Legend Motors has added two new Kaiyi X7 variants to its UAE lineup. A 2.0-litre turbocharged AWD petrol and a plug-in hybrid with a 150km electric range.

Legend Multi Motors, the official UAE distributor for Kaiyi, launched the all-wheel-drive petrol and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variants of the X7 SUV in Dubai on June 30. The X7 joins the X3 and E5 in Kaiyi's local lineup. Three powertrains now. Kaiyi operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Chery Automobile Co. Ltd.

Quick read:

• The Kaiyi X7 now comes in two new versions: a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol AWD and a 1.5-litre turbo PHEV.
• Petrol AWD output stands at 256hp and 390Nm and the 0-100km/h takes 6.9 seconds.
• Up to 150km of all-electric range on the CLTC cycle comes with the X7 PHEV variant.

Two powertrains, one strategy

Kaiyi has launched a petrol AWD model and a long-range PHEV together in the UAE. SUVs account for nearly half of the estimated 300,000 new vehicles sold in the Emirates each year, making it the segment with the most ground to cover.

The petrol variant targets buyers who want all-wheel drive performance and the PHEV sits alongside it for those leaning toward electrified powertrains. Two drivetrains, one segment entry.

Petrol and plug-in specs

The Kaiyi X7 AWD runs a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. At 256hp and 390Nm, it pairs with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox. All four wheels get drive. Kaiyi quotes a 0-100km/h time of approximately 6.9 seconds for the X7 AWD.

The Kaiyi X7 PHEV pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and a lithium iron phosphate battery pack. All-electric range reaches up to 150km on the CLTC cycle. Three driving modes come with the system: EV, Hybrid and Power Assist. Kaiyi has not disclosed full system power and torque figures.

Dubai as regional hub

Dubai is the base Legend Motors and Legend Holdings have chosen for Kaiyi's Middle East expansion. Planned investments cover after-sales service infrastructure, including maintenance access and spare parts supply for UAE customers. A strong support network. For a new brand entering the GCC, that is the confidence-builder. In China, Kaiyi's Yibin facility currently produces 150,000 units annually and can scale to 250,000.

Launch event and availability

Legend Motors unveiled the two new X7 models in Dubai on June 30. Technical specifications were presented at the event but pricing for the UAE has not been confirmed. Trim levels, standard equipment and an on-sale date for the X7 AWD and X7 PHEV are still pending. Deliveries follow once those details are set.