New ChangAn Deepal S07 Coming Soon: Specs, price and release info

Seems like only the other day we were talking about a new Chinese-built electric SUV entering the market in the shape of the Smart #5. Because … it was only the other day. And here’s one more, the ChangAn Deepal S07, this being another tech-heavy, mid-size electric SUV from a massive Chinese conglomerate you probably haven’t heard of but boasting of vast presence in its home market, huge R&D resources and an ambition to bring all that to Europe.
• ChangAn may be new to European buyers but has a long history in its home Chinese market across its various brands, these including Deepal, Avatr and partnerships with Mazda and Ford • Deepal S07 is a sleek, mid-size electric SUV likely aimed at cars like the Kia EV6 and the many and various offshoots of the VW ID.5 /a> like the Skoda Enyaq, Cupra Tavascan and Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback • The S07 is its first model for Europe and will sell under the Deepal brand through an extensive network of UK outlets in partnership with a ‘trusted and reputable’ retail group • ChangAn’s boss has spoken of the brand’s ambition to be “In Europe, for Europe”, a long-standing design office in Italy helping style the cars to local tastes • Seven-year warranty should inspire confidence as the brand establishes itself as a new player • Deepal S07’s 80kWh battery compares well with rivals, the claimed range of 295 miles also competitive • 45,000 euros starting price in Europe puts it on a par with rivals like the Kia EV6 in terms of price • Sales expected to start before the end of 2025

We’ll have to wait and see what shape the Deepal S07 takes when it lands here but in markets where it’s already on sale we can see it’s a sleek-looking machine reminiscent of the (also Chinese built) Cupra Tavascan we’re currently running on long-term test. Frameless windows, pop-out door handles and a sloping roofline put it at the sportier end of the SUV spectrum in looks – whether that translates to the performance and drive is something we’ll discover in due course. In some markets there is a range-extender hybrid where the petrol engine charges the battery rather than powers the wheels but it remains to be seen if this will be coming to Europe.

Like many Chinese brands, ChangAn is proud of its tech and makes big promises for the onboard features through the inevitable giant central touch-screen. Seemingly this can rotate in either direction for a clearer view for whoever needs to use it. The usual Tesla-inspired minimalism is present and correct as well, though it at least looks like there are physical stalks behind the wheel and proper buttons on it, even if most interactions will likely be through the screen via touch, voice or ChangAn’s gesture control system.

The Deepal S07 starts out with 217 horsepower in the pure electric version, making it good for 0-62mph in less than eight seconds. That’s towards the leisurely end for electric SUVs of this type but perfectly adequate for a family car, the official range coming in at 295 miles.

ChangAn has been busy behind the scenes signing up partners to sell its cars in the UK and building a network of parts supply from a Dutch-based support hub for its after-sales. UK pricing remains to be confirmed we do know the Deepal S07 will start at 45,000 euros in the European market, which is the same as an entry-level Kia EV6 in Germany. Competitive, if not a bargain, then.

What is starting as a trickle may soon be a flood, ChangAn’s boss promising eight models for Europe in the next three years, possibly sold across the ChangAn, Deepal and Avatr brands.

Mid-size SUVs like the Deepal S07 really are the heart of the modern electric car market, and all brands operating in it have something comparable in size, cost, range and performance. The S07 will need something special to stand out but ChangAn’s resources are seemingly as big as its ambitions.