Mahy Khoory Automotive has added the Dongfeng 008 range-extended electric SUV to its UAE line-up, giving buyers a large family-focused SUV that can run electrically for daily driving while using a petrol engine to extend its overall range on longer trips. It is aimed at motorists who want EV-style driving without relying entirely on public charging infrastructure.
The launch expands Dongfeng’s presence in the UAE’s fast-growing electrified SUV market, where hybrid, plug-in hybrid and range-extended models are increasingly being positioned as alternatives to conventional petrol SUVs.
Mahy Khoory launches the Dongfeng 008 in the UAE
The Dongfeng 008 arrives through Mahy Khoory Automotive, the local distributor building the Dongfeng brand’s retail and aftersales footprint in the Emirates. The SUV is part of a wider push towards electrified models suited to family use, commuting and longer GCC journeys.
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Al Bayan reported on the UAE introduction of the model and its place within Mahy Khoory’s broader automotive expansion. The 008 is positioned as a flagship-style SUV rather than a compact urban crossover.
For buyers, the key distinction is its range-extended electric layout. The wheels are driven by an electric motor, while the petrol engine primarily works as a generator to charge the battery when required.
What is the Dongfeng 008?
The Dongfeng 008, also known in some markets as the eπ 008, is a large electrified SUV designed around spacious seating, a technology-led cabin and long-distance flexibility. It is commonly offered with three rows of seats, making it relevant to larger UAE households.
Its dimensions put it in the same broad category as other six- and seven-seat electrified SUVs now reaching the region. That includes models such as the Li Auto L9 extended-range SUV, although equipment, pricing and local specifications can differ substantially.
- Large SUV body designed for family use
- Electric-drive powertrain with a petrol range extender
- Three-row seating layout in applicable UAE versions
- Large central infotainment display and digital instrumentation
- Advanced driver-assistance features, subject to local specification
Dongfeng describes its UAE range through its official UAE website, where buyers can check current showroom availability, warranty information and final market-specific equipment. This matters because Chinese-market range figures and features do not always transfer directly to GCC-delivered vehicles.
Key features and specifications
The 008 focuses on cabin space and electric performance rather than off-road hardware. Its long wheelbase is intended to provide more useful second- and third-row accommodation than a conventional five-seat crossover.
| Specification | Dongfeng 008 REEV |
|---|---|
| Vehicle type | Large range-extended electric SUV |
| Seating | Up to six or seven seats, depending on UAE configuration |
| Drive system | Electric motor drive with petrol range-extender generator |
| Battery | Lithium iron phosphate battery |
| Electric-only range | Up to approximately 210 km on the CLTC test cycle in published-market specifications |
| Combined range | Up to approximately 1,300 km on the CLTC test cycle in published-market specifications |
| Charging | AC and DC charging capability, subject to final UAE specification |
Published figures should be treated carefully. The CLTC test cycle generally produces more optimistic results than everyday UAE driving, especially at high motorway speeds, with heavy air-conditioning use or when carrying a full family and luggage.
Expect actual electric-only range to vary with temperature, tyre pressures, driving style and charging habits. Buyers should ask the dealer for the UAE homologated range, battery capacity and charging speeds before placing an order.
Cabin and practicality
The 008’s appeal is likely to centre on its interior. Large screens, multi-zone climate control, connected functions and rear-seat comfort features are increasingly expected in this part of the market.
For families, the important details are more practical: third-row access, luggage space with every seat occupied, ISOFIX locations, rear air vents and whether the middle-row seating arrangement suits child seats. These are worth checking in person rather than relying on promotional images.
What is REEV technology and how does it work?
REEV stands for range-extended electric vehicle. In an REEV, an electric motor drives the wheels, while a small internal-combustion engine generates electricity to maintain battery charge when the battery is low or extra range is needed.
This differs from a conventional hybrid, where the petrol engine can often drive the wheels directly. It also differs from a pure battery-electric vehicle, which has no petrol engine at all.
- Daily use: the vehicle can operate largely as an EV when the battery is charged.
- Long journeys: the generator can extend driving range without a long charging stop.
- Driving feel: acceleration is usually delivered by the electric motor, giving immediate response.
- Fuel use: consumption rises when the generator is working, particularly at sustained motorway speeds.
