Traditionally, Japanese automakers (Toyota and Nissan) have been a popular option for the UAE audience. With years of penetration in the market, they still hold a significant share (around 60%). However, over the past few years, Chinese automakers have also started making their mark in the market.
In 2024, the Chinese market share rose to 12% from 4% in 2022 – an approximate increase of 86% in units sold last year, according to the Middle East Automotive Council. As per our research, over 20 Chinese brands have entered in the past 2 to 3 years – Geely, BYD, and BAIC being the top names.
If you too are interested in Chinese cars, then read through this article to find out the top Chinese cars, especially SUVs, available in the UAE market. We’ll highlight their key features and why you should consider them over their traditional counterparts.
Growing Popularity of Chinese Cars in the UAE
The Middle East has been a hotspot for Chinese cars for the past few years. The surge was first noticeable in 2023 when China exported 159,000 vehicles to the UAE. As of 2024, the UAE has become China’s third-largest market for global car exports – a signal that consumer preferences have largely changed.
BYD, the brand that overtook Tesla in 2023, is just one of the many Chinese automakers making waves in the UAE. Despite entering the market only 18 months ago, BYD has already sold 3,000 vehicles and is aiming to hit 10,000 units by the end of this year.
The reasons behind the surge in Chinese car popularity are affordability and technology. Chinese manufacturers offer feature-packed, high-tech vehicles at competitive prices, which makes them an attractive alternative to traditional brands.
Best Chinese SUV Cars in UAE: Features and Technology
As per the Glasgow Consulting Report 2021, the UAE car market is almost the mirror opposite of global trends. Here, SUVs dominate (up to 45% share), whereas sedans are closer to 35%. Chinese automakers recognized this and flooded the segment with compelling models.
Here’s a quick review of key specs and features of some leading Chinese SUV models, available in the UAE:
| SUV Model | Price (AED) | Engine Specs. | Fuel Economy | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geely Monjaro | 123,900 – 138,900 (GK, GF, and GF+) | 2.0L Turbo (235 hp, 350 Nm) | ~8–9 L/100km (est.) | Highway Assist, 540° camera, panoramic sunroof, 3 digital displays |
| Haval H6 HEV | ~109,900 (Hybrid); ~79,900 (Petrol) | 1.5L Turbo Hybrid (240 hp, 530 Nm) | 5.2 L/100km (hybrid) | (Level 2 ADAS), Adaptive cruise, digital information cluster |
| Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max | ~98,500 – 126,500(Com, Lux, Pre) | 2.0L Turbo (254 hp, 390 Nm) | 7.3 L/100km (13.7 km/L) | 7-seater, advanced, 12.3″ infotainment, 50W Wireless charging, Speakers, 540° camera |
| Jetour Dashing | ~109,000 (Luxury Trim) | 1.6L Turbo (197 hp, 290 Nm) | 9–13 L/100km (mixed) | Sporty coupe-SUV design, 15.3″ touchscreen, 360° camera, 40W Wirless Charging |
| BYD Song Plus (PHEV) | 119,900 – 144,900 | 1.5L Turbo + Dual Motors (360 hp AWD / 197 hp FWD) | 6.9 L/100km (hybrid) | A plug-in hybrid, BYD Blade Battery, 15.6″ rotating display, ventilated seats |
| Exeed RX | 134,900 –165,000 (Comfort to Flagship) | 2.0L Turbo (261 hp, 400 Nm | ~8.5 L/100km (est.) | Matrix LED lights, 540° AWM, ADAS with 21 Intelligent features, 24.6″ Triplex display, massage seats |
| BAIC BJ80 | 260,100 | 3.0 L V6 (276 hp, 420 Nm) | ~14 L/100km (est.) | Rugged G-Wagon style, locking diffs, leather interior |
| GAC GS8 | 159,900 – 169,900 (GL, GT, GX) | 2.0L Turbo (248 hp, 400 Nm), | 12.5 L/100km (≈11.2 km/L) | 7-seater, captain chairs (opt), 14.6″ infotainment, terrain modes, Adaptive Cruise, Panoramic sunroof |
Top 10 Chinese Cars in UAE
Beyond SUVs, Chinese automakers are competing in almost every vehicle category – from sedans to pickup trucks. We have picked the top 10 Chinese cars that have attracted UAE drivers over the past few years.
Geely Monjaro
Geely’s flagship SUV, based on a Volvo-derived platform, was launched in the UAE in September 2023 by local distributor AGMC.
Monjaro comes in 3 variants (GK, GF, and GF+) with a 2.0L turbo engine (235 hp) and all-wheel drive. Its prices range from AED 123,900 to 138,900, competing with other midsize SUVs like the Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-9 while offering more tech.
