AGMC, the official distributor of Geely Auto in the UAE, has introduced the Geely EX5 electric SUV to the market. This launch aligns with Geely’s global strategy for electric and connected mobility. The Geely EX5, which has sold over 150,000 units internationally since its July 2024 launch, now debuts in the region. The vehicle is built on the GEA architecture, described as a platform integrating hardware, software, ecology, and artificial intelligence.

The EX5 delivers 218 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque, powered by a 60.22 kWh battery. It features a Short Blade Battery Safety System and includes amenities such as rain-sensing wipers, a six-way electrically adjustable seat with massage, heating, and ventilation, wireless charging, passive keyless entry, and 360° surround parking vision.

Inside, the SUV is equipped with a 15.4-inch infotainment display and a multifunction steering wheel. The Geely EX5 has received five-star safety ratings from both Euro NCAP and ANCAP.

“The Geely EX5 is the trailblazer in our New Energy Vehicle (NEV) lineup, which are innovative, accessible solutions for today’s customers who value both advanced tech and eco-friendliness,” said Dr. Andreas Schaaf, Group Director, AlBatha Automotive Group. “The UAE is the perfect environment for this next phase of our electric journey. With its vibrant automotive market, forward-thinking energy policies, growing demand for high-performance EVs, and evolving electric mobility infrastructure, this market gives us the ideal platform to showcase what Geely is truly capable of. It is aligned perfectly with our ambition to become a leading provider of mobility solutions in the Emirates. The arrival of the Geely EX5 also coincides with the launch of the new flagship Geely showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road that showcases our NEV lineup, demonstrating how seriously we’re taking our role in shaping future mobility in the UAE.”

As Geely’s first new energy model launched in the GCC, the EX5 sets the direction for future offerings. The brand plans to introduce additional advanced electric vehicles built on the GEA platform. Geely currently has five global platforms supporting 11 brands and has sold over 10 million vehicles, with a stated commitment to a zero-emission automotive future, including plans for more New Energy Vehicle showrooms and model launches.

VinFast has introduced its VF 8 all-electric SUV in the UAE, aligning with the nation’s focus on smart cities and sustainable innovation. The VF 8 is presented as a solution for urban mobility within the context of Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s advancements in artificial intelligence, autonomous technology, and clean energy.

The VF 8 is an all-electric SUV featuring advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), which include highway and city driving assistance, forward collision warnings, emergency braking, and driver drowsiness alerts. The vehicle also supports over-the-air updates.

Amenities in the VF 8 include air ionization, ventilated seats with eco-leather upholstery, and advanced cabin air filtration. Its zero-emission performance is compatible with renewable energy infrastructure, reflecting the UAE’s sustainability goals, such as Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan and the UAE Net Zero 2050 initiative.

The vehicle also integrates intuitive interfaces, a virtual assistant, and smartphone app controls for remote vehicle access, monitoring, and personalized settings, which complement the UAE’s focus on digital living and Mobility as a Service (MaaS).

VinFast states that the VF 8 supports the UAE’s infrastructure development where electric mobility and climate-conscious choices are central.

The Kia Tasman, the brand’s first pickup truck, has been designed from the ground up to eschew the accepted compromises of conventional pickups, seamlessly transitioning between on- and off-road driving while providing customers with a practical, highly versatile package engineered to meet their diverse needs.

The Tasman is built on a brand-new pickup platform designed to offer confident off-road performance, outstanding load-carrying capacity, and exceptional durability. Its reinforced body-on-frame structure not only delivers best-in-class strength — for payloads up to 1,151kg and towing capacity up to 3,500kg — but provides the foundation for the Tasman’s unparalleled go-anywhere ability.

Optimized for rough terrain, the Tasman boasts a ground clearance of up to 252mm (X-Pro model) with approach, departure, and ramp-over angles of up to 32.2, 26.2, and 25.8 degrees respectively. The front suspension adopts a high-mount double-wishbone setup for better corrosion resistance and ground clearance, while the rear suspension uses a rigid axle with leaf springs, offering SUV-like comfort when unladen and excellent load-bearing support when hauling.

Tuned shock absorbers utilize frequency-sensitive valves and urethane bump stops to optimize ride quality over varied surfaces. Model-specific tires further enhance ability, with HT (Highway Terrain) tires ensuring smooth on-road driving for the base trim, and larger-diameter AT (All-Terrain) tires enabling the off-road focused X-Pro model to overcome even more rugged terrain.

