Dubai: Legend Motors has expanded its presence in the UAE's competitive automotive market with the launch of two new Kaiyi SUV models, reinforcing the Chinese brand’s ambitions to establish Dubai as a strategic hub for its wider Middle East expansion.

The company on Saturday introduced the Kaiyi X7 AWD, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, alongside the Kaiyi X7 PHEV, a plug-in hybrid SUV offering up to 150 kilometres of all-electric driving range. The launch comes as Chinese automotive brands continue to strengthen their foothold in the Gulf by expanding their portfolio of premium SUVs and new-energy vehicles.

"Dubai represents a global benchmark for automotive excellence, where innovation and customer expectations come together. It is a natural gateway for Kaiyi's regional expansion, and we see strong long-term potential in the UAE market as we introduce products that combine technology, value and performance," said Cannon Wang, Group Vice President – Leadership and Strategy, Legend Holding Group, on the sidelines of the unveiling ceremony in Dubai.

The UAE remains one of the Middle East's fastest-growing automotive markets, with annual new vehicle sales estimated at around 300,000 units, nearly half of which are SUVs. Growing consumer demand for technologically advanced and fuel-efficient vehicles has accelerated the entry of new manufacturers and powertrain options across the region.

Highlighting Kaiyi's long-term strategy, Tony Wu, Deputy General Manager of Kaiyi International, said the company remained committed to supporting the UAE's transition towards cleaner mobility while continuing to serve customers seeking conventional petrol-powered vehicles. "Aligned with Dubai's Vision 2030, we see a clear direction towards accelerating the adoption of new energy vehicles. While our petrol-powered E5 and X3 models continue to perform strongly among retail and fleet customers, we are equally committed to supporting the region's shift towards cleaner, future-ready mobility solutions," Wu said.

The Kaiyi X7 AWD is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 256hp and 390Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission and an advanced all-wheel-drive system, enabling a 0-100km/h sprint in approximately 6.9 seconds.

Meanwhile, the Kaiyi X7 PHEV combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and lithium iron phosphate battery pack, delivering an all-electric driving range of up to 150km (CLTC cycle) while offering EV, Hybrid and Power Assist driving modes.

Harsh Chaturvedi, General Manager, Kaiyi UAE, said the company's product philosophy centred on making advanced technology practical and accessible. "True innovation lies in making cutting-edge technology accessible, practical and aligned with the everyday expectations of our customers. It's not just about specifications but delivering a refined sense of control, comfort and modern luxury," he said.

The introduction of both internal combustion and plug-in hybrid variants reflects Kaiyi's broader strategy of offering diversified powertrain choices as consumer preferences evolve. Through its UAE operations under Legend Motors, the automotive arm of the diversified Dubai-based business group Legend Holdings, the brand is also investing in after-sales service, spare parts availability and customer support as it looks to strengthen its presence across the UAE and the wider GCC.