SOUEAST S09 and S07 UAE Price, Specs & Road Trip Review 2026: Dubai SUV Guide
The morning sun was just cresting over the rugged peaks of the Hajar Mountains as I turned off the Dubai-Al Ain Road (E66) onto the open asphalt leading toward Maleha. Behind the wheel of the all-new SOUEAST S09, the digital instrument cluster read 120 km/h with the cruise control locked, the cabin remaining whisper-quiet despite the desert headwind.
Over the past week, I drove both the flagship S09 and its companion S07 across town, through tight basement ramps in Dubai Marina, and across long stretches of desert highway to Ras Al Khaimah. With competitive pricing starting under AED 80,000 for the S07 and AED 99,000 for the S09, these newcomers bring serious competition to the UAE family crossover segment in 2026.
At a glance | Details |
|---|---|
Starting price | AED 79,000 for S07 |
Flagship price | AED 99,000 for S09 |
Engine output | 254 horsepower and 390 Nm |
Seating layout | Three rows with seven seats |
Warranty cover | 6 years or 200,000 km |
SOUEAST S09 vs S07: Market Position and Pricing in Dubai
Entering the UAE automotive market requires bold value, and the initial pricing strategy for SOUEAST reflects serious ambition. The midsize S09 arrives as the brand flagship, targeting larger families who need three usable rows of seating without paying the premium demanded by legacy Japanese or European competitors. Showrooms along Sheikh Zayed Road list the S09 starting at AED 99,000 for the comfort trim, stepping up to AED 119,000 for the flagship all-wheel-drive edition equipped with full nappa-style seating.
The smaller S07 sits directly below it, offering a compact footprint tailored for urban commuters and young families. With an entry price of AED 79,000, it delivers punchy performance from a 1.6-litre turbocharged unit while retaining high-end styling cues like sequential LED indicators and flush door handles.
Model | Starting Price | Powertrain |
|---|---|---|
SOUEAST S09 | AED 99,000 | 2.0T 254hp AWD |
SOUEAST S07 | AED 79,000 | 1.6T 197hp FWD |
Engine Power, Torque, and Desert Highway Handling
Under the sculpted hood of the S09 sits a robust 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 254 horsepower and 390 Newton-metres of torque. Power feeds through an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly whether you are navigating stop-start traffic along Financial Centre Road or merging onto the high-speed lanes of the E311. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes 8.4 seconds, providing confident passing power when overtaking long trucks on single-lane bypasses.
On the open curves of the Sharjah-Kalba highway (E102), the chassis tuning feels European, with McPherson struts up front and a multi-link rear setup that minimises body roll. Fuel consumption over my 650-kilometre test route averaged 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres during steady highway cruising, rising to 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres in dense city traffic.
The 2.0-Litre Turbo Performance
The twin-scroll turbocharger spools up before 1,800 RPM, delivering immediate throttle response that makes quick work of highway on-ramps. Thermal management handles the intense Gulf ambient heat with ease, maintaining steady oil temperatures even during prolonged uphill climbs toward Jebel Jais.
Transmission and All-Wheel-Drive Grip
The intelligent all-wheel-drive system on the S09 continuously monitors wheel slippage and routes up to 50 percent of driving torque to the rear wheels when hitting sand-blown shoulders or wet road paint. Multiple drive modes including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow adjust throttle mapping and steering weighting.
Pushing through highway crosswinds past Maleha at 120 km/h, the chassis stayed remarkably planted without cabin vibration.
Cabin Architecture: 7-Seater Space and Family Utility
Family usability makes or breaks a three-row crossover in the Emirates, and the S09 delivers generous packaging thanks to its 2,820 mm wheelbase. The middle row slides forward and backward on integrated rails, allowing second-row passengers to tailor legroom depending on who occupies the third row. Even with the middle seats set to a balanced position, adults up to 175 cm tall can sit in the third row for an hour-long journey without knees knocking against the seatbacks.
Cargo flexibility is another major asset for road trips across the emirates. With all seven seats deployed, the boot still holds 438 litres, easily fitting four cabin-sized suitcases and several beach bags. Folding the rear bench expands storage capacity to a massive 1,130 litres, turning the vehicle into a capable cargo hauler.
Third row folds flat via power switches in four seconds
Trunk volume expands from 438 litres to 1,130 litres
Three distinct climate zones with independent B-pillar vents
Wireless 50-watt rapid smartphone cooling charging pad
Infotainment, Tech Displays, and Driver-Assist Suites
The dashboard of the S09 is dominated by a sweeping 12.3-inch curved dual-screen display running on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 automotive chip. Menu transitions are snappy, and the interface supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto without latency. Physical buttons are thoughtfully retained for essential climate controls along the center console, allowing quick temperature adjustments without glancing away from the road.
