LS Auto LEV01

Families wanting a spacious electric compact SUV crossover Buyers moving from petrol SUVs Daily Dubai-Abu Dhabi commuters Drivers wanting premium features without premium pricing First-time EV buyers Buyers wanting a well-established premium badge Drivers needing seven seats Off-road enthusiasts Buyers who prefer physical controls over touchscreen interfaces

The LS Auto LEV01 is a fully electric midsize SUV recently launched in the UAE through official distributor DSP Motors. The UAE model uses a lithium battery with an official NEDC driving range of approximately 517 km. Buyers should understand that NEDC figures are produced in laboratory tests in perfect conditions. A more realistic expectation is around 420-470 km in normal UAE driving depending on speed, temperature and use of air conditioning. The LEV01 allows for significantly faster DC charging than many competitors in its price range.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi summer temperatures regularly exceed 45°C. In these conditions expect: City driving: 430-470 km Mixed driving: 400-440 km Predominantly motorway driving (120-140 km/h): 330-390 km Like most EVs, air conditioning has only a modest impact compared with sustained high-speed driving. The LEV01 includes intelligent battery thermal management to help maintain charging speeds during hot weather.

The LEV01 supports standard Type 2 AC charging together with CCS2 rapid DC charging. Typical charging times are expected to be: 11 kW wallbox: approximately 7-8 hours (10-100%) 7 kW home charger: around 11-12 hours Domestic 3-pin socket: well over 35 hours For UAE owners living in villas, installing a dedicated wallbox remains the most practical charging solution.

The LEV01 uses the European CCS2 charging standard. This makes it fully compatible with: DEWA charging stations ADNOC charging network Etihad WE chargers Most private UAE rapid charging providers Although the vehicle supports very high DC charging speeds, today's UAE charging infrastructure generally delivers between 100 and 180 kW. Owners should therefore realistically expect approximately:

on a suitable rapid charger.

The LEV01 is configured as a five-seat SUV aimed squarely at family buyers. The cabin follows the minimalist approach increasingly seen in premium Chinese EVs with a large central touchscreen, clean dashboard design and generous use of soft-touch materials. Rear passenger accommodation is particularly impressive, offering generous legroom and a flat floor. A panoramic glass roof gives the cabin an airy feel while ambient lighting and premium upholstery help create an upmarket atmosphere. Storage throughout the cabin is practical with large door bins, multiple cupholders and a sizeable centre console.

Visibility is excellent thanks to the upright SUV seating position. Electric seat adjustment and steering wheel adjustment make it easy for most drivers to find a comfortable driving position. The digital cockpit is simple to understand and the large central display controls the majority of vehicle functions. Drivers moving from traditional vehicles may initially miss physical buttons for climate controls.

Cooling performance is particularly important in the UAE. The LEV01 features: Dual-zone climate control Rear air vents Remote cabin pre-conditioning Heat pump (market dependent) Cabin cooling is excellent, making it well suited to Gulf summers.

The LEV01 offers a practical family-sized luggage compartment with a wide opening and split-fold rear seats. It comfortably accommodates airport luggage, pushchairs and weekly shopping. With the rear seats folded, the maximum capacity is 1,600 litres whilst it is 450 litres with them in normal position.

Equipment includes: Large central touchscreen Fully digital driver display Wireless Apple CarPlay (dealer confirmation recommended) Wireless Android Auto (dealer confirmation recommended) Voice control OTA software updates Wireless phone charging 360° camera Connected vehicle app Buyers should confirm Arabic language support with DSP Motors.

Safety features include: Adaptive Cruise Control Lane Keeping Assist Blind Spot Monitoring Automatic Emergency Braking Rear Cross Traffic Alert Multiple airbags Driver monitoring Parking sensors 360° camera Official Euro NCAP testing has not yet been published.

The LEV01 focuses on refinement rather than outright sportiness. Ride quality is tuned towards comfort and this suits UAE roads particularly well. Steering is light, making parking easy, while motorway stability is very good. Cabin refinement is impressive with low wind and tyre noise during highway cruising.

The electric drivetrain delivers smooth, instant acceleration. Power delivery feels effortless around the city while overtaking slower traffic requires little planning. Although not marketed as a performance SUV, acceleration is comfortably quicker than most similarly priced petrol SUVs.

Regenerative braking offers multiple settings allowing drivers to choose between traditional coasting or stronger one-pedal style driving. The conventional braking system feels progressive and easy to modulate.

The LEV01 includes a comprehensive Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). Features include adaptive cruise control and lane centering designed to reduce fatigue during longer Dubai- Abu Dhabi journeys. Drivers should remember that these remain assistance systems and require constant supervision.

Body control is well balanced while the low-mounted battery contributes to good stability through faster corners. Its turning circle and light steering also make it easy to manoeuvre around shopping malls and underground car parks.

Suspension comfort is one of the vehicle's strengths. Expansion joints, speed humps and uneven road surfaces are absorbed well without excessive body movement. This makes the LEV01 particularly suitable for families.

DSP Motors offer the LEV01 in 2 specifications – the SE and the CE trims. The CE is the higher specification and is priced at AED 140,000 compared to AED 125,000 for the SE.

UAE buyers benefit from: Manufacturer-backed warranty of 5 years / 150,000 km (8 years and 150,000 km for the battery) Official software updates Genuine parts availability UAE dealer support through DSP Motors

With the brand being new to the UAE, purchasing through DSP Motors is strongly recommended. Official vehicles receive: Warranty support Software updates Local servicing Genuine replacement parts Future recalls if required

Running costs compare favourably with other Chinese electric compact SUVs. Owners benefit from: Low electricity costs Minimal routine servicing No engine oil changes Lower brake wear through regenerative braking Insurance pricing is expected to be competitive within this vehicle segment.