Forthing S7 EV vs S7 REEV: Chinese Cars Electric vs Range Extender Choice

Forthing S7 EV vs S7 REEV: Chinese Cars Electric vs Range Extender Choice

The Forthing S7 is available in two electrified variants that represent the fundamental choice facing Chinese cars buyers in the UAE: pure electric (S7 EV) or range-extended electric (S7 REEV). The S7 EV, priced at 119,900 AED, offers a 56.8 kWh LFP battery, 154 kW (206 hp) motor, and 565 km of CLTC range with 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. The S7 REEV, at 109,900 AED, pairs a 1.5-litre range extender with a 160 kW (214 hp) electric motor for 165 km of electric range and 1,100 km combined. As Chinese cars increasingly offer both EV and REEV versions of the same model, the S7 comparison provides a perfect case study for UAE buyers weighing the trade-offs between zero-emission purity and range-extender convenience.

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

Quick Overview

Forthing S7 EV at a Glance

Price: 119,900 AED (EV) / 109,900 AED (REEV) | Body Style: Mid-Size Sedan (EV / REEV)

The Forthing S7 EV and S7 REEV share the same sleek sedan body, characterised by an exceptional 0.191 drag coefficient and dimensions of 4,935 x 1,915 x 1,495 mm. The fundamental difference lies in the powertrain: the EV is a pure electric vehicle with a 56.8 kWh LFP battery and a single 154 kW (206 hp) electric motor, delivering 565 km of CLTC range and 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. The REEV uses a smaller battery paired with a 1.5-litre petrol engine that acts as a generator, providing 165 km of pure electric range and 1,100 km of combined range.

The choice between EV and REEV is not just about range; it is about lifestyle and usage patterns. The S7 EV suits buyers with reliable home or workplace charging who want zero-emission driving and never need to visit a fuel station. The 565 km CLTC range is sufficient for most UAE driving, including inter-emirate travel, though it requires planning for longer journeys. The S7 REEV suits buyers who want the efficiency and refinement of electric driving for daily use but want the security of unlimited petrol-powered range for longer journeys or areas with limited charging infrastructure. The REEV is also 10,000 AED cheaper, which partially offsets its slightly less efficient operation when running on petrol power.

Both variants share the same premium interior, technology package, and 8-year / 160,000 km warranty, making the decision purely about the powertrain approach. Both represent excellent value in the UAE sedan market and demonstrate the breadth of electrification options available from Chinese cars. Whether you choose EV or REEV depends on your charging access, driving patterns, and attitude toward range anxiety, and this comparison will help you make the right choice.

Key Highlights

• S7 EV: 56.8 kWh LFP battery with 565 km CLTC range (zero emissions)
• S7 REEV: 165 km electric + 1,100 km combined with 1.5L petrol extender
• S7 EV: 154 kW (206 hp), 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds
• S7 REEV: 160 kW (214 hp) with instant electric torque + petrol backup
• Both share the aerodynamic 0.191 Cd body and 4,935mm length
• Both feature 8-year / 160,000 km battery and powertrain warranty
• EV is 10,000 AED more expensive but offers zero-emission driving

Best For: Buyers choosing between pure electric zero-emission driving and range-extended electric with petrol backup

Performance & Powertrain

Both the S7 EV and S7 REEV deliver strong electric performance, but there are meaningful differences. The S7 EV's 154 kW (206 hp) motor accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, which is quick for a mid-size sedan. The S7 REEV's 160 kW (214 hp) motor is marginally more powerful on paper, but the REEV carries the additional weight of the 1.5-litre engine and fuel tank, which slightly offsets the power advantage. In real-world driving, both variants feel similarly responsive, with the instant torque of electric drive providing effortless acceleration and smooth, quiet operation. The S7 EV has a slight edge in refinement because it has no petrol engine to start, meaning it is always silent. The S7 REEV is equally silent when operating on battery power, but the 1.5-litre extender engine starts when the battery is depleted, adding a layer of mechanical noise under hard acceleration or high-speed cruising. Both vehicles benefit from the low centre of gravity afforded by the underfloor battery pack, which contributes to stable, confident handling. The suspension tuning is comfort-oriented in both variants, absorbing UAE road imperfections with composure. Regenerative braking is available in both, with adjustable levels allowing for one-pedal driving. Overall, the performance is closely matched, with the EV having a slight edge in refinement and the REEV having a slight edge in range flexibility.

