Car leasing is gaining traction in the UAE, particularly among affluent consumers, a survey conducted by Audi Abu Dhabi and Al Ain found.
Nearly four in 10 UAE residents expressed a strong interest in leasing vehicles to meet their short-term needs, with the highest awareness (97 percent) seen among those earning more than AED 40,000 per month. Overall, 85 percent of respondents said they were familiar with leasing as a form of vehicle ownership.
“As the automotive industry evolves, so do the preferences of car buyers,” said Scott Shears, General Manager of Audi Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
“Leasing is an excellent way for customers to experience the latest in automotive technology without the high upfront costs and long-term commitments associated with ownership.”
The survey, conducted in conjunction with YouGov and polling over 1,000 UAE residents aged between 18 and 50, revealed that 16 percent opted for leasing due to their short-term usage requirements, while 20 percent favoured leasing for financial flexibility when exploring high-end EVs and luxury cars.
Additionally, 21 percent said they preferred leasing to avoid high down payments and enjoy fixed monthly payments, eliminating concerns about fluctuating interest rates.
To cater to this growing interest, Audi Abu Dhabi and Al Ain has introduced new leasing offers on a range of models, including two premium electric vehicles – the Audi Q8 e-tron and e-tron GT models – as well as the Audi A5 and Audi Q5.
The Audi Q8 e-tron is available on a 36-month leasing plan at AED 5,799 per month, inclusive of service, maintenance, insurance, registration, and a free home charger with installation.
Despite the interest in leasing, the survey revealed that 57 percent of respondents still prefer car ownership, citing long-term ownership benefits and the ability to sell the car later. Around 25 percent of respondents believe they will be able to sell their car for a good price, making buying a more attractive option for them.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, with the rise of electric vehicles and changing consumer preferences, the leasing model is gaining momentum, offering flexibility and convenience to those seeking short-term solutions or the opportunity to experience premium vehicles without the long-term commitment.
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