Best Chinese Sedan in UAE 2026: Forthing S7 REEV vs BYD Seal vs Geely Preface

Best Chinese Sedan in UAE 2026: Forthing S7 REEV vs BYD Seal vs Geely Preface

The Chinese sedan market in the UAE has evolved from budget runabouts to genuine premium contenders that challenge established European and Japanese names. For buyers seeking the best Chinese sedan in UAE for 2026, the choices now span range-extended electric, pure electric, and turbocharged petrol powertrains, each offering a distinct driving experience and value proposition. Three models exemplify this diversity: the Forthing S7 REEV, the BYD Seal, and the Geely Preface. The Forthing S7 REEV is a range-extended electric sedan that eliminates range anxiety with a 1,100 km combined range, combining the smoothness of electric drive with the convenience of petrol backup. The BYD Seal is a pure electric sport sedan with 313 hp, a 570 km CLTC range, and a 5.9-second 0-100 time, targeting performance-oriented buyers. The Geely Preface brings a Volvo-derived 2.0L turbo engine with 218 hp, premium Nappa leather, and a Bose audio system, appealing to traditional petrol sedan enthusiasts. In this comprehensive comparison, we evaluate pricing, performance, interior luxury, technology, practicality, and running costs to determine the best Chinese sedan in UAE for 2026. Whether you prioritise long-range electric efficiency, pure EV performance, or premium petrol refinement, this guide will help you choose the sedan that best matches your driving profile and budget.

Updated August 2026. Data verified against manufacturer specifications and Cartea UAE market data.

Model Overview at a Glance

Before diving into the details, here is a quick overview of the models we are comparing in this guide. This snapshot gives you an immediate sense of body style, starting price, and the ideal buyer profile for each contender.

Detailed Model Breakdown

In this section, we take a closer look at each model individually. We examine the powertrain, performance figures, interior comfort, and the unique selling points that distinguish each vehicle in the competitive UAE Chinese car market.

Forthing S7 REEV

Price: 139,900 AED | Body Style: Sedan | Powertrain: Range Extender (REEV) | Power: 218 hp

The Forthing S7 REEV is a Sedan from Forthing, priced at 139,900 AED in the UAE market. It features a Range Extender (REEV) delivering 218 hp, making it a compelling option in the Chinese cars segment. The Forthing S7 REEV is designed for Long-distance drivers wanting EV feel without range anxiety.

Under the bonnet, the Forthing S7 REEV produces 218 hp and 320 Nm. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 7.5s, delivering performance for its class. The RWD layout is designed for efficiency and predictable handling on UAE roads.

Inside, the Forthing S7 REEV offers a comfortable cabin with seating for 5 and a 450 L boot. Standard features include advanced driver assistance systems, and the 8 yr / 200,000 km warranty provides long-term peace of mind.

Key Highlights

• 1,100 km combined range - longest in Chinese sedans
• Range extender eliminates range anxiety
• Pure electric drive feel with petrol backup
• Premium cabin with Nappa leather
• L2 ADAS with highway assist

Best For: Long-distance drivers wanting EV feel without range anxiety

BYD Seal

Price: 159,900 AED | Body Style: Sedan | Powertrain: Pure Electric (EV) | Power: 313 hp

The BYD Seal is a Sedan from BYD, priced at 159,900 AED in the UAE market. It features a Pure Electric (EV) delivering 313 hp, making it a compelling option in the Chinese cars segment. The BYD Seal is designed for Performance-oriented buyers wanting a fast electric sedan.

Under the bonnet, the BYD Seal produces 313 hp and 360 Nm. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 5.9s, delivering performance for its class. The RWD layout is designed for efficiency and predictable handling on UAE roads.

Inside, the BYD Seal offers a comfortable cabin with seating for 5 and a 400 L boot. Standard features include advanced driver assistance systems, and the 8 yr / 200,000 km warranty provides long-term peace of mind.

Key Highlights

• 313 hp RWD electric sport sedan
• 570 km CLTC range
• 0-100 in 5.9 seconds
• Premium cabin with vegan leather
• CTB battery integration for rigidity

Best For: Performance-oriented buyers wanting a fast electric sedan

Geely Preface

Price: 119,900 AED | Body Style: Sedan | Powertrain: 2.0L Turbocharged Petrol | Power: 218 hp

The Geely Preface is a Sedan from Geely, priced at 119,900 AED in the UAE market. It features a 2.0L Turbocharged Petrol delivering 218 hp, making it a compelling option in the Chinese cars segment. The Geely Preface is designed for Executive buyers wanting a premium petrol sedan.

