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As a luxury car owner, selecting the right fuel choosing the right fuel maintains engine health, optimizes efficiency and power. In the UAE, drivers have access to three main grades of petrol: Super 98, Special 95, and E-Plus 91, along with Diesel. These fuel types are standardized across all major distributors, including ADNOC, ENOC, and Emarat, ensuring consistent quality wherever you fill up. But the question is, which one is the best petrol for luxury cars UAE?
Understanding the different fuel types UAE stations offer is the first step:
Super 98 (98 RON): This is the premium grade, designed for high-performance engines, particularly those with high compression ratios or turbochargers. It offers the best performance, especially in hot weather, and is the manufacturer-recommended fuel for most high-end luxury and performance models.
Special 95 (95 RON): The most common choice, Special 95 is suitable for the majority of modern cars, including many entry-level luxury sedans and SUVs. It provides a reliable balance of performance and cost-efficiency.
E-Plus 91 (91 RON): Primarily intended for budget-conscious vehicles, fleet cars, and some older models with low-compression engines. This grade is not recommended for any performance or luxury vehicles.
Diesel: This fuel is exclusively for vehicles with diesel engines and should never be used in a petrol car.
The number (98, 95, or 91) refers to the Research Octane Number (RON), or octane rating UAE fuel is graded by. This number measures the fuel's resistance to "knocking" or "pinging", an uncontrolled combustion event that can damage high-performance engines. High-output and turbocharged engines create immense pressure and heat, requiring a higher-octane fuel like Super 98 to burn smoothly and efficiently. While modern engine control units (ECUs) can adjust timing to prevent knocking if a lower grade is used, this comes at the cost of reduced power and fuel efficiency.
High-Performance Models (AMG, BMW M, Audi RS, Porsche GT, Bentley, Rolls-Royce): For these vehicles, Super 98 is not just a recommendation; it's a necessity to unlock their full performance potential and protect the engine.
Entry-Level Luxury Sedans & SUVs (e.g., Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Porsche Macan): Special 95 is typically sufficient for these models. However, always check the label inside the fuel filler door and consult your owner's manual. Some higher-trim versions may still require Super 98.
The Super 98 vs Special 95 debate often comes down to necessity. Here’s what can happen if you use the wrong grade:
Using a Lower Octane Than Recommended: Consistently using 95 when your car needs 98 can trigger knocking, which causes the ECU to reduce engine performance as a safeguard against potential damage. This can cause increased heat, long-term wear, and noticeably poorer fuel economy.
Using a Higher Octane Than Recommended: Putting Super 98 in a car designed for Special 95 generally offers no performance benefit. You are simply paying a premium for an octane level your engine cannot take advantage of.
The UAE Fuel Price Committee announces updated rates for petrol and diesel at the end of each month, which then apply for the following month. These prices are consistent across all emirates and major brands like ADNOC and ENOC. As the UAE fuel prices 2025 will fluctuate monthly, always check the current official rates before budgeting for your fuel expenses.
The conversation about fuel is expanding to include electric charging. For owners considering an EV luxury UAE model like a Porsche Taycan, Mercedes-Benz EQS, or BMW i7, the infrastructure has matured significantly. The EV charging Dubai network, led by DEWA, now features over 1,270 charging points, easily located via their app map. Nationally, ADNOC's E2GO network passed 300 chargers in the first half of 2025 and aims for 500 by 2028, making range planning easier than ever.
If you've accidentally used the wrong fuel or are concerned about your vehicle's performance, our team at The Elite Cars Services Centres can help. We offer expert fuel system inspections, diagnostics, and repairs to ensure your luxury car runs exactly as it was designed to.
