Asus ExpertBook Ultra B9406CAA
ⓘ Asus
Pros
+ Exceptional performance-per-watt
+ Powerful Arc integrated graphics
+ 2.8K 120Hz OLED
+ Very light 1.11 kg
+ Strong port selection
Cons
- Likely expensive pricing
- Soldered RAM only
- Glossy OLED reflections
- Business focus limits options
- Integrated GPU still iGPU
The Asus ExpertBook Ultra B9406CAA is a 14-inch business ultrabook built around Intel’s Core Ultra X7 358H Panther Lake platform with Arc B390 integrated graphics. It combines 32 GB LPDDR5X-8533 memory, a 2 TB Samsung PM9E1 SSD, and a 2880×1800 OLED display running at 120 Hz with HDR and adaptive sync. Review averages place it in the high-80s overall, with critics emphasizing unusually strong graphics and efficiency for this thin-and-light class. Connectivity is a highlight, featuring USB4/Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, and dual DisplayPort support alongside Wi‑Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0. The laptop targets mobile professionals with a 70 Wh battery, Windows 11 Pro, IR webcam with shutter, fingerprint reader, and Dolby Atmos six-speaker setup. The main trade-offs noted are premium positioning and non-upgradable soldered memory.
Specifications
Asus ExpertBook Ultra B9406CAA
Processor
Intel Core Ultra X7 358H 16c/16t, 4 x 4.8 GHz Intel Cougar Cove P-Core, 8 x 3.7 GHz Intel Darkmont E-Core, 4 x 3.3 GHz Intel Darkmont E-Core, 63 W PL2 / Short Burst, 41 W PL1 / Sustained, Panther Lake
Graphics adapter
Intel Arc B390 12 Xe3 Panther Lake iGPU, Core: 2500 MHz, LPDDR5X, 32.0.101.8356
Memory
32 GB
, LPDDR5X-8533, Soldered, Dual-Channel
Display
14.00 inch 16:10, 2880 x 1800 pixel 243 PPI, 10-point capacitive, Samsung ATNA40LE01-0, OLED, glossy: no, HDR, 120 Hz, Adaptive Sync
Mainboard
Intel Panther Lake-H PCH
Storage
Samsung PM9E1 MZVLC2T0HBLD, 2048 GB
Soundcard
Intel Panther Lake-H PCH - High Definition Audio - AVS (Audio, Voice, Speech)
Connections
2 USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 20Gbps, 2 USB4 40 Gbps, 2 Thunderbolt 4, USB-C Power Delivery (PD), 1 HDMI, 2 DisplayPort, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm combo, 1 Fingerprint Reader, Brightness Sensor
Networking
Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE211 320MHz (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/ax = Wi-Fi 6/ Wi-Fi 6E 6 GHz be = Wi-Fi 7), Bluetooth 6.0
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 15.9 x 310.9 x 212.8 ( = 0.63 x 12.24 x 8.38 in)
Battery
70 Wh Lithium-Polymer
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 11 Pro
Camera
Webcam: 1080p IR and Physical shutter
Primary Camera: 2 MPix
Primary Camera: 2 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: 6 speakers, Dolby Atmos, Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, MyAsus, 12 Months Warranty
Weight
1.111 kg ( = 39.19 oz / 2.45 pounds), Power Supply: 346 g ( = 12.2 oz / 0.76 pounds)
Price comparison
Average Score:
Average of 8 scores (from 11 reviews)
Average of 8 scores (from 11 reviews)
price: 90%, performance: 89%, features: 73%, display: 95% mobility: 84%, workmanship: 93%, ergonomy: 82%, emissions: 89%
Reviews for the Asus ExpertBook Ultra B9406CAA
Asus ExpertBook Ultra review: One helluva debut for Intel Panther Lake X7 | Notebookcheck
Asus and Intel are starting off the year strong with the debut of the Core Ultra X7 358H. Although technically a business-oriented laptop, both graphics performance and performance-per-watt are insane for a 14-inch form factor.
Asus and Intel are starting off the year strong with the debut of the Core Ultra X7 358H. Although technically a business-oriented laptop, both graphics performance and performance-per-watt are insane for a 14-inch form factor.
