In the UAE, the vehicles that strictly require Special 98 (98 RON) petrol are primarily high-performance, turbocharged sports cars, luxury sedans, and supercars with high-compression engines. While many modern cars with GCC specs are tuned to run reliably on Special 95, using 98 in recommended models prevents knocking in high ambient temperatures and ensures full power output. Based on common service advisories from dealers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the main categories are:
| Vehicle Type | Common GCC-Spec Examples | Key Reason for 98 RON |
|---|
| High-Performance Sports/Supercars | Ferrari Portofino, Lamborghini Huracán, McLaren GT | Engine compression ≥ 11:1, forced induction under high heat |
| High-Power Luxury Sedans/SUVs | Mercedes-AMG E 63 S, BMW X5 M Competition, Audi RS Q8 | Turbocharged V8 engines producing over 600 hp |
| High-Output Turbocharged Sports Cars | Porsche 911 Turbo S, Nissan GT-R | Advanced ignition timing for peak performance in desert conditions |
-Fuel economy impact: Negligible for daily driving, potential 1-2% improvement in km/l on highways.
-Knock prevention: Critical for turbo engines during prolonged acceleration on Dubai-Abu Dhabi highway in summer.
-Cost difference: Approx. AED 0.30-0.35 per liter more than Special 95.
For a high-performance vehicle like a Mercedes-AMG driven 25,000 km annually with an average of 7 km/l, the annual fuel cost difference between Special 98 and 95 is around AED 1,250. However, RTA Dubai's vehicle inspection guidelines and MOI UAE's maintenance alerts for high-power vehicles emphasize that using lower-octane fuel than specified can lead to premature engine damage, especially with consistent heavy loads and air-conditioning use. The total cost of ownership (TCO) calculation must factor in this potential repair cost against the slight fuel savings. For a car like the Nissan GT-R, the manufacturer's GCC warranty terms specifically state that using fuel below 98 RON can void engine-related claims, making the choice clear for long-term ownership in the UAE.