Some highlighting features of the Geely Monjaro include a Highway Assist semi-autonomous driving system and a 540° Surround View monitor for parking. It comes with a panoramic cockpit with three screens, making the driving experience more interactive and user-friendly.
For those who enjoy music, the Monjaro has a 10-speaker BOSE premium sound system. It also includes engine noise reduction technology and double-layered soundproofing, creating a quiet and immersive cabin, similar to a concert hall.
Haval H6 HEV
Haval (the SUV arm of Great Wall Motor) has been in the UAE for a while, and it introduced the H6 Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) variant in 2023.
The H6 HEV is a compact crossover available in one high-spec trim, powered by a 1.5L turbo engine with a self-charging hybrid system (combined 240 hp and 530 Nm). It sips only ~5.2 liters per 100 km in mixed driving, thanks to its hybrid powertrain.
It comes with multiple tech features like a digital instrument cluster, a large infotainment screen, a panoramic roof, and advanced driver aids. Notably, the H6 scored a 5-star safety rating in ANCAP crash tests.
For UAE usage, the H6 HEV is great for daily commuting; the hybrid system handles stop-and-go traffic smoothly and saves fuel during city drives, while the 188 hp petrol engine (in non-hybrid models) provides adequate highway power.
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max is a 7-seater midsize SUV that launched in the UAE in December 2022. It is Chery’s top-of-the-line offering, and in the UAE, it comes with a 2.0L TGDI engine (254 hp) and intelligent AWD.
Tiggo 8 Pro Max is available in three main trims (Com, lux, and pre) and 8 different color options, with prices starting around 98,500 up to ~AED 126,500 for the fully loaded version. At these prices, it rivals more expensive family SUVs. It’s roughly 30% cheaper than a Toyota Highlander or Mazda CX-9, yet offers similar size and amenities.
Jetour Dashing
The Jetour Dashing (called “Dashing” for its striking looks) is a newcomer that debuted in the UAE around 2023. Jetour is a sub-brand of Chery focusing on youthful, high-tech SUVs.
The Dashing is a 5-seater crossover with a sporty coupé-like roofline, powered by a 1.6L turbo engine with 197 hp. The biggest highlight of the exterior is concealed door handles, checkered taillights, and 20-inch alloy wheels. Internally, it’s packed with features too: a giant 15.3″ infotainment touchscreen, wireless phone charging, a 360-degree panoramic view for parking, and a sunroof.
On UAE roads, the Dashing’s 197 hp is enough for daily driving, and its light steering and compact size make it easy to maneuver in urban areas. The fuel economy is decent (~12 km/L in real-world conditions), so it won’t break the bank to run.
BYD Song Plus
BYD (Build Your Dreams) officially entered the UAE in 2023 in partnership with Al-Futtaim, and the Song Plus DM-i is one of its flagship offerings. The Song Plus is a compact crossover SUV that uniquely features a plug-in hybrid drivetrain.
It has a 1.5L petrol engine mated to electric motors; in the Design trim (FWD), it makes about 197 hp, while the Premium trim adds a rear motor for AWD and bumps output to 360 hp.
The Song Plus is priced from AED 119,900 (FWD) to AED 144,900 (AWD). This pricing is extremely competitive – for context, it’s offering mid-size SUV space and plug-in tech for roughly the price of a Honda CR-V. It can consume around 6.9L of fuel for 100 km, which is quite economical for daily usage.
The BYD Song Plus is also loaded with features: expect a rotating 15.6″ touchscreen, 10-speaker infinity audio system, ventilated seats, and a full ADAS suite including adaptive cruise, lane keeping assist, automatic braking, etc.
Exeed RX
The Exeed RX is a two-row, mid-size luxury SUV that aims to challenge the likes of Lexus and Infiniti but at a more accessible price. It offers two powertrain options: a base 1.6L turbo (197 hp) and a higher-end 2.0L turbo delivering about 261 hp and 400 Nm of torque.
In the UAE, Exeed sells the RX in trims such as Comfort (1.6T), Luxury (2.0T), and Flagship (2.0T), with starting prices around AED 116k, up to about AED 165k for the top-spec with all options.
Salient features of the Exeed RX include its striking design – it sports a borderless grille and distinctive “X” LED daylights that give it a futuristic face Inside, it’s all luxury: Nappa leather, a dual-screen cockpit, head-up display, Sony audio, and even a massage function in the seats on Flagship models.
Exeed hasn’t skimped on safety and tech either; the RX comes with Level 2 ADAS (adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist, automated parking, etc.) and a robust safety structure – it was co-developed with input from European engineers to meet stringent standards.
BAIC BJ80
BAIC (Beijing Automotive) introduced the BJ80 to the UAE market in 2024 (the model itself has been famed in China for a few years, including use by military and government).
