The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee L, one of the year’s most anticipated vehicles, landed in the Middle East in a firestorm of publicity this week.
The covers simultaneously came off dozens of vehicles sitting in showrooms across the entire region, in front of VIPs, salespeople and, of course, the media.
Senior Jeep personnel from the region appeared on-screen during the reveal, giving anyone present the chance to submit questions about the new vehicle. Then, and only then, did a select few get the chance to climb aboard and see what the newbie could do.
Many eyes in the automotive world are taking a close peep at the Grand Cherokee. The Jeep brand, which is now part of the Stellantis group, is marking its 80th anniversary this year, and this vehicle is one of its signature launches.
The proportions of the Grand Cherokee were inspired by the Wagoneer, the manufacturer’s first foray into the full-size luxury SUV market.
Style-wise, the new car is recognisably one of the family (the seven-slot grille is a trademark feature, for example). It has been given a more assertive stance though, which seems to be a trend among SUV manufacturers across the board in recent times.
However, make no mistake, this isn’t a car with rough riding in its DNA like, say, its stablemate the Gladiator. The Grand Cherokee has plenty of 4x4 capabilities, but comfort and luxury are equally key to the car’s make-up.
That much is obvious as soon as you get in. You can tell with some cars that they’ve been deliberately kept a little rough, presumably because the people who make them think this will lead to a vehicle with character. And while character is something the Grand Cherokee definitely has, the designers have ticked the comfort and luxury boxes in no uncertain terms at the same time.
The inside is a mix of quilted leather upholstery, wood trim, set off with digital displays. There's a choice of touchscreens – 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch – as well as seat massage options for those riding in the front.
One of the key changes to the new Grand Cherokee is that it will have a three-row, seven-seat option for the first time in its history, and there is actually enough room for adults to sit in the rear, as opposed to only young children.
The driving experience is particularly impressive. The Grand Cherokee is a smooth runner, giving little to no indication of the kind of ground you’re on. It’s quiet in the cabin, too. Unless you’ve got the McIntosh sound system with its 19 speakers jacked up to the max, of course.
There are two engine options available, a 3.6-litre V6 and a 5.7-litre V8, which deliver 293 and 357 horsepower respectively. In a lot of lesser made vehicles, that would certainly be enough to rattle the windows when you’re going at full pelt, but the sense of calm is always there in the Grand Cherokee.
Should you decide you want to give it a bit of a test, there are five terrain modes now available, including auto if you can’t make your mind up.
The Grand Cherokee L is a worthy new competitor in the SUV market. It’s relaxing and serene when you need it to be, but it’s got a bit of grit should the going get tough as well. We said it was highly anticipated, and those who were awaiting its arrival are unlikely to be disappointed.
The specs
Engine: 3.6-litre V6 or 5.7-litre V8
Power: 293hp or 357hp
Torque: 353Nm or 529Nm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from $40,000 for the Laredo version, up to $70,000 for the Summit
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
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