The UAE is driving one of the most ambitious sustainability agendas in the world. Through the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy, the nation has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by mid-century – and sustainable mobility is at the heart of that mission. Across cities, industries, and lifestyles, the conversation has shifted from aspiration to action. Within this landscape, VOYAH UAE, distributed exclusively by Performance Plus Motors (PPM), has emerged as a key force redefining what responsible luxury and intelligent driving mean for the Emirates.

VOYAH’s arrival in the UAE is both timely and transformative. As electric mobility gains global momentum, the brand represents a bridge between sustainability and everyday practicality. Its mission is clear: to make innovation accessible, responsible, and aligned with the UAE’s environmental vision. This philosophy goes beyond technology – it reflects a belief that sustainability should enhance life, not complicate it. For VOYAH, progress is about creating a driving experience that is seamless, intelligent, and inspiring.

At the core of this vision is the VOYAH Free, an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) designed around the realities of the UAE’s evolving infrastructure. It operates primarily as a fully electric vehicle, powered by a large-capacity battery for quiet, smooth journeys. When needed, a compact petrol engine activates purely as a generator to recharge the battery – eliminating range anxiety while preserving the serenity and performance of electric mobility. It’s a bridge between today’s roads and tomorrow’s possibilities, tailored for a nation where innovation and adaptability drive progress.

That sense of balance extends throughout the brand experience. The Free’s interior embodies intelligent design and sustainable craftsmanship — a harmonious blend of refined materials, advanced digital systems, and spacious comfort. Ownership has been reimagined to make electric mobility effortless: every vehicle includes complimentary insurance, registration, tinting, and a home wall box charger with installation, alongside a service contract of 3 years or 60,000 km (whichever comes first). It’s a complete ecosystem built around confidence and convenience.

Beyond the product, Performance Plus Motors is actively shaping the ecosystem that enables clean mobility to thrive. Through partnerships with financial institutions, the company has introduced green financing solutions with preferential rates for electric vehicles – supporting the UAE’s broader sustainability and innovation goals. “Sustainability cannot exist in isolation,” says Mohamed Elzawawy, General Manager of Performance Plus Motors and VOYAH UAE. “It requires collaboration across industries – from energy and finance to technology and logistics. We see ourselves as part of that ecosystem, enabling a cleaner, smarter way forward.”

The UAE’s progress toward electric mobility underscores this shared vision. EV sales across the Gulf nearly doubled in 2024, while Dubai alone plans to operate over 1,000 charging stations by 2025. Consumer attitudes are also shifting: inquiries for Chinese automotive brands rose by more than 70 percent last year, reflecting growing demand for innovation, quality, and environmental consciousness. Backed by Dongfeng, one of China’s most established automotive groups, VOYAH stands at the forefront of this evolution – merging precision engineering, design, and sustainability into one cohesive driving experience.

As mobility continues to evolve, so too does the meaning of luxury. Today, luxury is not only about power or performance – it’s about purpose. Drivers want vehicles that contribute to the planet, enhance their lifestyles, and inspire confidence in the future. VOYAH’s strength lies in merging these expectations – transforming sustainability into sophistication, and innovation into daily comfort.

Looking ahead, VOYAH’s plans for the UAE reflect the nation’s forward-thinking spirit – focused on innovation, sustainability, and real-world progress. With new models on the horizon and rapid advances in battery technology and connected systems, the brand is poised to remain a central player in the UAE’s transition toward net zero. Every VOYAH that takes to the road embodies a shared vision – of progress, of possibility, and of a cleaner, smarter tomorrow.

Amalsha VS

MODERN, AESTHETIC & CHARACTERFUL

The current-gen Nissan X-Trail takes a sharper exterior approach compared to the previous generation’s smoother, more curvaceous design language. Although not as boxy as the earlier generations, I personally think the latest X-Trail has a bit more character than its immediate predecessor. It blends in well while standing out just enough not to be an NPC-looking generic modern SUV. And the model we drove, garbed in Boulder Gray Pearl, perfectly adhered to this design philosophy.

FAST & FUN ENOUGH FOR ON-ROADING AND SOFT-ROADING

The 2025 Nissan X-Trail offers a striking combination of everything you would expect from a midsize SUV.

Looking at the X-Trail’s evolution since its inception, it has evidently transitioned into a softer version after each generation. But this time, we felt that it has travelled back to its “Tough Gear” roots, reviving a bit more of its original prowess in tackling minor sessions off the paved path. Hence, we found the new X-Trail performing admirably at whatever we threw at it, ranging from the hectic Sharjah-Dubai commute to speed bursts on some trails, although nothing like proper dune bashing in the desert.

The 2025 Nissan X-Trail is powered by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder motor, mated to a CVT transmission, pushing out a respectable 181 horsepower and 244 NM of torque. These figures are competent enough, and the transmission is tuned well-enough to deliver satisfying kicks without ever getting stuck in the stagnancy of the “rubber band effect” often associated with CVT transmissions. The all-wheel-drivetrain does a respectable job in delivering confident and dynamic handling on and off the tarmac. However, if you’re seeking something that can deliver decently hardcore off-roading abilities, you should consider the bigger, bolder, Nissan X-Terra.

Highway-cruising at 160 kph is effortless as a breeze, with no stability issues or crosswind scares whatsoever.