Under the bonnet, the Geely Preface produces 218 hp and 325 Nm. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 7.6s, delivering performance for its class. The FWD layout is designed for efficiency and predictable handling on UAE roads.

Inside, the Geely Preface offers a comfortable cabin with seating for 5 and a 500 L boot. Standard features include advanced driver assistance systems, and the 7 yr / 200,000 km warranty provides long-term peace of mind.

Key Highlights

• 2.0L Volvo-derived turbo engine with 218 hp
• Premium D-segment sedan
• Nappa leather and Bose audio
• 7-year warranty
• Executive rear seat comfort

Best For: Executive buyers wanting a premium petrol sedan

Head-to-Head Comparison

Now that we have reviewed each model on its own merits, it is time to put them side by side. The following comparison sections analyse the key decision factors that UAE buyers care about most: price and value, performance and powertrain, interior and technology, and practicality and boot space.

Price & Value

Pricing across these three sedans reflects their distinct positioning. The Geely Preface, at 119,900 AED, is the most affordable, offering a premium D-segment petrol sedan with Volvo-derived engineering. The Forthing S7 REEV, at 139,900 AED, commands a premium for its range extender technology and 1,100 km combined range, which is unmatched in the Chinese sedan segment. The BYD Seal, at 159,900 AED, is the most expensive, justified by its 313 hp electric powertrain and sport sedan credentials. When assessing value, the Geely Preface offers the most premium petrol experience per dirham, while the Forthing S7 REEV delivers unique range-extender capability that no rival matches. The BYD Seal's premium reflects its performance focus and pure EV technology. For buyers who want maximum range without charging anxiety, the S7 REEV is the value leader; for petrol refinement, the Preface excels; for electric performance, the Seal justifies its price.

Performance & Powertrain

Performance diverges sharply across these three powertrains. The BYD Seal leads on outright acceleration, with 313 hp and 360 Nm driving the rear wheels, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds. Its electric delivery provides instant torque and a thrilling, silent surge that rivals sports sedans costing significantly more. The Geely Preface, with its 2.0L Volvo-derived turbo, produces 218 hp and 325 Nm, reaching 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds. It offers a traditional petrol driving experience with engine note and mechanical engagement that EVs cannot replicate. The Forthing S7 REEV, with 218 hp and 320 Nm from its electric motor, achieves 0-100 in 7.5 seconds, matching the Preface on paper but with the smooth, silent delivery of electric drive. The range extender engine acts as a generator and does not directly drive the wheels, so the S7 REEV feels like a pure EV in operation. For outright performance, the BYD Seal dominates; for petrol engagement, the Geely Preface excels; for EV feel with no range limits, the Forthing S7 REEV is unique.

Interior & Technology

Interior luxury is a key differentiator in the premium sedan segment, and all three deliver impressive cabins. The Forthing S7 REEV features a premium cabin with Nappa leather, ambient lighting, and L2 autonomous driving with highway assist, creating an executive ambiance. The rear-wheel-drive electric layout enables a flat floor, enhancing rear passenger comfort. The BYD Seal offers a premium cabin with vegan leather, CTB battery integration that improves rigidity and cabin space, and a sport-focused cockpit. Its interior blends sustainability with performance aesthetics. The Geely Preface boasts Nappa leather and a Bose audio system, with executive rear seat comfort that rivals European D-segment sedans. Its Volvo-derived platform ensures excellent refinement and material quality. On technology, all three offer large touchscreens and advanced connectivity, but the Forthing S7 REEV and BYD Seal lead on driver assistance with L2 ADAS. For executive comfort, the Geely Preface and Forthing S7 REEV excel; for sport-luxury, the BYD Seal leads.

Practicality & Boot Space

Practicality for sedan buyers centres on boot space, range, and running costs. The Geely Preface offers the largest boot at 500 L, making it the most practical for luggage. The Forthing S7 REEV and BYD Seal both offer 450 L and 400 L respectively, which are adequate for daily use but more modest than the Preface. On range, the Forthing S7 REEV is unrivalled with 1,100 km combined, eliminating any range anxiety and making it ideal for inter-emirate travel. The BYD Seal offers a 570 km CLTC range, sufficient for daily commuting but requiring planning for longer trips. The Geely Preface returns 7.5 L/100 km, competitive for a 2.0L turbo sedan. On running costs, the BYD Seal is the most economical as a pure EV, followed by the Forthing S7 REEV which uses minimal petrol when charged. For maximum range and flexibility, the S7 REEV leads; for pure EV economy, the Seal wins; for boot space and traditional refuelling, the Preface excels.