Key powertrains and exhaust components are positioned above the frame to avoid damage during off-road excursions, while the air intake is also located 950mm above the ground. Located inside the front fender, facing rearward, its design helps to prevent water ingress during fording, allowing the Tasman to wade through depths of up to 800mm at speeds of up to 7km/h.

With the physical attributes to take on any terrain, the Tasman also delivers the engineering to match, with both the X-Line and the X-Pro equipped with four-wheel-drive (4WD) as standard. The 4WD system is paired with advanced off-road technologies, making it the most off-road-capable vehicle Kia has ever produced.

The Two-Speed Active Transfer Case (ATC) offers four selectable drive modes — 2H (rear-wheel drive), 4H (high-range 4WD), 4L (low-range 4WD), and 4A (automatic all-wheel drive) to adapt to various terrain and driving scenarios. An Electronic Locking Differential (e-LD) ensures even distribution of torque across both rear wheels, aiding traction on uneven or slippery surfaces.

Terrain-specific drive modes make use of an optimized 4WD drive logic (designed newly for Tasman) to ensure optimal torque distribution and superior traction by fine-tuning throttle response, power distribution, and traction control. For the Middle East and Africa, the Tasman also includes a dedicated ‘Desert’ mode, specially calibrated to handle sand dunes with ease, as well as gaining enhanced cooling performance in the form of a water-cooled oil cooler.

Additionally, X-Trek Mode provides low-speed off-road cruise control (under 10km/h) allowing the Tasman to navigate rough terrain without throttle input, allowing the driver to focus solely on steering. Further off-road-oriented technologies support confident driving, including a Ground View Monitor that displays underbody terrain through the infotainment screen, and an Off-Road Page showing real-time data on the engine, transmission, and cooling systems.

In the Middle East and Africa, customers can choose between the 2.5-liter turbo petrol engine equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine with a choice of an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission (depending on market). To support the pickup’s 3,500kg towing capacity, the Tasman features enhanced cooling systems with an enlarged radiator and a high-capacity fan, as well as an advanced air-cooled transmission oil cooler. In the Middle East and Africa, an additional water-cooled system is equipped to cover low-speed towing conditions in the sandy areas.

A dedicated Tow Mode on the automatic transmission adjusts gear changes to balance ride comfort, efficiency, and towing performance, while additional towing features include Kia’s first Trailer Brake Controller and Trailer Stability Assist, which minimize trailer sway for safer towing. This state-of-the-art drivetrain technology was tested and proven in numerous locations.

The Tasman doesn’t just enable passengers to go anywhere, but to bring whatever they need with them too, thanks to a bed engineered for strength, versatility, and storage efficiency. Measuring 1,573mm long, 1,600mm wide, and 543mm deep, the bed offers a class-leading 1,212 liters of cargo volume. With a 1,194mm width between the wheel arches, it also accommodates standard-size pallets in global markets. The Tasman supports up to 1,151kg as a total payload, including the cabin loads.

Convenience features include divider slots for wooden partitions to better organize cargo, tie-down hooks and cargo rails with cleats, a bed liner for surface protection, side-mounted lighting, and a 220V inverter for versatile power needs. Kia has additionally developed a line of genuine accessories to enhance user experience while complimenting the Tasman’s rugged styling, including single and double-decker canopies, sports bars, bed covers, sliding trays, and side steps.

Inside, occupants benefit from best-in-class second-row legroom, headroom, and shoulder room, with slimmer front and rear seatbacks taking full advantage of the 2,214mm-long cabin. Second-row seats are also equipped with Kia’s segment-first sliding-linked reclining function, allowing users to comfortably recline — an uncommon feature in mid-size pickups.

Even greater refinement is delivered by the laminated acoustic glass on the windshield and front windows, along with generous sound-absorbing materials throughout the body. Optimized airflow channels and sealing strips minimize road and wind noise from entering the cabin.

Infotainment highlights include a Panoramic Wide Display — which brings together a 12.3-inch cluster display, a 5-inch segment display, and a 12.3-inch infotainment system display — powered by Kia’s latest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) interface and paired with a Harman Kardon premium sound system. A folding Console Table offers usable flexibility, while further practicality is provided by a 33-liter under-seat storage compartment beneath the rear seat cushions, offering ample space for personal items and tools.

A Wide-Open Hinge allows the rear doors to open at up to 80 degrees, making it easier to load cargo or enter and exit the vehicle.