Cars
MG’s New RX5 Compact SUV is On Sale Across the Middle East
The new MG RX5 compact SUV is now officially on sale across the Middle East, heralding the latest exciting chapter in the rejuvenation of the famous British brand. Customers can choose MG Motor’s new ‘hero SUV’ from a collection of four well-equipped models, and two available powertrains, with prices starting at around $14,200 (depending on the market).
The new MG RX5 will appeal to a range of customers across the region, especially younger buyers looking for value for money in a stylish, technologically-advanced package that allows them to stand out from the crowd. Equipped with a 1.5T petrol engine and 7-speed automatic gearbox the MG RX5 is available as entry level STD or mid-range COM models. The more powerful 2.0T powerplant is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox and is offered for either COM or top-of-the-range LUX trim levels, with the latter featuring All-Wheel Drive.
Tom Lee, Managing Director of SAIC Motor Middle East, the parent company of MG Motor, said: “Embodying the positive, new direction that MG is taking, the new MG RX5 is the latest model to join our exciting range of stylish, hi-tech vehicles. As MG builds momentum across the Middle East, boosted by the appointment of new dealers in markets such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, we are confident that this new compact SUV will prove extremely popular among the region’s car buyers.”
The MG RX5 showcases an attractive, futuristic design that is instantly recognisable, notably at the front where the stylish square LED headlamps, imposing wing-shaped grille and innovative foglamps endow it with real on-the-road presence. Sporty five-spoke, two-tone 18” rims on COM and LUX models combine with a sharp waistline that rises from front to rear to enhance the dynamic look. At the rear, a chrome plate stretches out to the dual tail lights, visually extending the vehicle width – reminiscent of the style of certain premium German models.
Inside the cabin careful attention has been paid to delivering an extremely high quality finish, with the use of high grade material, chrome edging and soft-touch material covering 80% of the surfaces. A supersize, opening panoramic sunroof floods the interior with light, accentuating the best-in-class space that it offers. Helped by the 2700mm wheelbase, and total length of 4545mm, rear leg space (982mm) and head space (987mm) are significantly better than in rival cars.
MG’s new compact SUV delivers practicality and convenience. The flexible rear space incorporates adjustable, fold-flat seats with split/fold function, while there are multiple storage spaces throughout the cabin for bottles, mobiles and cups in addition to a large boot area. Useful technology offered as standard on most models includes remote, one-touch opening of the rear hatch, keyless entry, a start button and an AutoHold function.
A clever remote smart application will allow the driver to operate vehicle functions such as remote start and stop air conditioning, vehicle tracking and after sales appointments. It even reminds owners of the services needed for the car. And for a hi-tech generation, there is a 10.4” high-definition infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Navigation on the COM and LUX versions and an 8” colour navigation system for STD models.
Power is derived from a choice of two turbocharged engines. Both 2.0T and 1.5T units, which are mated to six and seven-speed transmissions respectively, provide impressive performance and efficiency. Delivering maximum power of 221 hp and torque of 350 Nm, the 2.0T engine can accelerate the MG RX5 from 0-100kmh in 8.2 seconds, while the efficient 1.5T powerplant returns top figures of 169 hp and 250 Nm. A smart All-Wheel Drive system with new generation electromagnetic torque management guarantees impressive off-road performance for LUX models.
Great performance isn’t compromised when it comes to safety, with the MG RX5 offering a wide range of passive and active safety measures. The efficient braking system reduces stopping distances by two metres in comparison to key rivals, while standard ESP with traction control, a curving braking control system and MSR (Motor control Slide Retainer) all contribute to a safer journey. Passive safety features include a strengthened body structure that uses thermal formed steel, multiple airbags, automatic unlocking in the event of a collision and a collapsible steering column. All of which has helped the MG RX5 earn a 5-star rating in the C-NCAP crash tests.
The entry level 1.5T STD exemplifies the comprehensive equipment levels of the MG line-up. Owners benefit from Automatic Air Conditioning, front and rear electric windows, cruise control, multi-adjustable front seats, and a remote trunk opening function as standard. When it comes to safety, ABS, EBD, Auto Hold, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and Hill Descent Control are just some of the standard features to equip the high value 1.5T STD model.
The MG RX5 COM specification comes with either a 1.5T or 2.0T engine. All COM models add front foglamps, a rear parking camera and audible warning system, leather steering wheel and luggage curtain, to the list of features offered on the STD model. In addition, an 8” colour touch screen and Apple CarPlay are also standard.