Pros & Cons

Every vehicle has its strengths and weaknesses. Below, we summarise the most compelling advantages and the notable drawbacks of each model to help you make a balanced, informed decision.

Forthing S7 REEV - Pros

• 1,100 km combined range - longest in Chinese sedans
• Range extender eliminates range anxiety
• Pure electric drive feel with petrol backup
• Premium cabin with Nappa leather
• L2 ADAS with highway assist

Forthing S7 REEV - Cons

• Higher price point in Chinese car segment
• Limited dealer network compared to Japanese brands

BYD Seal - Pros

• 313 hp RWD electric sport sedan
• 570 km CLTC range
• 0-100 in 5.9 seconds
• Premium cabin with vegan leather
• CTB battery integration for rigidity

BYD Seal - Cons

• Higher price point in Chinese car segment
• Limited dealer network compared to Japanese brands

Geely Preface - Pros

• 2.0L Volvo-derived turbo engine with 218 hp
• Premium D-segment sedan
• Nappa leather and Bose audio
• 7-year warranty
• Executive rear seat comfort

Geely Preface - Cons

• Brand awareness still growing in UAE
• Resale value unproven long-term

Full Specification Comparison

For buyers who want the complete picture, the table below presents the full technical specifications of every model in this comparison. Use this reference to compare numbers directly across price, powertrain, performance, range, seating, boot capacity, and warranty coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best Chinese sedan in UAE for 2026 among these three?

The Forthing S7 REEV is the best all-rounder, offering a 1,100 km combined range, 218 hp electric drive, and premium interior at 139,900 AED. For pure performance, the BYD Seal with 313 hp and a 5.9-second 0-100 time is the pick. For premium petrol refinement, the Geely Preface with its Volvo-derived 2.0L turbo excels.

What is a REEV and how does the Forthing S7 REEV work?

REEV stands for Range Extended Electric Vehicle. The Forthing S7 REEV is driven entirely by an electric motor, while a small petrol engine acts as a generator to charge the battery when it runs low. This delivers the smooth, silent feel of an EV with the range convenience of petrol, achieving 1,100 km combined.

How does the BYD Seal compare to the Forthing S7 REEV on range?

The BYD Seal offers a 570 km CLTC pure electric range, which is excellent for daily commuting but requires charging for longer trips. The Forthing S7 REEV offers 1,100 km combined range using its range extender, nearly double the Seal's range, making it far more flexible for inter-emirate travel without charging stops.

Is the Geely Preface related to Volvo?

Yes. The Geely Preface uses a Volvo-derived platform and a 2.0L turbocharged engine with links to Volvo's engineering. This heritage is reflected in its premium interior quality, refinement, and 218 hp performance, making it a compelling alternative to European D-segment sedans at a lower price.

Which of these sedans has the lowest running costs?

The BYD Seal has the lowest running costs as a pure electric vehicle, with no fuel expenses and minimal maintenance. The Forthing S7 REEV is next, using minimal petrol when regularly charged. The Geely Preface, as a petrol sedan at 7.5 L/100 km, has the highest running costs but offers traditional refuelling convenience.

Final Verdict

The best Chinese sedan in UAE for 2026 depends on your powertrain preference. The Forthing S7 REEV is the best all-rounder, offering an unmatched 1,100 km combined range, 218 hp electric drive, and a premium Nappa leather interior at 139,900 AED, eliminating range anxiety entirely. The BYD Seal is the performance champion, with 313 hp, a 5.9-second 0-100 time, and a 570 km electric range at 159,900 AED, ideal for enthusiasts. The Geely Preface is the premium petrol choice, with Volvo-derived 218 hp engineering, Nappa leather, and a Bose audio system at 119,900 AED, perfect for traditional sedan buyers. Score: Forthing S7 REEV 9.0/10, BYD Seal 8.7/10, Geely Preface 8.5/10. Recommendation: Choose the Forthing S7 REEV for range and flexibility, the BYD Seal for electric performance, and the Geely Preface for premium petrol refinement.