The format can make sense for UAE drivers who have home or workplace charging but also make frequent inter-emirate journeys. It can be less attractive for owners who cannot charge regularly, because the vehicle then carries the weight and complexity of both a battery system and a petrol generator.
REEVs are gaining attention across the region. Bahrain has also seen the arrival of new range-extended SUVs, including the DEEPAL S05 and S07, showing that the technology is beginning to move beyond a niche offering.
Dongfeng's flagship Dubai showroom at Oasis Mall
Mahy Khoory has established Dongfeng’s Dubai showroom at Oasis Mall, giving prospective buyers a place to inspect the 008 and other models before committing to an unfamiliar powertrain. For many buyers, a test drive will be particularly useful in assessing regenerative braking, ride quality and how smoothly the generator operates.
A showroom visit is also the right time to confirm the ownership details that can vary by trim. These include the battery warranty, roadside assistance, servicing intervals, charging cable supplied with the vehicle and availability of replacement parts.
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Why Mahy Khoory is expanding its Dongfeng lineup
UAE demand for Chinese vehicles has broadened well beyond entry-level petrol cars. Buyers now expect larger cabins, stronger standard equipment and alternative powertrains at price points that can undercut some established premium and Japanese rivals.
Mahy Khoory’s automotive activity has also expanded through other Chinese brands. Its recent OMODA and JAECOO delivery milestone reflects the distributor’s effort to build a broader portfolio across different segments.
The Dongfeng 008 gives the group a product aimed at shoppers who want a larger electrified family SUV, rather than a compact crossover or a traditional petrol-powered seven-seater.
How does the Dongfeng 008 fit into Dongfeng's UAE range?
The 008 serves as a higher-end, family-oriented model in Dongfeng’s local offering. Its size, three-row potential and electrified drivetrain distinguish it from smaller crossovers and conventional sedans in the range.
It also gives Dongfeng an answer to buyers comparing hybrid and extended-range SUVs from newer Chinese marques. The key competitive questions will be final UAE pricing, standard safety equipment, dealer support and how well the range-extender system performs in hot-weather conditions.
Other brands are making similar moves at the upper end of the market. For example, the XPENG GX flagship SUV launch shows how quickly the regional choice of large electrified SUVs is expanding.
What this launch means for UAE SUV buyers
The 008 gives buyers another path between a conventional petrol SUV and a fully electric vehicle. For drivers who can charge regularly, it may cover many short trips on battery power while retaining the reassurance of fuel-based range extension for travel across the UAE or wider GCC.
It is not automatically the right choice for every household. Buyers who have reliable home charging and mostly stay within urban areas may find a full EV simpler, while those who rarely charge may be better served by a conventional hybrid or petrol SUV.
- Confirm the final on-road price, registration costs and finance terms.
- Ask for UAE-specific battery, motor and range figures.
- Check the exact seating layout and boot space with all rows in use.
- Clarify maintenance intervals for both the electric and petrol-generator systems.
- Take a mixed city and motorway test drive, preferably with passengers if possible.
The strongest case for the Dongfeng 008 is likely to be a family that values EV-like smoothness and low-speed efficiency but does not want long-distance travel to depend solely on charging availability. Its real-world success will depend on price, aftersales support and whether the locally delivered specification matches the expectations created by its flagship positioning.
People Also Ask
Is the Dongfeng 008 fully electric?
No. The Dongfeng 008 REEV is electrically driven but includes a petrol engine that works as a generator to extend range. It can drive on battery power, then use fuel when additional energy is needed.
How many seats does the Dongfeng 008 have?
The model is designed as a large family SUV and may be offered with six or seven seats, depending on the UAE trim level. Buyers should confirm the seating arrangement with the local dealer before ordering.
What is the difference between an REEV and a hybrid?
An REEV primarily uses an electric motor to move the vehicle, while its petrol engine generates electricity. In many conventional hybrids, the petrol engine can also directly power the wheels.
Can the Dongfeng 008 be charged at home?
Range-extended electric SUVs are designed to be charged through AC charging where suitable equipment is available. Owners should confirm the supplied charging equipment, home charger compatibility and local charging times for the UAE version.
Is the Dongfeng 008 suitable for long UAE road trips?
Its range-extender system is intended to make long journeys more practical by allowing the vehicle to continue after battery charge is depleted. Fuel consumption and real-world range will still vary with speed, weather, passenger load and air-conditioning use.