Interior & Comfort

The interior of the S7 EV and S7 REEV is identical, as both share the same body and cabin. The dashboard is dominated by a large central touchscreen that controls most vehicle functions, flanked by a digital instrument cluster. The materials are of good quality, with soft-touch surfaces, premium upholstery options, and metallic trim accents. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with power adjustment and heating/ventilation for the front seats. Rear seat passengers enjoy generous legroom thanks to the 2,925 mm wheelbase, and the flat floor (no transmission tunnel) benefits the middle rear passenger. The panoramic glass roof enhances the feeling of spaciousness. The main interior difference between the two variants is the infotainment displays: the EV shows battery state, remaining range, and charging information, while the REEV additionally shows extender engine status, fuel level, and energy flow between the battery, engine, and motor. The REEV's boot is slightly smaller than the EV's because the range extender hardware occupies some space, though both offer adequate cargo capacity for a mid-size sedan. Overall, the interior quality, comfort, and technology are shared strengths of both variants, and the choice between them does not affect the cabin experience.

Technology & Infotainment

The technology package is shared between the S7 EV and S7 REEV, with both featuring the same large central touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in navigation, voice control, premium audio, wireless phone charging, and multiple USB-C ports. Both include over-the-air software updates and connected services via a smartphone app that allows remote monitoring and control. The key technological differences are in the powertrain management displays and features. The EV's system focuses on charging: it shows battery percentage, estimated remaining range, charging status, and can route to nearby charging stations. The REEV's system additionally shows fuel level, extender engine status, and energy flow visualisations, and can display the current drive mode (electric or range-extended). Both vehicles include a 360-degree camera, head-up display, and comprehensive vehicle settings menus. The smartphone app for both variants allows remote pre-conditioning of the cabin, which is particularly valuable in UAE summer. The technology is intuitive, responsive, and well-integrated in both variants, and the powertrain-specific displays are genuinely useful for monitoring efficiency and planning journeys.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety equipment is identical between the S7 EV and S7 REEV, as both share the same body structure and safety systems. Both vehicles feature high-strength steel construction, multiple airbags (front, side, curtain), ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control, and traction control. Both include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Both feature a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, driver monitoring, automatic high-beam assist, and traffic sign recognition. The EV's battery pack includes a thermal management system to prevent overheating, and the REEV's LFP battery similarly includes thermal management. Both vehicles feature ISOFIX child seat anchorages. The braking performance is strong in both variants, with regenerative braking supplementing the conventional friction brakes. The safety equipment level is excellent for the price point and competitive with established brands, making both variants equally safe choices.

Practicality & Boot Space

Practicality is where the EV vs REEV choice becomes most significant. The S7 EV's 565 km CLTC range is sufficient for most UAE driving, but longer journeys require planning around charging stops, and range anxiety can be a factor for some buyers. The S7 REEV's 1,100 km combined range eliminates range anxiety entirely, as the petrol extender ensures the vehicle can be driven indefinitely without charging. The EV produces zero tailpipe emissions, which is an environmental advantage, while the REEV produces emissions only when the extender engine is operating. The REEV's boot is slightly smaller due to the extender hardware, but both variants offer adequate cargo space for a mid-size sedan. The EV requires access to charging infrastructure for daily use, while the REEV can operate on petrol alone if charging is unavailable. Both vehicles are easy to park and manoeuvre thanks to their shared dimensions. The EV is better suited for buyers with home charging who primarily drive in urban areas with good charging infrastructure, while the REEV is better suited for buyers who frequently travel long distances or live in areas with limited charging infrastructure. The practicality choice ultimately depends on the buyer's lifestyle and charging access.