There are five drive modes to choose from, namely Auto (the equivalent of Normal/Comfort for Nissan), along with ECO, Sport, Snow and Off-Road. Auto mode redeems its identity by delivering an evidently noticeable shift in the way the X-Trail behaves under different driving conditions and styles. Efficiency is impressive in ECO mode, and still respectable in Sport mode, which unlocks the full potential of the X-Trail. 0-100 kph took just above the 8-second mark in our testing, and highway-cruising at 160 was effortless as a breeze, with no stability issues or crosswind scares whatsoever.

WELL-BUILT WITH ALL THE COMFORT AND TECH YOU’LL EVER NEED

The interior of this midsize Nissan turned out to be more plush and comfy than we expected. Although there are both five-seater and seven-seater variants available, we would call it a 5+2-seater in real world conditions and recommend the third-row to be reserved for kids. The seats are well cushioned with plenty enough electrical adjustments provided, especially if you’re obsessed with finding that perfect driving posture like some of us. The second row too is decently spacious, with enough space for three adults without sacrificing headroom or legroom.

It is more than practical enough for families & luxurious enough to deliver a wow factor each time you step into it.

Another point to note is the presence of enough physical, tactile buttons. I personally consider this a blessing in today’s world where automakers tend to cram everything into a single, lifeless touchscreen screen or even worse, assign them to touch-sensitive buttons.

PLENTY OF TECH FEATURES

A pair of 12.3-inch screens are provided, one as the central infotainment touchscreen and the other as the instrument console. A head-up display which lets you glue your eyes onto the road and wireless charging are also features offered as standard in the top-end trims.

Among the abundantly provided tech features, we were the most impressed by the effortless wireless smartphone connectivity offered via both Android Auto & Apple CarPlay. Specifically this part which some might not consider as a pivotal aspect because we have faced issues with wireless connectivity, particularly with Android Auto in much more luxurious vehicles, some that even cost more than double the X-Trail.

Effortless wireless smartphone connectivity is offered via both Android Auto & Apple CarPlay.

Some other praiseworthy bits in the X-Trail include all the driver-assistance features you would expect in a modern car, including a rearview mirror that doubles up as a camera screen that doesn’t obstruct the view of the driver.

FINAL FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The 2025 Nissan X-Trail offers a striking combination of everything you would expect from a midsize SUV. It is more than practical enough for a family and luxurious enough to deliver a wow factor every time you step into it. From the driver’s seat it is playful and confidence-inspiring, enough to put a smile on your face whether it be on the road or on a mild trail. Overall, it is one of the most ideal machines for the region, in terms of size, segment, and performance, offering a versatile and all-inclusive personal mobility solution.

FAQ

Emirates Petroleum Company PJSC (Emarat), a pioneer in the UAE’s oil and gas industry, has opened its 158th service station with the launch of “Al Buhaira” in Barsha South, expanding Emarat’s presence in New Dubai and introducing the region’s first dedicated Electric Vehicle Service Center.

The EV Service Center is being launched in collaboration with EVS – Electric Vehicle Services LLC under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that aligns EVS’s expertise in EV maintenance and diagnostics with Emarat’s Lube Express network and service standards. As outlined in the MoU, the collaboration will establish co-branded “EVS Express Service Bays” within designated Lube Express facilities, with EVS managing daily operations and Emarat providing the in-station footprint, utilities and customer-flow integration; a pilot phase will run at Barsha South (Dubai), Nahrawan (Dubai) and Muwafjah (Sharjah).

Reflecting Emarat’s new brand identity, Al Buhaira station has been designed as a high-convenience destination offering motorists and nearby residents fuel, fresh food, car care and everyday retail in a single, easily accessible location. Situated on Al Barsha South Street, the station operates 24 hours to serve residents, schools, clinics, last-mile fleets and commuter traffic across New Dubai.

H.E. Ali Khalifa Al Shamsi, Chief Executive Officer of Emarat, said:“Al Buhaira marks two milestones for Emarat: a flagship addition to our New Dubai network and the GCC’s first Electric Vehicle Service Center. By partnering with EVS and integrating EV quick-service within our Lube Express model, we are extending Emarat’s promise of safety, quality and convenience to every driver—regular or electric—while supporting the UAE’s clean-mobility agenda.”

Al Buhaira station offers Special 95, Super 98, E-Plus 91 and Gas Oil, along with a Freshplus convenience store, Bakeria & Café Arabica, on-site car wash facilities, Lube Express, and a dedicated fast food offering that will open soon.

Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, Chief Retail Officer and Senior Vice President of Marketing at Emarat, said:
“Our vision has always been to evolve alongside our customers—anticipating their needs and redefining convenience in every journey. This site embodies that vision, blending fast access, reliable car care, and quality food and retail into one seamless experience. The new EV Service Center takes it a step further, offering future-ready diagnostics and quick service for EV owners, delivered with the same HSE excellence and efficiency our customers trust. We’re growing ever closer to our community, enhancing how they move, connect, and experience Emarat every day.”

Saeed Aljunaibi, Founder & CEO of EVS – Electric Vehicle Services LLC, said: “This collaboration with Emarat represents more than a milestone, it’s the beginning of a new era for EV ownership. EVS is building a global network that makes electric mobility effortless, combining expertise, technology, and accessibility in one ecosystem. Our goal is simple: to become the world’s most trusted name for everything related to electric vehicles, where drivers find complete solutions no one else has yet achieved.”

The station is now open to the public. Further EV quick-service rollouts under the Emarat–EVS collaboration will be announced as new locations come online.