The BAIC BJ80 is a very different beast on this list – it’s a full-fledged off-road SUV, often drawing comparisons to the Mercedes G-Class in appearance and purpose. But it’s more a low-cost option of G-class. In UAE, two variants are available, ‘Supreme’ and ‘Mount Everest’ – both with 3.0L, Aluminum engines that can deliver 206hp and 420 Nm torque.
The BJ80 features a body-on-frame construction, three differential locks (for serious off-road traction), and generous ground clearance, making it desert-ready. Inside, it pampers occupants with leather upholstery, wood trim, a large infotainment screen, and modern conveniences. It also includes some advanced tech like a 360-degree camera and adaptive cruise control, which are rare in traditional utilitarian SUVs.
On UAE terrain, the BAIC BJ80 shines off-road – it’s designed to tackle desert dunes and wadi trails. If you’re dune bashing in Liwa or wading through muddy terrain, the BJ80’s robust suspension and 4WD system are up to the task.
Great Wall Motor Poer
The GWM Poer (sometimes just called “Great Wall Poer” or P-Series) is a dual-cab pickup truck that brings Chinese competition to the UAE’s pickup market.
The Poer is available in two main variants – typically a Standard/High and a Platinum trim. Both are powered by a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine outputting about 188 hp and 360 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and switchable 4WD (with low-range gearbox) for off-road use.
In terms of pricing, the Poer is very attractive: it starts around AED 102,900 for the lower variant and about AED 110,000 for the top Platinum trim. This pricing undercuts popular Japanese pickups – for instance, a Toyota Hilux double-cab in a mid-trim or Nissan Navara PRO-4X can cost a bit more while offering fewer creature comforts.
Poer’s has a spacious double cab with seating for five, a modern interior with touchscreen infotainment (including Apple CarPlay), wireless charging, and level 2 autonomous driving.
For UAE roads, the GWM Poer is a sturdy and versatile machine. With 4WD and decent approach/departure angles, the Poer can tackle dune trails similarly to a Toyota Tacoma or Mitsubishi Triton – and it even has selectable off-road modes to assist novice off-road drivers. Hongqi H9
Hongqi H9
The Hongqi H9 is a full-size luxury sedan, arguably the most premium Chinese car on sale in the UAE today. It has been the limousine brand for Chinese state dignitaries and entered the UAE market in December 2020.
The H9 arrived as Hongqi’s showcase model – a rival to the Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5 Series but with dimensions closer to a Lexus LS. In the UAE, the Hongqi H9 is offered in multiple trims (comfort, executive, and, luxury), generally with two engine choices: a 2.0L turbocharged I4 (250 hp) and a 3.0L supercharged V6 (281 hp)
H9 prices start around AED 213,900 for the base variant, mid-trims around AED 244,500, and top-of-the-line 3.0L Flagship with two-tone paint and a four-seat executive rear layout at about AED 299,000;
Hongqi H9 has a Rolls-Royce-esque front grille, sleek LED headlights, and an available two-tone exterior paint that exudes old-school luxury. Inside, the H9 is all about opulence: generous use of leather, wood, and chrome, with a spacious back seat that, in the top variant, comes with two large reclining captain seats, display integrated into backseats, a center console, massage and ventilation functions, and even a refrigerated compartment for drinks.
The Hongqi H9 is perfectly suited for executives or VIP transport services. Of course, being a large sedan, it’s not meant for off-road or rough terrain at all – this one is strictly a road machine.
GAC GS8
GAC GS8 is a large 7-seater SUV from the Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC). It is often referred to as the “Chinese Land Cruiser Prado” because of its size and capabilities, though its styling and refinement make it feel more like a competitor to the Ford Explorer or Hyundai Palisade.
The GS8 comes with a 2.0L turbo engine (248 hp, 400 Nm) and a robust 8-speed automatic transmission. It is available in three trims – usually a mid-level GL, GT, and a fully loaded GX – with prices of approximately AED 160,000.
GAC GS8 has a bold exterior – a massive grille and “Matrix” LED headlights that give it real road presence and a truly premium interior. It offers a 7-seat layout with a usable third row.
Tech-wise, it has a widescreen infotainment system, a fully digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, and extensive ambient lighting. Safety and driver aids are abundant: adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, blind spot cameras, and more.
The Road Ahead for Chinese Cars in UAE
Yes, Chinese cars are still relatively new in the UAE, and some buyers may have concerns about their long-term performance. Although they are newcomers to this market, they have already proven their worth globally, competing with Japanese and American giants in terms of technology, safety, and affordability.
In just a few years, they have captured over 10% of the market share, and with continued growth, especially in the EV segment, these brands could become dominant players in the UAE and across the Middle East within the next decade