Best Chinese Cars for Long Distance Driving: Forthing REEV Advantage 2026

Best Chinese Cars for Long Distance Driving: Forthing REEV Advantage 2026

Long-distance driving is an integral part of life in the UAE, whether it is the daily commute between Sharjah and Dubai, weekend trips to Abu Dhabi or Al Ain, or the epic road journey to Oman's Musandam Peninsula or Salalah. The distances involved, combined with the still-developing electric vehicle charging infrastructure outside major cities, make range a critical factor for UAE car buyers. Chinese car manufacturers have responded to this challenge with a range of solutions, from traditional petrol engines with large fuel tanks to plug-in hybrids and range-extended electric vehicles. Forthing has emerged as a leader in long-distance capability, with its REEV models offering 1,100 kilometres of combined range and the V9 PHEV delivering an impressive 1,300 kilometres. In this guide, we evaluate the best Chinese cars for long-distance driving available in the UAE for 2026, comparing their range, comfort, fuel efficiency, and suitability for the unique demands of UAE road travel.

Updated August 2026. Data verified against manufacturer specifications, Cartea UAE market data, and industry sales reports.

Model Overview

The table below provides a quick-reference summary of every vehicle covered in this guide, including pricing, body style, and key powertrain specifications. Use it to compare models at a glance before diving into the detailed sections that follow.

Forthing Friday REEV

Price: 109,900 AED | Body Style: REEV SUV | Powertrain: 200km EV / 1100km combined

The Forthing Friday REEV is the ideal long-distance SUV for UAE drivers, offering 200 kilometres of pure electric range for zero-emission urban commuting combined with a 1,100-kilometre total range that eliminates range anxiety entirely. The REEV architecture means the vehicle always drives on electric power, with the 1.5-litre turbocharged engine acting solely as a generator to recharge the battery when needed. This provides the smooth, quiet, and responsive driving experience of an electric vehicle at all times, whether you are crawling through Dubai traffic or cruising at 120 km/h on the Sheikh Zayed Road to Abu Dhabi.

For long-distance driving, the Friday REEV's key advantage is its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing 326 horsepower, which provides confident overtaking on highways and sure-footed traction in varying road conditions. The cabin is designed for comfort on long journeys, with quilted leather seats, a head-up display that keeps speed and navigation information in the driver's line of sight, and a large vertical touchscreen for easy access to entertainment and navigation. The DC fast charging capability at 60 kW means that when you do stop at a charging station, you can top up the battery from 30% to 80% in about 30 minutes, just enough time for a coffee break. At 109,900 AED, the Friday REEV offers the best combination of electric driving, long-distance range, and value in this comparison.

Key Highlights:

• 200 km pure electric range for zero-emission urban driving
• 1,100 km combined range for unlimited long-distance travel
• 326 hp dual-motor AWD for confident highway overtaking
• 60 kW DC fast charging for quick top-ups on the road
• Head-up display and quilted leather seats for comfort
• Always-electric driving experience for smooth, silent cruising

Best For: UAE drivers who want electric commuting with unlimited long-distance range and high performance.

Forthing S7 REEV

Price: 109,900 AED | Body Style: REEV Sedan | Powertrain: 165km EV / 1100km combined

The Forthing S7 REEV brings the same 1,100-kilometre combined range to the sedan segment, making it an excellent choice for professionals who cover long distances between emirates but prefer the refinement and efficiency of a sedan. With 165 kilometres of pure electric range, the S7 REEV can handle most daily commutes on electricity alone, while the range extender ensures you can drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, or even across the border to Oman without needing to find a charging station. The sedan body style offers superior aerodynamics, contributing to better fuel efficiency at highway speeds.

The S7 REEV's cabin is a technology showcase designed to make long-distance driving safer and more enjoyable. The 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen provides easy access to navigation with real-time traffic updates, the augmented-reality head-up display projects turn-by-turn directions onto the windscreen, and the 12-speaker premium audio system provides immersive entertainment. The seats are ventilated and heated, and the driver's seat offers eight-way electric adjustment with memory, ensuring optimal comfort over multi-hour journeys. Safety features including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control reduce driver fatigue on long highway stretches. At 109,900 AED, the S7 REEV is the best sedan choice for long-distance driving in this comparison.

Key Highlights:

• 165 km pure electric range, 1,100 km combined range
• 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen with real-time navigation
• AR head-up display for hands-free navigation guidance
• Ventilated and heated seats for long-journey comfort
• Adaptive cruise control to reduce highway driving fatigue
• Superior aerodynamics for efficient highway cruising

Best For: Professionals who drive long distances between emirates and want sedan refinement with unlimited range.

