SOUEAST UAE, represented by exclusive distributor Elite Group Holding, hosted an exclusive test-drive and media preview at its Deira showroom on Monday, September 21, officially introducing the all-new petrol-powered SOUEAST S08 Luxury to the UAE market.
The Petrol Twin to the Flagship S08DM
Following the regional introduction of the plug-in hybrid S08DM, the S08 Luxury arrives as its dedicated petrol-powered sibling. Engineered for drivers who prefer a conventional, high-output internal combustion drivetrain without plug-in charging requirements, the S08 Luxury broadens SOUEAST's footprint in the highly competitive family SUV segment across the Emirates.
Under the hood, the S08 Luxury features an ACTECO 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission:
Technical Specification | SOUEAST S08 Luxury (Petrol) | SOUEAST S08DM (PHEV Twin) |
|---|---|---|
Powertrain | 2.0L 4-Cylinder Turbo Petrol | 1.5L Turbo + Electric Hybrid System |
Maximum Output | 254 HP | 355 HP |
Peak Torque | 390 Nm | 530 Nm |
Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic | Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) |
Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive (2WD) | Front-Wheel Drive (Hybrid) |
Suspension | Cloud-Sense CDC Active Suspension | Multi-link Adaptive Setup |
Drive Modes | Eco, Normal, Sport | Pure EV, HEV, Sport, Eco |
The chassis benefits from SOUEAST’s Cloud-Sense Continuous Damping Control (CDC) suspension system, executing up to 100 damper adjustments per second with a 20-millisecond response time to balance ride comfort and body control across diverse road conditions.
On-the-Floor Walkaround: Family Focus & GCC Comfort
Inside the modern Deira facility, guests explored the S08 Luxury finished in gloss-black and deep-blue showcase trims. The interior layout emphasizes passenger ergonomics, digital connectivity, and practical thermal comfort tailored to Gulf climate demands:
15.6-inch Central Smart Screen: High-definition intelligent display with 10-degree tilt capability, driven by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 hardware and paired with a 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster.
Ergonomic Front Seating: Finished in premium perforated leather, featuring heating, ventilation, and 10-point pneumatic massage programs.
Solar Control Privacy Glass: Specialized thermal-insulating glass designed to significantly reduce solar heat gain inside the cabin during summer months.
Multi-Zone Climate Management: Dedicated rear air-conditioning vents and independent second-row controls for consistent airflow throughout the cabin.
Rear Passenger Convenience: Integrated foldable tray table in the second row, rear USB-C charging ports, and a dual-pane panoramic glass sunroof.
Versatile 7-Seat Capacity: Three-row seating configuration with flat-folding second and third rows expanding cargo space up to 1,780 litres.
Active Safety & ADAS: Suite of over 15 driver assistance systems, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Centering, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and a 360-degree high-definition surround-view camera.
Pricing, Warranty & UAE Availability
The all-new SOUEAST S08 Luxury is available across Elite Group Holding showrooms in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Al Ain, with a special launch price starting at AED 99,900.
To reinforce long-term ownership confidence, every vehicle comes with Elite Group Holding's comprehensive peace-of-mind package:
10-Year / 1,000,000 km Manufacturer Warranty
5-Year Roadside Assistance
3-Year / 60,000 km Free Service Contract
With hands-on customer test drives now open nationwide, the S08 Luxury positions itself as a compelling value-driven alternative for family SUV buyers in the UAE seeking contemporary design, extensive standard equipment, and proven turbo petrol performance.
"The growth SOUEAST has achieved in the UAE reflects the trust customers have placed in our cars and our approach to delivering great value," said Elie Nehme, senior general manager of SOUEAST UAE at Elite Group Holding. "The introduction of the S08 Luxury allows us to provide customers with greater choice while continuing to offer vehicles designed around comfort, technology, and everyday usability."
Momentum Behind the Launch
The Deira test-drive event arrives on the back of what SOUEAST has described as its strongest half-year performance in the UAE since entering the market, driven largely by demand for the S08DM. Elite Group Holding has been steadily growing its retail footprint to support that momentum, with showrooms now open across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Al Ain, and further expansion reportedly underway.
By opening the S08 Luxury to hands-on test drives in an intimate showroom setting before scaling up availability, SOUEAST and Elite Group Holding are signaling confidence in the car's ability to win over buyers directly, letting the driving experience do the talking rather than relying on spec sheets alone.
