Between April 19 and 25, 2025, the automotive scene in Saudi Arabia and the UAE witnessed a wave of major announcements that thrilled fans of speed and innovation. The all new eighth generation Lexus ES 2026 made its global debut, while Mercedes revealed an innovative interior concept featuring a massive cinema screen. Meanwhile, Toyota teased its upcoming rival to Tesla, and the UK government imposed new security restrictions on Chinese cars entering sensitive facilities. In parallel, Aramco signed a strategic partnership with BYD, and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund moved toward bringing Max Verstappen to the Aston Martin team.
Global Debut of the All New 2026 Lexus ES
Lexus unveiled the eighth generation 2026 ES at the Shanghai Auto Show, showcasing a bold new design that emphasizes enhanced dynamism and sleek aerodynamics. For the first time, the sedan is built on a dual platform architecture that supports both fully electric and hybrid powertrains. The hybrid variant features a 2.5 liter four cylinder engine, delivering between 201 and 247 horsepower, with options for front wheel or all wheel drive.
The electric version comes with either a single motor producing 224 horsepower or a dual motor setup generating 342 horsepower. It offers an impressive driving range of over 600 kilometers on a single charge, underscoring Lexus’s commitment to sustainable luxury and moving away from traditional combustion engines.
Toyota bZ7 Takes Aim at Tesla Model S
Toyota, in collaboration with Chinese automaker GAC, has unveiled the bZ7, a luxurious all electric sedan that stretches over five meters in length. Positioned as a direct competitor to the Tesla Model S, Mercedes EQE, and BMW i5, the bZ7 makes a bold statement in the premium EV segment. Inside, the cabin features a massive central display, a minimalist digital instrument cluster, elegant wood accents, and customizable ambient lighting that adapts to the passengers' preferences.
The bZ7 blends Japanese reliability with cutting edge Chinese technology. Its sleek, sloping roofline adds a sporty edge to the design while preserving the timeless proportions of a classic sedan.
UK Bans Chinese Cars from Sensitive Sites
The British government has issued a directive banning Chinese electric vehicles, as well as any vehicles containing Chinese made components, from entering military bases and high security zones. The decision stems from concerns that sensor cameras in these cars could be used to collect classified information.
Authorities have instructed personnel to park such vehicles at least three kilometers away from sensitive locations. The government cited the cars’ data recording and transmission capabilities as a potential tool for Chinese entities to monitor covert activities, highlighting the growing international concerns over cybersecurity and technological espionage.
Mercedes Reinvents Mobile Luxury with the Vision V
Mercedes has unveiled the Vision V concept, previewing the next generation V-Class set to launch in 2026. Inside, the cabin features a full width digital panel housing three high definition displays, highlighted by a stunning 65 inch 4K cinematic screen for rear passengers.
The automaker integrated an immersive 42 speaker surround sound system to deliver exceptional audio clarity. Rear seats are upholstered in a blend of Nappa leather and silk, with full recline capability, foldable tables, and a dedicated area for video games, turning the vehicle into a true luxury lounge on wheels.
Omoda and Jaecoo Reveal Record Breaking Range
At the Shanghai Auto Show, Chery’s sub brands Omoda and Jaecoo unveiled new models, including the all electric Jaecoo J5 BEV, which delivers an impressive range of nearly 400 kilometers per charge. Inside, the J5 BEV features modern control screens, flexible storage solutions, and advanced driver assistance systems.
In contrast, the Omoda 7 SHS showcases a sophisticated hybrid system that combines a 1.5 liter gasoline engine with an electric motor to produce 340 horsepower and 525 Nm of torque. This setup allows the vehicle to achieve a total driving range of over 1250 kilometers, with the electric only range capped at 151 kilometers per charge. Omoda leverages similar technology found in the Jaecoo J7 SHS, which boasts a total range of up to 1300 kilometers.
Aramco and BYD Partner to Develop Low Carbon Vehicles
Saudi Aramco has signed a cooperation agreement with Chinese automaker BYD to jointly develop low emission vehicles for both the Saudi and global markets. This initiative aligns with the Kingdom’s goal to increase the share of electric vehicles from 1 percent to 30 percent over the next five years.
Ali Al-Mashari, Vice President of Coordination and Technical Oversight at Aramco Technologies, stated that the research will focus on improving the efficiency of internal combustion engines and developing low carbon fuels. Meanwhile, Lu Hongbin, Vice President at BYD, expressed his eagerness to leverage the combined expertise of both companies to create innovative solutions that balance high performance with reduced carbon emissions.
Aston Martin Offers Max Verstappen a Massive Saudi Funded Deal
A blockbuster $300 million deal, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has made headlines with Max Verstappen reportedly joining Aston Martin for the 2026 to 2028 Formula 1 seasons. The PIF currently holds approximately 20.5 percent of the team’s shares and aims to use this move to boost Aston Martin’s chances of competing for the F1 championship title.
Although the Dutch driver is under contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season, specific clauses may allow for an early exit, making Verstappen’s decision a highly anticipated topic among motorsport fans.
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My passion for cars began long before my journey into automotive journalism in 2015. Even though I'm originally a pharmacist, the thrill of speed, elegant designs, and roaring engines has always had my heart. Today, I channel this passion by exploring the newest cars and sharing my experiences with fellow car enthusiasts across the GCC.