Forthing V9 PHEV

Price: 149,900 AED | Body Style: 7-Seater MPV | Powertrain: 1300km combined range

The Forthing V9 PHEV offers the longest range of any vehicle in this comparison at 1,300 kilometres, making it the ultimate long-distance family vehicle. As a plug-in hybrid MPV, the V9 PHEV combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with an electric motor, allowing for pure electric driving on shorter trips and combined petrol-electric operation for longer journeys. The 1,300-kilometre combined range means you can drive from Dubai to Muscat and back on a single tank and charge, or make multiple round trips between any two emirates without stopping for fuel.

For long-distance family travel, the V9 PHEV's cabin is exceptionally well-suited, with seven seats, executive-style captain's chairs with massaging function in the second row, adaptive air suspension that absorbs road imperfections, and acoustic glass that keeps the cabin whisper-quiet even at highway speeds. The dual-screen infotainment system with rear entertainment keeps all occupants occupied on long journeys, and the tri-zone climate control ensures comfort for everyone. Safety equipment includes the full ADAS suite, seven airbags, and a 360-degree camera. At 149,900 AED, the V9 PHEV is the most expensive model in this comparison, but its combination of 1,300 km range, seven-seat practicality, and luxury features makes it the best choice for large families who frequently travel long distances.

Key Highlights:

• 1,300 km combined range, the longest in this comparison
• Seven seats with massaging captain's chairs
• Adaptive air suspension for comfortable long-distance cruising
• Acoustic glass for a whisper-quiet cabin at highway speeds
• Rear entertainment system for passenger comfort
• Full ADAS suite to reduce driver fatigue

Best For: Large families who want the ultimate long-distance vehicle with maximum range and luxury comfort.

BYD Song Plus

Price: 124,900 AED | Body Style: PHEV SUV | Powertrain: Plug-in hybrid

The BYD Song Plus is a plug-in hybrid SUV priced at 124,900 AED, offering approximately 100 kilometres of pure electric range and a combined range of over 1,000 kilometres. As a PHEV, the Song Plus uses both its 1.5-litre Xiaoyun engine and electric motor to drive the wheels, with the engine taking over at higher speeds. This is a proven and reliable approach to long-distance driving, and BYD's Blade Battery technology is renowned for its safety and longevity.

The Song Plus's cabin features a rotating touchscreen, premium materials, and a spacious layout that is comfortable for long journeys. Safety equipment includes six airbags, autonomous emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. While the Song Plus offers a respectable combined range of over 1,000 kilometres, it falls short of the Forthing REEV models' 1,100 km and the V9 PHEV's 1,300 km. Additionally, the PHEV architecture means the combustion engine's noise and vibration are more noticeable at highway speeds compared to the always-electric REEV driving experience. At 124,900 AED, the Song Plus is 15,000 AED more expensive than the Friday REEV while offering less range and a less refined driving experience, making it a less compelling choice for long-distance driving, though it benefits from BYD's strong brand reputation.

Key Highlights:

• 100 km pure electric range, 1,000+ km combined range
• BYD Blade Battery technology for safety and longevity
• 1.5L Xiaoyun engine with electric motor assistance
• Rotating touchscreen and premium cabin materials
• Proven PHEV technology from the world's largest EV maker
• Strong brand reputation and dealer network

Best For: Buyers who prioritise BYD brand reputation and proven PHEV technology for long-distance driving.

Tank 500

Price: 165,000 AED | Body Style: Off-Road SUV | Powertrain: 2.0L Turbo hybrid

The Tank 500 from Great Wall Motors is a different kind of long-distance vehicle, priced at 165,000 AED and designed for drivers who venture off the beaten path. As a body-on-frame off-road SUV with a 2.0-litre turbocharged hybrid engine, the Tank 500 offers a combined range of approximately 800 kilometres, which is less than the Forthing and BYD models in this comparison. However, the Tank 500's strength lies not in outright range but in its ability to tackle the UAE's desert terrain, wadi tracks, and mountain roads that other vehicles cannot access.

The Tank 500's cabin is surprisingly luxurious for an off-road vehicle, with leather upholstery, a large touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, and premium materials throughout. The four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing, locking differentials, and multiple terrain modes makes it capable of handling sand dunes, rocky trails, and steep inclines. For long-distance driving that involves off-road sections, such as trips to the Liwa desert or the Hajar Mountains, the Tank 500 is unmatched in this comparison. However, for purely on-road long-distance driving, its range, fuel economy, and ride comfort are inferior to the Forthing REEV and PHEV models. At 165,000 AED, it is the most expensive model in this comparison and is best suited for adventure-oriented buyers who need genuine off-road capability alongside long-distance touring ability.

Key Highlights:

• 2.0L turbocharged hybrid engine for combined 800+ km range
• Body-on-frame construction with 4WD and low-range gearing
• Locking differentials and multiple terrain modes
• Luxurious cabin with leather and premium materials
• Capable of desert driving and off-road long-distance touring
• Ideal for UAE adventures beyond paved roads

Best For: Adventure-oriented drivers who need genuine off-road capability for long-distance journeys beyond paved roads.

