CarteaNewsAutomotive WorldLegend & 212: A New Off-Road Icon Rises—The All-New 212 T01 Reimagines the UAE’s SUV Adventure Scene

Legend & 212: A New Off-Road Icon Rises—The All-New 212 T01 Reimagines the UAE’s SUV Adventure Scene

Tamara Chalak
Tamara Chalak
2025-10-29
contents

The UAE automotive market is undergoing a transformation, marked by the strategic partnership between Legend Motors and 212, who have together introduced the rugged 212 T01 SUV. This collaboration infuses classic off-road DNA with modern tech and local flavor, offering an SUV that’s more than just a vehicle—it’s a new player in the world of desert adventure, tailored for explorers and everyday drivers seeking value, reliability, and excitement.

The Genesis: 212 and Legend, A Partnership of Innovation

  • 212’s heritage draws from classic military-inspired off-roaders, but the new T01 reinvents the concept with smart tech, comfort, and contemporary design—built on a history of tackling deserts, mountains, and city roads alike.

  • Legend’s import and aftersales platform means UAE buyers enjoy robust warranty support, easy parts access, and service intervals customized for harsh Gulf conditions.

  • The “adventure for all” philosophy now meets real-world practicality for those who find the cost of classics like Land Cruiser and Wrangler out of reach, opening the world of off-road charisma to a new generation.

Design and Engineering: Strong Lines, Modern Muscle

  • 212 T01 sports classic, boxy proportions reminiscent of expedition trucks, with an assertive grille, LED lighting, and pronounced fender flares that ensure dominance on rough terrain.​

  • Built on a body-on-frame chassis, the SUV achieves superb torsional rigidity, a hallmark for serious off-road performance, and supports a gross weight up to 2,150 kg with a towing capability of 2.5 tons.

  • Suspension utilizes heavy-duty, five-link non-independent designs at both axles, maximizing articulation for serious trail work and dune bashing.

Powertrain & Mechanical Highlights

  • Turbocharged 2.0L petrol engine produces 248 hp and 410 Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox for responsive urban driving and sandy escapades.​

  • Selectable part-time 4WD with available locking rear (and optionally front) diffs ensures traction is never in short supply; drivers can engage low-range modes for technical climbs and deep sand.

  • Standout specs include a 40° approach and 36° departure angle, an 850 mm wading depth, 235 mm ground clearance, and a maximum towing rating of 2,500 kg—making the T01 a true contender among off-roaders.​

Interior, Tech & Practicality

  • 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, digital gauge cluster, wireless charging, 8-speaker premium sound, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto make the T01 as connected as it is capable.​

  • Premium leather trim, seating for 5, dual-zone auto climate, and copious storage soften its military-inspired shell into a daily companion as much as a weekend warrior.

  • Multiple USB ports, cooled glove box, electronic parking brake, 360° panoramic/underbody camera system, and smart keys raise comfort and security to mainstream SUV standards.

212 T01 vs. Key Market Rivals

Feature

212 T01

Jeep Wrangler

Land Cruiser 70

Engine

2.0L Turbo Petrol

3.6L V6 / 2.0T

4.0L V6 / Diesel

Power

248 hp

270–285 hp

228–271 hp

Torque

410 Nm

347–400 Nm

360 Nm (diesel)

Gearbox

8-speed Auto

8-speed Auto/Manual

5-speed Manual

Approach/Departure

40°/36°

42°/35°

~35°/32°

Water Fording

850 mm

760 mm

700 mm

Infotainment

12.3" Touchscreen

7" (varies)

Basic

Base Price (AED)

~90,000

~180,000

~170,000

Competitive Strengths and On-Road Impressions

  • Combines rarely seen features in this price segment, balancing digital entertainment, active safety, and proven 4x4 hardware in a package either city commuter or outdoor enthusiast can appreciate.

  • Strong value proposition: At AED 90,000, it’s less than half the cost of key nameplate rivals, with a warranty up to 5 years or 150,000 km and aftersales partnership for maintenance simplicity.

  • Optional adventure kits include winches, roof racks, LED spotlights, and interior upgrades, supporting a personalization trend and extending the T01’s appeal across UAE’s diverse driving scene.

  • Eco-smart: Despite its size and capability, the 212 T01 achieves respectable fuel economy at just under 11 L/100 km, suitable for daily use.​

The Cultural Impact: Why the 212 T01 Matters

  • Its launch coincides with a booming appreciation for outdoor hobbies among youth and families, shifting the demand from purely premium nameplates to attainable, authentic SUV experiences.

  • Legend’s partnership gives peace of mind with part sourcing, flexible financing, and local expertise, underscoring a deepening focus on customer service and cultural resonance.

  • The T01’s introduction signals a fresh direction in the regional 4x4 market by blending tradition, innovation, and attainable ownership in a package that fits both adventure seekers and everyday families.

“The Resident Adventurer’s Return”

When four friends set out to reclaim the dunes at sunset, only the 212 T01 kept up mile after mile. At each campfire they told stories—not just about power or price, but about conquering the desert together, in a machine that made every mile a legend. For them, the T01 was more than a vehicle; it was their route to new legends.


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Tamara ChalakTamara Chalak
Chief editor information:

Tamara is an editor who has been working in the automotive field for over 3 years. She is also an automotive journalist and presenter; she shoots car reviews and tips on her social media platforms. She has a translation degree, and she also works as a freelance translator, copywriter, voiceover artist, and video editor. She’s taken automotive OBD Scanner and car diagnosis courses, and she’s also worked as an automotive sales woman for a year, in addition to completing an internship with Skoda Lebanon for 2 months. She also has been in the marketing field for over 2 years, and she also create social media content for small businesses.