Showroom launch specifications published by SOUEAST Motor confirm competitive equipment packages designed for GCC climate conditions. The Level 2 driver assistance system incorporates adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane-keeping assistance, forward collision warnings, and blind-spot monitors that alert you to fast-approaching vehicles.
Qualcomm Cockpit Processing Speed
The hardware architecture ensures instant boot times when pressing the start button, with navigation maps rendering in crisp high definition. Voice recognition understands natural speech commands for opening the panoramic sunroof, switching radio stations, or adjusting cabin temperature.
Level 2 Driver Assistance Suite
On long highway stretches, the lane-centering assist works smoothly without ping-ponging between lane markings. The 540-degree panoramic camera provides a transparent under-chassis view that helps drivers spot parking curbs and sharp obstacles.
The transparent chassis camera makes tight parking in crowded Al Barsha mall bays effortless.
Ownership Costs: Warranty, Servicing, and Insurance in Dubai
Long-term reliability and ownership expenses often dictate purchasing decisions for newer brands in the region. The authorized distributor in the UAE backs both the S09 and S07 with an extensive six-year or 200,000-kilometre factory warranty, covering all major mechanical and electrical components. Launch packages also bundle a complimentary three-year or 60,000-kilometre scheduled maintenance plan, covering engine oil, filter replacements, and regular brake inspections.
Comprehensive insurance rates for the S09 range from AED 2,800 to AED 3,400 per year through top UAE insurers, depending on driver age and claims history. Securing your vehicle takes just three standard dealership steps.
Book a 45-minute test drive through the Sheikh Zayed Road showroom
Submit Emirates ID and driving licence for finance pre-approval
Complete vehicle registration and Salik tag issuance via the dealer desk
Road Trip Verification: Licensing, Speed Limits, and Safe Driving
Taking a road trip through the northern emirates requires understanding regional road rules. Standard vehicle registration protocols on the UAE Government Portal outline mandatory documentation for registering new passenger vehicles. Vehicle licensing guidelines administered by RTA Dubai require new car buyers to link their vehicle chassis number to an active traffic file before collecting license plates.
Traffic safety campaigns led by the Dubai Police emphasize keeping safe following distances on inter-emirate desert motorways. Automotive trade statistics released through the Emirates News Agency show rising consumer demand for midsize seven-seater family SUVs across the country. Utility efficiency standards supervised by DEWA showcase broader transitions across the emirate toward greener transportation and smart mobility.
Always check your tyre pressure before setting out on desert highways as midday tarmac heat increases PSI readings by four points.
FAQ
What is the official price of the SOUEAST S09 in the UAE?
The SOUEAST S09 starts at AED 99,000 for the comfort trim and reaches AED 119,000 for the fully loaded all-wheel-drive flagship. Showrooms also offer introductory finance packages starting from roughly AED 1,590 monthly on a five-year term.
How does the SOUEAST S09 compare to the S07?
The S09 is a larger midsize SUV with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine delivering 254 horsepower, seven seats, and available all-wheel drive. The S07 is slightly more compact, featuring a 1.6-litre turbo engine with 197 horsepower and front-wheel drive designed primarily for city commutes.
What is the warranty coverage on SOUEAST vehicles in Dubai?
SOUEAST vehicles in the UAE come backed by a comprehensive six-year or 200,000-kilometre manufacturer warranty. Most dealership launch packages also include free scheduled servicing for the first three years or 60,000 kilometres.
Is the SOUEAST S09 suitable for off-road desert driving in the UAE?
While the S09 AWD system handles hard-packed gravel, wadi tracks, and gentle desert trails with ease, it is built as a unibody crossover rather than a dedicated low-range rock crawler. For steep dune bashing, dedicated four-wheel drives with locking differentials remain necessary.
Useful Links
SOUEAST Motor — view official vehicle specs and brochure
UAE Government Portal — verify federal vehicle registration rules
RTA Dubai — check testing centers and toll rates
Dubai Police — review highway safety regulations and fines
Emirates News Agency — read official commercial automotive updates
DEWA — check green charger EV infrastructure network
Pair It With
— Angel Tyagi, Creator of Angel In Dubai
Prices, timings and availability may change — always check directly with the venue before visiting. Not sponsored.
Story lead: Time Out Dubai. Reporting can be updated or withdrawn after publication — always check the original before relying on anything here.
Rules, fees and deadlines change often. This is a general summary, not legal advice — confirm with the relevant UAE authority before acting.
Photo by SOUEAST S09 | 7 Seater SUV | SOUEAST UAE via web, Photo by unsplash via unsplash, Photo by web via web
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