Long-Distance Driving Range Comparison

The table below compares all five models on the criteria that matter most for long-distance driving in the UAE, including combined range, electric range, comfort features, and suitability for different types of long-distance journeys.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is REEV technology better than PHEV for long-distance driving?

REEV technology is better for long-distance driving because it provides a consistently electric driving experience at all times. In a REEV, the combustion engine never directly drives the wheels, it only acts as a generator to recharge the battery. This means the vehicle always delivers smooth, silent, and instant electric torque, regardless of whether the battery is charged or the range extender is active. In a PHEV, the combustion engine can take over at higher speeds, resulting in a change in driving feel, increased noise, and vibration. For long-distance highway driving, the REEV's consistent electric experience is more relaxing and refined, reducing driver fatigue over multi-hour journeys.

How far can I drive on a single tank and charge with the Forthing V9 PHEV?

The Forthing V9 PHEV offers a combined range of 1,300 kilometres on a full tank of petrol and a fully charged battery. This means you can drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and back approximately four times, or from Dubai to Muscat in Oman without needing to stop for fuel or charging. The plug-in hybrid system allows you to start each journey with the battery charged, providing 80+ kilometres of pure electric driving before the petrol engine engages, and the total range ensures you can tackle even the longest UAE road trips with confidence.

Which model is best for driving from Dubai to Salalah?

For the Dubai to Salalah road trip, which covers approximately 1,200 kilometres each way, the Forthing V9 PHEV is the best choice with its 1,300 km combined range. You can complete the journey with just one fuel stop, and the seven-seat cabin, adaptive air suspension, and acoustic glass ensure maximum comfort for the multi-day drive. The Friday REEV and S7 REEV with 1,100 km range are also excellent choices, requiring just one fuel stop each. The Tank 500 is a good alternative if you plan to explore off-road areas around Salalah, though its 800 km range means more frequent fuel stops.

Can I use the Forthing REEV models for off-road driving on long-distance trips?

The Forthing Friday REEV with its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system has moderate off-road capability, suitable for gravel roads, sandy tracks, and light off-road conditions that you might encounter on long-distance trips in the UAE. However, it is not designed for serious off-roading like dune bashing or rock crawling. If your long-distance trips involve serious off-road sections, the Tank 500 with its body-on-frame construction, low-range gearing, and locking differentials is the better choice. For most UAE long-distance driving, which is primarily on paved highways with occasional gravel sections, the Friday REEV is more than capable.

How does charging affect long-distance travel with these vehicles?

For the REEV models (Friday REEV and S7 REEV) and the V9 PHEV, charging is optional for long-distance travel. You can charge the battery when convenient (at home, at work, or at a public charger) to maximise electric driving and reduce fuel costs, but you can also simply refuel at any petrol station and let the range extender or petrol engine handle the rest. This is a significant advantage over pure electric vehicles, which require access to charging infrastructure for any journey beyond their battery range. The Friday REEV and S7 REEV's DC fast charging capability (60 kW) is a bonus, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when you do stop, but it is not essential for long-distance travel.

Conclusion and Final Verdict

For long-distance driving in the UAE, Forthing's REEV and PHEV technology offers clear advantages over both pure electric vehicles and conventional petrol cars. The Friday REEV and S7 REEV, both priced at 109,900 AED, deliver 1,100 kilometres of combined range with a consistently electric driving experience that is smooth, quiet, and relaxing over multi-hour journeys. The V9 PHEV at 149,900 AED extends this range to 1,300 kilometres and adds seven-seat practicality, making it the ultimate long-distance family vehicle. In a country where distances between cities are significant and EV charging infrastructure is still developing outside major urban areas, these range capabilities are not just convenient but genuinely liberating.

Compared to the BYD Song Plus PHEV at 124,900 AED, the Forthing REEV models offer more range, more power, DC fast charging, and a more refined driving experience at a lower price. The Tank 500 at 165,000 AED offers genuine off-road capability but falls short on range, fuel economy, and on-road comfort for purely highway-oriented long-distance driving. For the majority of UAE drivers whose long-distance needs are primarily on paved roads, the Forthing lineup offers the best combination of range, comfort, efficiency, and value.

The REEV architecture's key advantage for long-distance driving is that it provides the best of both worlds: the smooth, quiet, and efficient driving experience of an electric vehicle for daily commuting, combined with the range and refuelling flexibility of a combustion engine for longer journeys. You can charge when convenient to minimise fuel costs, but you are never dependent on charging infrastructure. As the UAE continues to invest in EV charging networks, the economic case for these vehicles will only strengthen, but even today, the Forthing Friday REEV, S7 REEV, and V9 PHEV are the best Chinese cars for long-distance driving in the UAE, and they earn our strongest recommendation.