Drivers of the top-of-the-range 2.0T LUX model are positively spoilt, with electric folding wing mirrors, LED headlamps, electrically-adjustable driver’s seat, additional airbags, an auto-dimming rear view mirror and a huge panoramic sunroof with anti-trap mechanism all standard. As is MG’s smart All-Wheel Drive system.

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.
Cars
The BMW Group Shows Off New Innovations of Future Vehicle Generations at Auto Shanghai 2025

On the road to Neue Klasse, the BMW Group will be showcasing the outstanding innovations of future vehicle generations at Auto Shanghai 2025. “Innovative strength, a pioneering spirit and sheer driving pleasure – these characteristics are deeply rooted in BMW’s DNA,” says Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “In the Neue Klasse, they can be experienced by our customers on a whole new level: the user interface is even more intuitive, the design even more progressive and the driving experience even more precise and dynamic. By the end of this year, we will be putting the mobility of the future on the road”.
The smart display and operating concept BMW Panoramic iDrive and the lightning-fast Heart of Joy central computer take centre stage at the auto show.
- The BMW Group presents the BMW Panoramic iDrive in a version specially developed for the Chinese market.
- The Heart of Joy centrally calculates all driving dynamics functions and raises the hallmark BMW driving pleasure to a new level with ten times faster information processing. BMW presents the Heart of Joy in the specially developed high-performance test vehicle BMW Vision Driving Experience, which shines in a spectacular, luminescent paint finish.
By the end of the year, the iX3 will be the first Neue Klasse model to roll off the production line at the new plant in Debrecen (Hungary). The BMW Vision Driving Experience is presented to the public for the first time in Shanghai: It is a high-performance test vehicle with no connection to series production, which BMW has designed as a rolling laboratory for optimising the Heart of Joy drive and driving dynamics control system.
“The BMW Vision Driving Experience is equipped with the “Heart of Joy” – one of four super brains specifically developed for our software-defined Neue Klasse models,” says Jochen Goller, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Customers, Brands and Sales. “The Heart of Joy takes every aspect of sheer driving pleasure to the next level. Starting with the launch of the first Neue Klasse model, the “Heart of Joy” will beat in every all-electric BMW model”.
The four super brains combine the computing power for the most important customer functions: infotainment, automated driving, basic functions and driving dynamics. In this new, zonal electronics architecture, the Heart of Joy is responsible for drive, braking, charging, recuperation and partial steering functions. In conjunction with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software, the system, which was developed entirely in-house, calculates all driving dynamics functions. It processes information ten times faster than previous systems and achieves latencies in the millisecond range. There will be control units with comparable functions for combustion engines and hybrids.
As the “world’s fastest test rig”, the BMW Vision Driving Experience takes the Heart of Joy and BMW Dynamic Performance Control to their absolute limits. With a maximum torque of 18,000 Newton metres and active aerodynamics, it generates 1.2 tonnes of downforce and lateral forces of up to 3G – a dimension on par with Formula 1 and far beyond the requirements of conventional vehicles in road traffic. The logic behind this: If the hardware and software can tame the brute forces of this test rig, they can easily cope with the demands of everyday use.
In Shanghai, the BMW Vision Driving Experience shines in an innovative, fluorescent paint finish. The paint’s special light-sensitive pigments recharge in daylight, with even the smallest amount of ambient light sufficient. In the dark, the colour varies from a whitish yellow to an expressive neon yellow, depending on the state of charge. In addition, the rear of the car has been fitted with a “magic film” which, when stimulated by UV light, creates an expressive gradient from yellow to orange to pink from the rear to the front of the car. These special looks underline the uniqueness and innovative power of the car. Like the vision vehicle, they are not intended for series production.
The Auto Shanghai at the National Exhibition and Convention Center has become the largest auto show in the world. More than one million visitors are expected from April 23 to May 2, 2025. Across almost 5,000 square meters, the BMW Group presents the latest products of the BMW and MINI brands. An oversized installation of the complete BMW Panoramic iDrive display and control system is the focus of the exhibition space. The road to Neue Klasse leads guests along a “road” across the exhibition. On display will be a BMW 1500, the historical model of the Neue Klasse from the 1960s, as well as the visionary vehicles BMW Vision Neue Klasse and BMW Vision Neue Klasse X. The BMW Group will showcase a total of 42 vehicles at its largest exhibition booth in the world.
