Dubai Motor Show 2026: Every Major Reveal and What It Means for UAE Buyers

Arjun Sharma·8 May 2026·8 min read

The 2025 edition of the Dubai Motor Show — which previews the 2026 model year for GCC buyers — was the most electrified in the event's history. Forty percent of vehicles on display featured battery electric, plug-in hybrid or full hybrid powertrains, up from 22% at the 2023 show.

Here are the significant reveals and what they mean for UAE buyers.

What We Know

Hyundai IONIQ 9: UAE's Largest Korean EV Ever

Hyundai used Dubai to confirm GCC pricing and specifications for the IONIQ 9, its flagship three-row electric SUV. The 7-seat SUV uses an 110.3 kWh battery with an estimated GCC-spec range of 480 km WLTP.

Confirmed UAE starting price: AED 249,000 On-sale: Q1 2026 Key spec: 800V ultra-fast charging, 350 kW DC accept rate, 10–80% in 22 minutes

The IONIQ 9 is significant because it is the first genuinely spacious 3-row EV available in the UAE at under AED 250,000.

Kia EV9 GT: 501 hp Family SUV Launches in UAE

The EV9 GT — the performance version of Kia's 3-row electric SUV — made its GCC debut in Dubai with confirmed UAE pricing.

UAE starting price: AED 279,000 Power: 501 hp (dual motor AWD) 0–100 km/h: 4.3 seconds Range: 440 km WLTP

This is the first time a family-oriented 3-row SUV has offered supercar-level acceleration at a mainstream price point in UAE.

BMW X7 Facelift: New Face, New Tech

BMW presented the revised X7 at Dubai with updated kidney grille, new curved display interior and a choice of six-cylinder and V8 powertrains for GCC markets.

UAE pricing: - xDrive40i: AED 399,000 - xDrive50i V8: AED 479,000 - Alpina B7: AED 649,000

On-sale: March 2026 in UAE.

Mercedes-Benz G 580 EV: Electric G-Wagon Arrives in GCC

The electric G-Class made its GCC debut at Dubai. Mercedes-Benz confirmed UAE pricing and confirmed it shares the same body dimensions as the combustion G-Class.

UAE price: AED 689,000 Range: 437 km WLTP Unique feature: Four independent electric motors — one per wheel — enable a pivot-turn manoeuvre

This is the most significant premium EV launch for the Gulf region in 2026.

Lexus LX 700h: Hybrid Power for the GCC's Favourite Luxury SUV

Lexus confirmed GCC specifications for the LX 700h — a twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid version of the LX — ahead of Q2 2026 delivery.

UAE price: AED 449,000 Power: 459 hp (combined hybrid) Fuel economy: 10.2 L/100 km (claimed)

BYD Makes its Largest UAE Statement

BYD attended Dubai Motor Show for the first time with a full stand covering the Seal U, Atto 8, Shark pickup and the Han EV sedan. The Chinese brand announced 10 new UAE dealerships and confirmed the Shark pickup for UAE at AED 189,000.

Key Numbers at a Glance

What This Means for UAE Buyers

The 2026 Dubai Motor Show confirmed two structural shifts in the UAE automotive market.

First, three-row electric SUVs have arrived at accessible price points. The IONIQ 9 at AED 249,000 competes directly with petrol alternatives like the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander — and wins on running costs.

Second, Chinese manufacturers are taking the UAE market seriously. BYD's investment in UAE retail infrastructure — 10 new showrooms — signals a long-term commitment rather than opportunistic entry. UAE buyers now have genuine choice outside the traditional Japanese/German/American axis.

What Happens Next

Hyundai IONIQ 9 deliveries begin in March 2026. BMW X7 facelift arrives at UAE showrooms by March. Lexus LX 700h deliveries in Q2 2026.

CarsXT will publish full reviews of each model as test cars become available. See our best electric SUVs guide for current recommendations while you wait.