user preference. Unlike conventional charging, which slows as the battery nears full capacity, battery swapping provides instant full charge, enhancing efficiency and making EVs more practical for daily use.
NIO reports significant time savings compared to traditional charging methods. For instance, charging a 100-kilowatt-hour battery from 5% to 95% via an 11kW AC charger typically takes 8 hours, while a Power Swap Station completes this in minutes, offering up to a 99% time saving. Similarly, it provides substantial time reductions compared to 50kW DC (up to 97% saving) and 120kW DC (up to 93% saving) fast chargers.
To date, over 1,749 kilowatt-hours of electricity have been delivered through battery swaps. This energy delivery, which would take approximately 15 hours with a 120kW DC charger, was completed in just 1.4 hours of total swapping time using the Power Swap Station, marking a tenfold improvement in energy delivery efficiency.
As demand for battery swapping increases, a second NIO Power Swap Station is scheduled to open in Dubai in the coming weeks, with additional stations planned throughout the year. This expansion aligns with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, which promotes investment in sustainable and innovative mobility solutions to support the UAE’s expanding population.
Cars
The 2025 INFINITI QX55 Arrives in the Middle East

INFINITI has announced the arrival of the 2025 QX55, a stylish and comfortable crossover coupe that makes a statement with its iconic sloped roofline and confident presence. The latest iteration of the QX55 emphasises daring design, a meticulously crafted interior, and user-friendly technology, promising an elevated driving experience.
The 2025 model year offers buyers a streamlined selection of three well-appointed grades, each providing the added confidence of standard INFINITI Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. Prioritising driver and passenger safety, every QX55 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard active safety technologies. This includes Intelligent Cruise Control, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning and Intervention, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, High Beam Assist, and Cross Traffic Alert.
The entry-level QX55 LUXE offers a compelling package, powered by a potent and efficient 2.0-liter Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo) engine producing 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Exterior highlights include 20-inch dark-painted aluminum-alloy wheels. Inside, drivers will appreciate a leather-wrapped steering wheel, the ProACTIVE Package, heated front seats, a convenient wireless phone charging pad, and the intuitive INFINITI InTouch infotainment system featuring both Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay integration.
Stepping up to the QX55 ESSENTIAL grade adds practical enhancements designed for everyday convenience. These include the Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection for enhanced visibility, integrated navigation, climate-controlled front seats for optimal comfort, and rain-sensing front wipers. The top-of-the-line QX55 SENSORY builds upon the already well-equipped ESSENTIAL grade with a focus on premium materials and advanced features.
The interior is adorned with black natural maple open-pore wood trim and luxurious semi-aniline leather-appointed seating, complemented by heated rear seats. Audiophiles will appreciate the rich and immersive sound delivered by a 16-speaker Bose Performance Series premium audio system, complete with metallic speaker grilles for the tweeters. The SENSORY grade also boasts an elite 3-zone full auto air-conditioning system with front and rear ventilation shut function, auto recirculation with ionizer, and fine particle anti-allergen deodorising filters, along with a convenient head-up display and a motion-activated liftgate.