The Asus ExpertBook Ultra is a gorgeous ultra-thin laptop that houses a killer Intel Panther Lake processor
Source: It Pro
We've reviewed some good ExpertBook laptops before, but the Ultra takes the line to a whole new level. This laptop's built and specified to compete with the big hitters of the thin-and-light form factor; laptops like the old Dell XPS 13, HP EliteBook X, and MacBook Air. The fact that it can go toe-to-toe with any of them, even beating them in areas, shows exactly how strong this laptop is. It's a premium device with pricing to match, and so out of reach of some businesses and budgets, but if you're in the market for a high-end ultraportable the ExpertBook Ultra is up there with the best.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/03/2026
Rating: Total score: 100%
Source: It Pro
We've reviewed some good ExpertBook laptops before, but the Ultra takes the line to a whole new level. This laptop's built and specified to compete with the big hitters of the thin-and-light form factor; laptops like the old Dell XPS 13, HP EliteBook X, and MacBook Air. The fact that it can go toe-to-toe with any of them, even beating them in areas, shows exactly how strong this laptop is. It's a premium device with pricing to match, and so out of reach of some businesses and budgets, but if you're in the market for a high-end ultraportable the ExpertBook Ultra is up there with the best.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/03/2026
Rating: Total score: 100%
It’s more than just the sleek aesthetics that impressed as I tested the AI-enhanced Asus ExpertBook Ultra (2026) business laptop
Source: Techradar
On the surface, this is an executive-level AI-powered 14-inch laptop, designed for professional use. In reality, it's a laptop powerhouse that features the latest Intel Core Ultra 7X processor and Arc B390 GPU that powered through every work-based application I threw at it, with all the backing of AI enhancement. Throughout these tests, this stunning laptop didn't fail to impress from design to performance, but it was the incredible transfer rates offered by the internal SSD that truly hinted at the potential within.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/01/2026
Rating: Total score: 90% price: 90% performance: 100% workmanship: 100%
Source: Techradar
On the surface, this is an executive-level AI-powered 14-inch laptop, designed for professional use. In reality, it's a laptop powerhouse that features the latest Intel Core Ultra 7X processor and Arc B390 GPU that powered through every work-based application I threw at it, with all the backing of AI enhancement. Throughout these tests, this stunning laptop didn't fail to impress from design to performance, but it was the incredible transfer rates offered by the internal SSD that truly hinted at the potential within.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/01/2026
Rating: Total score: 90% price: 90% performance: 100% workmanship: 100%
Asus ExpertBook Ultra review: Panther Lake makes it fly
Source: PC World
The Asus ExpertBook Ultra is a solid premium business laptop and a significant escalation of Asus’ profile in the space. It’s attractive and light, it has a great keyboard and touchpad, and it offers an easy-to-view matte OLED display. Intel’s Core Ultra X7 358H, meanwhile, delivers great marks across the board with good multi-core CPU performance and outstanding integrated graphics performance. I can find a couple nitpicks. The battery life is just mediocre and the webcam is merely adequate. But in these areas the laptop is competitive—it just doesn’t stand out.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 01/29/2026
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: PC World
The Asus ExpertBook Ultra is a solid premium business laptop and a significant escalation of Asus’ profile in the space. It’s attractive and light, it has a great keyboard and touchpad, and it offers an easy-to-view matte OLED display. Intel’s Core Ultra X7 358H, meanwhile, delivers great marks across the board with good multi-core CPU performance and outstanding integrated graphics performance. I can find a couple nitpicks. The battery life is just mediocre and the webcam is merely adequate. But in these areas the laptop is competitive—it just doesn’t stand out.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 01/29/2026
Rating: Total score: 90%
ASUS ExpertBook Ultra Laptop Review
Source: CG Mag Online
The PC landscape is changing fast, and users will have to adjust their expectations. That doesn’t mean lowering them. The ASUS ExpertBook Ultra proves that. We’ve reached a point where an ultra-lightweight business machine can go toe-to-toe with mid-range gaming rigs. The ExpertBook Ultra won’t be cheap, but even at a premium, it will still be a compelling business solution and likely a more affordable, durable alternative to a dedicated gaming laptop. The ExpertBook Ultra is only 14 inches, but it’s going to be huge. ASUS has put together something special and done the unthinkable: made a Copilot+ Device that can finally compete with a MacBook. The ASUS ExpertBook Ultra is one of the most exciting flagship ultrabooks in years. Beautiful, durable, and high-performance, it’s equally capable of handling professional workflows or facilitating covert gaming sessions at the office.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 01/27/2026
Rating: Total score: 95%
Source: CG Mag Online
The PC landscape is changing fast, and users will have to adjust their expectations. That doesn’t mean lowering them. The ASUS ExpertBook Ultra proves that. We’ve reached a point where an ultra-lightweight business machine can go toe-to-toe with mid-range gaming rigs. The ExpertBook Ultra won’t be cheap, but even at a premium, it will still be a compelling business solution and likely a more affordable, durable alternative to a dedicated gaming laptop. The ExpertBook Ultra is only 14 inches, but it’s going to be huge. ASUS has put together something special and done the unthinkable: made a Copilot+ Device that can finally compete with a MacBook. The ASUS ExpertBook Ultra is one of the most exciting flagship ultrabooks in years. Beautiful, durable, and high-performance, it’s equally capable of handling professional workflows or facilitating covert gaming sessions at the office.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 01/27/2026
Rating: Total score: 95%
Asus ExpertBook Ultra is a MASTERPIECE
Source: Andrew Marc David
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/27/2026
Source: Andrew Marc David
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/27/2026
Asus ExpertBook Ultra (2026): Putting Laptops on NOTICE...
