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CONS ›› No model recognition, sluggish, common vary
A number of years in the past, Australians on the lookout for a mid-size, all-electric SUV had only a few choices. Now, there’s by no means been extra, and it appears as if a brand new choice arrives each few months.
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The Tesla Model Y nonetheless strikes extra models than any of the competitors. Still, different fashions, together with the Kia EV5, Hyundai Elexio, BYD Sealion 7, GAC Aion V, and Zeekr 7C, have opened up many choices for patrons. Deepal is likely one of the newer Chinese automakers to launch regionally and, backed by Changan, its S07 goals to upset the institution.
Read: This Chinese SUV Is Like A Cut-Price Xiaomi YU7, Except For What’s Under The Hood
Sporting a coupe-inspired exterior, premium options, and an inside that feels genuinely thought-about, it appears promising. But is that this sufficient to drag patrons away from the names they already belief? We lately spent every week residing with the Deepal S07 to seek out out.
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QUICK FACTS
SWIPE
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Sold in a single configuration and supplied with both 19- or 20-inch wheels, the S07 is presently obtainable from AU$47,990 (US$34,400), together with all on-road prices, or roughly AU$10,000 (US$7,200) lower than when it initially launched regionally in early 2025. This may be very aggressive, making the Deepal AU$2,000 (US$1,400) cheaper than a base Kia EV5, and greater than AU$15,000 (US$10,800) lower than a Tesla Model Y.
For a model that has completely no heritage in Australia, nailing value is extraordinarily essential, so Deepal has no less than executed a great job in that regard.
The S07 has a 79.97 kWh ternary lithium battery pack, driving a rear-mounted electrical motor with 160 kW (214 hp) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque, roughly on par with different electrical SUVs on this phase. One essential space the place the S07 lags the competitors is charging, with a peak DC charge of simply 92 kW, which means it takes 35 minutes to cost from 30 to 80 p.c. AC charging peaks at 11 kW. Notably, the S07 features a 3.3 kW vehicle-to-load perform, which is a pleasant addition.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Changan designed the S07 at its facility in Turin, Italy, and it stands out from a lot of the competitors due to the coupe-SUV roofline and sporty lights. By comparability, the inside is typical of many present electrical SUVs from China. For what it lacks in originality, it makes up for it with its materials selections.
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A 15.6-inch central infotainment show comes customary throughout the vary and helps wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Like a Tesla Model Y, however not like lots of its rivals, the S07 doesn’t function a separate digital instrument cluster, which is unlucky. It considerably makes up for this with a big, augmented-reality head-up show, however I would favor a cluster.
The get together piece of the S07’s cabin is that the central display can sit centered or be angled towards the motive force or passenger. It might solely sound like a small factor, however it’s an ideal thought. After driving the Deepal for every week with the display directed at me, it felt odd to step into one other automobile with the display centered. Several BYD’s have screens that may be positioned in portrait and panorama modes, however Deepal’s thought is best.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Diving deeper into the display reveals a tablet-like software program package deal that’s straightforward to navigate, if a little bit overwhelming due to all of the completely different controls and settings. The graphics are clear, and the responsiveness is superb. Swipe down from the highest, and you’ll configure a number of shortcut controls. You may also function the local weather management by way of the display. It works okay, however I usually had hassle turning the completely different vents on and off, in addition to directing the air.
An annoying AI-powered voice assistant can also be featured, greeting the motive force each time they sit inside. Thankfully, you’ll be able to flip it off.
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The driving place is nice, though it’d be good if the seat could possibly be lowered and there have been extra steering wheel changes. Soft-touch artificial black leather-based adorns most inside components, together with the wheel, seats, middle console, dashboard, and door panels, giving the cabin a premium really feel. At the identical time, the orange distinction stitching added some sporty aptitude. Our tester additionally had the identical artificial leather-based on the ground mats, which felt a little bit low cost.
At the rear, there’s sufficient house to suit two giant adults with ease, plus separate local weather controls and toggles to maneuver the entrance passenger seat ahead and again. Practicality is respectable, however removed from class-leading. With the rear seats upright, you’ll be able to match 445 liters (15.7 cubic ft) within the rear, or 1,385 liters (48.9 cubic ft) with the seats folded down.
Smooth But Soulless
There’s rather a lot to love concerning the S07, though there are definitely components that could possibly be improved.
When the S07 first launched, it drew fierce criticism for feeling unfinished and having poorly calibrated security methods. Several software program updates over the previous 12 months have improved issues, they usually appear to have largely labored.
When I first stepped into the Deepal, I used to be relieved to see that the overzealous driver monitoring system will be simply disabled by way of the swipe-down menu and, importantly, it stays off even after the S07 is turned off and switched again on. When I did use it, I discovered it overbearing, ceaselessly telling me I used to be distracted regardless of how centered I really was.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
The S07 isn’t significantly fast, not that you just’d anticipate, given it has a single motor. It takes about 7.9 seconds to achieve 100 km/h (62 mph), and though this gained’t get your coronary heart pumping, it’s greater than sufficient for on a regular basis driving.
Read: Avatr 07 Revealed As Yet Another Chinese EV Looking To Shock Tesla Model Y
The rear-wheel-drive setup additionally means the S07 avoids the torque steer present in some front-wheel-drive competitors, just like the Kia EV5 and Hyundai Elexio. The lighter entrance finish additionally offers the S07 a sharp, direct really feel when turning, whereas staying surprisingly flat by way of sweeping corners and tight hairpins.
The stage of regenerative braking is extremely customizable, which is welcome, however what’s not so welcome is the dearth of a one-pedal driving mode, which looks like a foolish exclusion this present day. Compounding that, the transition from regen to the mechanical brakes isn’t as clean because it could possibly be. It additionally doesn’t use steering wheel paddles for regen changes on the fly.
Ride consolation is nice, and the S07 walks the nice line between sportiness and plushness effectively, rapidly responding to imperfections within the street with out sending too many thumps into the cabin. I feel it could possibly be a little bit softer, however that’s actually clutching at straws.
Deepal quotes a mixed effectivity of 18.6 kWh/100 km and says the S07 will get as much as 475 km of vary, roughly on par with equally priced competitors. I averaged 17.8 kWh/100 km, in order that claimed vary is definitely achievable in the true world. It’s only a disgrace that utilizing a public DC quick charger will get a little bit annoying given the sluggish peak speeds.
The automated driving capabilities want additional enchancment. While issues like adaptive cruise management and lane-centering work comparatively effectively, the S07 usually hugs freeway lane strains fairly than sitting within the middle of a lane.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Verdict
The Deepal S07 isn’t the very best automobile within the class, however on the present value level, it’s a compelling package deal. Buyers anticipating an EV that makes a press release on the street will discover that within the S07, significantly in vivid colours like Cosmic Yellow or Sunset Orange.
Sales information in Australia reveals the S07 is performing moderately effectively, with 522 examples bought by way of the tip of June, making it extra widespread than one thing like a Leapmotor C10 and roughly on par with the Hyundai Elexio, though effectively down from the greater than 3,000 Kia EV5s bought over the identical time. For now, it’s not your best option available in the market, however it’s a strong choice in order for you one thing a little bit completely different. You’ll simply should reside with the truth that you’ll be telling folks you drive a Deepal.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
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