The Electric SUV Revolution 2026: From Riyadh to the City on a Single Charge and Options to Entice Saudi Families

Just a few years ago, the idea of an electric car covering nearly the journey from Riyadh to Medina on a single charge was science fiction. Today, with the 2026 generation of electric SUVs, this fantasy has turned into a digital reality on the dashboards and on the roads of the Kingdom itself. Batteries with capacities exceeding 100 kWh, a range of 800 kilometers, and acceleration closer to pure performance cars are all available in the SUV segment that the Saudi consumer loves.​

In this article, we take a detailed journey through the most prominent 2026 electric SUV options: from the giants of Germany, through the alliance of Kia and Hyundai of Korea, to the European smart and family options, highlighting what really matters to the driver of the Kingdom in terms of temperature, range, charging network, and resale value.

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First: Germany's Giants – The Silent Force on Saudi Roads

New BMW iX3: 800 km leap range

The BMW iX3 (the updated three-digit generation) is one of the pillars of the Bavarian company's electrification and stands out as a major choice for fans of the German brand who want to enter the world of electrification without sacrificing BMW's luxury of the same.​

• Battery and range

  • Huge battery with a capacity of approximately 108 kWh.

  • Up to 800 kilometers on a single charge, which is roughly equivalent to the distance between Riyadh and Madinah without stopping.

• Power and Performance

  • Up to 463 horsepower.

  • It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in about 4.9 seconds, putting it in the ranks of fast performance cars with the comfort of a family SUV.

• Estimated price in Saudi Arabia

  • Approximately SAR 265,000, making it at the heart of the luxury electric SUV category.

This combination of great range, power and a well-established name explains why the iX3 is one of the strongest candidates for those who want the first German electric SUV for everyday use and travel.​

BMW iX xDrive45: the ultimate luxury for space enthusiasts

For those who want a higher level of luxury and space, the BMW iX xDrive45 comes as a more spacious and equipped option, with clear updates to the power of the electric system for 2026.​

• Mechanical Updates

  • Increased power from 322 horsepower to about 402 horsepower.

  • Approximately 95 kWh battery, with a range of close to 500 km.

• Personality

  • Extra-spacious cabin suitable for families and lovers of long travel.

  • Greater focus on luxury, comfort and sound insulation.

• Estimated price

  • Approximately 325,000 Saudi riyals.

The iX can be seen as the best choice for those who prioritize luxury and interior space, even if the range is lower than its sibling iX3.​

Porsche Macan EV: A sporty SUV par excellence

After the success of the Taycan, Porsche decided to transfer its electric spirit to the sports compact SUV segment with the Macan EV, to compete not only in luxury, but also in pure performance.​

• Range and Charging

  • Range up to about 612 km.

  • 800-volt electrical architecture, allowing the battery to be charged from 10% to 80% in just about 21 minutes.

• Power and Performance

  • The Turbo model produces approximately 630 horsepower.

  • Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in about 3.3 seconds, making it one of the fastest electric SUVs in its class.

• Estimated price

  • Approximately SAR 395,000.

This car is for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't feel like a compromise on Porsche's sporty spirit, but adds instant power and advanced technology.​

Second: The Korean Alliance – High Value and Advanced Technology

Updated Kia EV6: futuristic design and practicality

The Kia EV6 has proven in just a few years that futuristic design can be both practical and suitable for the Gulf environment, and the 2026 version came with more mature specifications.​

• Battery and range

  • Upgrade the battery to 84 kWh.

  • Range up to about 581 kilometers.

• Shipping

  • Fast charging support allows hundreds of kilometers to be added within a few minutes, which is suitable for long distances between the Kingdom's cities.

• Estimated price

  • About 210,000 Saudi riyals, which is a competitive price due to the range, equipment, and technology it offers.

This car is a logical choice for those who want a stylish electric SUV, with a powerful range and a lower price than the Germans, with high confidence in Korean products.​

Hyundai IONIQ 9: The Electric Family Ship

The IONIQ 9 is Hyundai's flagship in the world of large electric SUVs, primarily aimed at large Saudi families who need seven seats and real space.​

• Area and Dimensions

  • The length is approximately 5060 mm, the width is about 1980 mm, and the height is close to 1970 mm.

  • A highly flexible three-row cabin, with intelligent folding, modifying and storage solutions.

• Battery and range

  • Huge battery with a capacity of approximately 110 kWh.

  • Up to 600 km range, with a focus on long family trips without worrying about running out of power.

• Technologies

  • Advanced safety systems and driving assistance suitable for highways.

  • A modern cabin with digital fittings and a rugged interior.

• Estimated price

  • Approximately 285,000 Saudi riyals.

The IONIQ 9 is the natural choice for those who want a large electric SUV that acts as the first family car in the Kingdom.​

Third: Smart and Family European Options

Skoda Elroq: rational in the electric class

Skoda used to offer the "rational choice" in the Volkswagen range, and the electric Elroq complements this role in the world of electric SUVs.​

• Key Advantages

  • A large luggage compartment suitable for family and travel.

  • Range up to about 579 kilometers in the highest category.

• Estimated price

  • About 155,000 Saudi riyals, making it a relatively economical option compared to petrol cars of the same size.

Elroq combines value for money, good range, and practical space, and is suitable for those who want to enter the world of electricity at the lowest possible cost without sacrificing operation.​

Peugeot E-5008: Seven seats with a French theme

The Peugeot e-5008 offers a combination of distinctive French design and seven practical seats, with a special interior identity called the i-Cockpit.​

• Value & Price

  • It is cheaper than many Korean or Swedish competitors in the same category.

  • Estimated price starting from around 235,000 SAR.

This car is geared towards those looking for seven seats, a different design touch, and a lower price than some competitors, while taking advantage of the advantages of electricity in less consumption and simpler maintenance.​

Fourth: Performance Cars and Sportsmanship

Hyundai IONIQ 5 N: Electric SUV with the Spirit of the Circuit

The IONIQ 5 N is not just another electric SUV, it's a true performance car in the form of a crossover, geared towards dynamic driving enthusiasts.​

• Power and Performance

  • Approximately 641 horsepower.

  • A system that mimics the feel of a sporty transmission, giving the driver the feel of a traditional race car with instant electric power.

• Control and Dynamism

  • Despite weighing around 2200 kg, the car offers surprising cornering agility thanks to the suspension adjustment and drive system.

This car is suitable for those who want to combine the operation of an electric SUV with a high dose of daily sporting fun.​

Fifth: The Saudi Market – What Really Matters to the Consumer?

In the Kingdom, the SUV is not just a means of transportation, but a "mobile majlis" and a tool for travel, entertainment, and work. As 2026 enters, there are three key points on the mind of the Saudi buyer when considering an electric SUV:​

1. High Heat Tolerance

   • The battery cooling systems of cars such as BMW and Porsche have been developed to withstand temperatures exceeding 50°C without a sharp drop in performance.

2. Charging Network

   • The continuous expansion of fast charging stations on the roads between Riyadh, Makkah and the Eastern Province has made owning a car with a range of 500 km and more very practical.

3. Maintenance and long-term value

   • The maintenance cost of electric vehicles is up to 40% lower compared to internal combustion vehicles.

   • Long-range cars (more than 500 km) are retaining their value well with the increasing demand for clean technology and battery warranties of up to 8 years.

Quick comparison of the most prominent numbers

These figures give the reader a clear picture of the position of each car in terms of range, power, price, and acceleration, to facilitate the selection process according to personal preferences.