BMW M celebrates more than 25 years of cooperation with the Nürburgring with the exclusive special edition BMW M4 Edition Nürburgring. This special edition vehicle, which is only available in China, is limited to just 53 units to mark the 53rd anniversary of BMW M. Specific design elements make reference to the world’s most famous racetrack. The BMW Individual Frozen Deep Green metallic paint finish is a nod to the “Green Hell”.
The red Nürburgring Nordschleife logo is embroidered on the headrests and the frameless radiator grille is also framed in this striking red. The uniform “nürburgring 1/53” lettering in the door sills symbolises that the vehicle is part of an exclusive special edition. The edition based on the BMW M4 Competition with M xDrive has the familiar in-line six-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and generates 390 kW/530 hp. This not only enables acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (60 mph) in 3.5 seconds or 3.2 seconds according to the “1-foot rollout” method, but also highly dynamic driving on the racetrack – tried and tested on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, of course.
Cars
EXEED by Al Ghurair Launches Electric and Hybrid Model Range

EXEED by Al Ghurair celebrated the unveiling of its electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid models in the UAE, with an exclusive launch event at Skydive Dubai on 9 April 2025. The premium automotive brand is reshaping the region’s sustainable mobility landscape, combining innovative technologies and performance to offer superior driving experiences.
EXEED is redefining the future of mobility with the launch of its fully electric models: the EXLANTIX ET SUV and the ELANTIX ES – EXEED’s first sedan. Equipped with the Super Hybrid Range Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) technology, both models deliver an exceptional driving range of over 1,000 km. At the heart of this line-up is the Qualcomm-powered technology. Prioritising safety, the models have received a 5-star C-NCAP & CIASI rating, 88% high-strength steel, and advanced airbags, alongside cutting-edge driver assistance technologies for effortless control.
Designed for those who demand versatility and endurance, the EXLANTIX ET SUV offers both pure electric and range-extended powertrain options, featuring EXEED’s pioneering Golden Range Extender Technology to eliminate charging anxiety. A high-performance adaptive air suspension system ensures a premium, smooth ride, rivalling luxury SUVs. With a drag coefficient of 0.266Cd and a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds, the ET seamlessly blends efficiency with power, while offering passengers exuding comfort in zero gravity seats. Furthermore, it offers Arabic voice command, and an intelligent cockpit that puts drivers in control with minimal effort.
The ELANTIX ES is a bold expression of avant-garde design, blending aerodynamics with artistry for a striking yet efficient silhouette. With a 0.205Cd drag coefficient, it enhances energy efficiency while ensuring a smooth, whisper-quiet ride. Engineered for precision handling and optimised weight distribution, the ES delivers an exhilarating 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 3.7 seconds. Its sleek aesthetics coupled with dynamic performance, offers an unmatched fusion of innovation, elegance, and driving excitement. Inside the sporty frameless door design encompasses a D-shaped steering wheel ready to give drivers a racing feeling of handling and grip.
EXEED has also introduced the RX Plug-in Hybrid SUV that balances power and efficiency. Powered by the Super Hybrid REEV System, it delivers a total range of over 1,300 km and maintains real-world fuel efficiency as low as 1.2L/100 km of a full charge. The model is equipped with a Three-Speed Super Hybrid Transmission generating 445KW of power through 11 gear combinations, ensuring a responsive yet smooth ride. The safety is reinforced by a high-performance CATL battery, enhanced with EXEED’s M3P material system, which delivers real-time diagnostics and can cut power within just 2 milliseconds in the event of a collision. Also, designed for extreme conditions, it operates reliably across a wide temperature range of -35°C to 60°C – ideal for the UAE’s harsh climate.
With its Smart Hybrid REEV technology system, advanced safety measures, and long-range capabilities, the RX PHEV stands as a strong addition to EXEED’s new energy line-up. EXEED also opened its flagship showroom on 9 April 2025, located on Corniche Street in Abu Dhabi. This state-of-the-art facility will offer customers an immersive introduction to the brand’s electric future, with futuristic art installations, interactive digital advisors and EXLANTIX merchandise and products.
“This launch is about more than just new models, it’s about EXEED defining the future of electric mobility in the region. With our industry-leading new technology, full EV and hybrid range of vehicles, and the introduction of the UAE’s first dedicated EXEED EV showroom, we are taking a major step forward in delivering intelligent, high-performance electric vehicles. The future of driving is here, and EXEED is at the forefront of this transformation,” said Oscar Rivoli, Chief Executive Officer of Motors, an Al Ghurair Mobility business.