Ownership Costs & Warranty

Ownership costs differ between the two variants. The S7 EV has lower running costs when charged at home, as electricity is cheaper than petrol per kilometre. However, the EV's higher purchase price (119,900 AED vs 109,900 AED) means the payback period for the fuel savings depends on annual mileage and electricity vs petrol price differentials. The S7 REEV has slightly higher running costs when operating on petrol power, but offers the flexibility to choose between electric and petrol based on availability and cost. Both variants share the 8-year / 160,000 km warranty, which is outstanding and covers the battery and powertrain in both cases. The EV requires less mechanical maintenance (no oil changes, no fuel system maintenance), while the REEV requires standard petrol engine maintenance for the extender. Service intervals are every 10,000 km or 12 months for both. Depreciation is a concern for both, as Chinese cars tend to lose value more quickly than established brands. However, the EV may retain value slightly better if demand for pure electric vehicles increases, while the REEV may appeal to a broader range of used buyers due to its range flexibility. Insurance costs should be similar for both variants.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• EV offers zero-emission driving with 565 km CLTC range
• REEV offers 1,100 km combined range with no range anxiety
• Both share premium interior, technology, and 8-year warranty
• Both deliver instant electric torque and smooth, quiet operation
• REEV is 10,000 AED cheaper than the EV
• EV has lower running costs when charged at home

Cons

• EV requires reliable charging access for practical daily use
• REEV produces emissions when the extender engine is operating
• REEV's boot is slightly smaller due to extender hardware
• Both face brand recognition and resale value uncertainty in the UAE

Full Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for UAE driving: the S7 EV or S7 REEV?

It depends on your charging access and driving patterns. The S7 EV is better if you have reliable home or workplace charging and primarily drive in urban areas with good charging infrastructure. Its 565 km range covers most UAE driving. The S7 REEV is better if you frequently travel long distances, live in an area with limited charging, or simply want the peace of mind of unlimited petrol range. Its 1,100 km combined range eliminates range anxiety entirely.

Why is the S7 EV more expensive than the S7 REEV?

The S7 EV is 10,000 AED more expensive because it has a larger battery pack (56.8 kWh vs the REEV's smaller battery) to deliver its 565 km range. Large battery packs are the most expensive component of an electric vehicle. The REEV uses a smaller, less expensive battery and compensates with the 1.5-litre petrol extender engine, which is a cheaper way to achieve long range.

Can the S7 REEV operate as a pure electric vehicle?

Yes, the S7 REEV operates as a pure electric vehicle for the first 165 km when the battery is fully charged. During this phase, it produces zero tailpipe emissions and operates silently, exactly like the S7 EV. The 1.5-litre extender engine only starts when the battery is depleted, at which point it generates electricity to power the motor and extend the range to 1,100 km.

Do both variants have the same warranty?

Yes, both the S7 EV and S7 REEV come with the same 8-year / 160,000 km warranty covering the battery and powertrain. This extended warranty is one of the longest available in the UAE market and provides exceptional peace of mind regardless of which variant you choose.

Which variant has lower running costs?

The S7 EV has lower running costs when charged at home, as electricity is cheaper than petrol per kilometre. However, the REEV can also achieve very low running costs when regularly charged and operated on electric power for daily driving. When the REEV's extender engine is operating, running costs are higher than the EV but still competitive with conventional hybrids. The EV also requires less maintenance (no engine oil changes or fuel system servicing), further reducing ownership costs.

Final Verdict

The choice between the Forthing S7 EV and S7 REEV is one of the most relevant decisions facing Chinese cars buyers in the UAE, and both variants make a strong case. The S7 EV offers the purity of zero-emission driving, the simplicity of a pure electric powertrain, and the lowest running costs when charged at home. Its 565 km CLTC range is more than sufficient for the vast majority of UAE driving, and the 0-100 km/h time of 6.7 seconds delivers genuinely engaging performance.

The S7 REEV offers the flexibility of unlimited range, the peace of mind of petrol backup, and a 10,000 AED lower purchase price. Its 1,100 km combined range eliminates range anxiety entirely, making it the more practical choice for buyers who frequently travel long distances or who do not have reliable charging access. The trade-off is slightly higher running costs when operating on petrol power and the occasional noise of the extender engine.

Both variants share the same premium interior, comprehensive technology, excellent safety equipment, and outstanding 8-year / 160,000 km warranty, making the decision purely about the powertrain approach. For UAE buyers with home charging and urban-focused driving, the EV is the better choice. For buyers who value range flexibility and charging freedom, the REEV is the better choice. Either way, you get an excellent sedan.

Overall Score: S7 EV 8.5 / 10, S7 REEV 8.5 / 10. Both variants earn high marks for their shared strengths in design, interior, technology, safety, and warranty. The EV wins on purity and running costs, the REEV wins on range flexibility and price. The right choice depends entirely on your lifestyle and charging access, and neither is a wrong decision.