Source: Andrew Marc David
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 01/10/2026
Source: Andrew Marc David
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 01/10/2026
Asus comes to CES 2026 with an 'Ultra' ExpertBook built for the modern worker
Source: It Pro
When it comes to naming devices, hardware vendors generally use either 'Pro' or 'Ultra' to indicate the most premium model. And it's the latter for Asus and its all-new ExpertBook Ultra, unveiled at CES 2026. As part of a wider refresh of its main brands (Zenbook, VivoBook, ProArt, and ROG), the ExpertBook Ultra replaces the B9 as the top commercial offering from Asus. And as the name suggests, it's a laptop with all the best specs the hardware giant can offer; it's ultra durable, ultra fast, ultra cool, and ultra reliable (according to Asus, that is). Toughness is one of the main selling points here. The Ultra is made for modern work and the wear and tear of doing your job in different places.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 01/10/2026
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: It Pro
When it comes to naming devices, hardware vendors generally use either 'Pro' or 'Ultra' to indicate the most premium model. And it's the latter for Asus and its all-new ExpertBook Ultra, unveiled at CES 2026. As part of a wider refresh of its main brands (Zenbook, VivoBook, ProArt, and ROG), the ExpertBook Ultra replaces the B9 as the top commercial offering from Asus. And as the name suggests, it's a laptop with all the best specs the hardware giant can offer; it's ultra durable, ultra fast, ultra cool, and ultra reliable (according to Asus, that is). Toughness is one of the main selling points here. The Ultra is made for modern work and the wear and tear of doing your job in different places.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 01/10/2026
Rating: Total score: 80%
Foreign Reviews
Asus ExpertBook Ultra vs. M5 MacBook Pro
Source: [link]
Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/30/2026
Source: [link]
Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/30/2026
Asus ExpertBook Ultra: Erster Laptop mit Intel-CPU Panther Lake überzeugt im Test
Source: PC Welt
DE→EN
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/04/2026
Rating: Total score: 93%
Source: PC Welt
DE→ENSingle Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/04/2026
Rating: Total score: 93%
ASUS ExpertBook Ultra Review con Intel Core Ultra X7 358H
Source: Geeknetic
ES→EN
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/27/2026
Source: Geeknetic
ES→ENSingle Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/27/2026
J’ai testé l’Asus Expertbook Ultra pendant deux semaines et c’est le meilleur ultra-portable du marché
Source: Presse Citron
FR→EN
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 01/27/2026
Rating: Total score: 91% price: 90% display: 95% mobility: 85% workmanship: 97%
Source: Presse Citron
FR→ENSingle Review, online available, Medium, Date: 01/27/2026
Rating: Total score: 91% price: 90% display: 95% mobility: 85% workmanship: 97%
Comment
Intel Arc B390 Panther Lake iGPU: Most powerful iGPU in the Intel Panther Lake SoC series with 12 Xe3 cores.
With these GPUs you are able to play modern and demanding games fluently at medium detail settings and HD resolution.
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.
Ultra X7 358H: High-end 16-core SoC from the Panther Lake family for notebooks with 12 Xe3 GPU cores. As with Lunar Lake, the built-in NPU 5 offers 50 TOPS and now offers support for FP8. » Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.
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