I had the Changan Deepal S07 for a few days, and it left a strong impression. Not because it thrilled me behind the wheel, but because it shows just how far Chinese EV brands have come in a short space of time. This is a car that puts comfort, tech and ease of use front and centre. If you like a relaxed drive and a calm cabin, it does a lot very well. If you love the feel of driving, this may not quite land.

Quick facts at a glance

  • Price: £39,990 OTR
  • Battery: 79.97kWh
  • Power: 160kW (218hp)
  • Range: up to 295 miles
  • 0 to 60mph: 7.9 seconds
  • Drive: Rear wheel drive
  • Towing capacity: 1,500kg
  • Boot: 510 litres
  • Frunk: 125 litres

First impressions and design

I think the Deepal S07 looks smart. It has a clean, modern shape with a coupe-SUV silhouette that feels right on trend without trying too hard. The sculpted lines, fastback rear and flush door handles give it a sleek, premium feel.

The full-width LED light bar front and rear looks great at night and gives the car a distinctive face. The star-inspired paint colours are a nice touch too. Sunset Orange and Nebula Green really stand out, while Comet White and Eclipse Black keep things more subtle.

You also get a lot of choice without paying extra.

  • Five exterior colours
  • Three interior trims
  • 19 or 20 inch wheels

All included as standard, which is refreshing.

Interior and comfort

Step inside and this is where the S07 really shines.

The cabin feels airy, modern and well finished. Materials are soft to the touch, the design is clean, and nothing feels cheap. It punches above its price point in terms of perceived quality.

The panoramic glass roof floods the cabin with light, and the electric sunshade keeps things comfortable on bright days. Ambient lighting and the various cabin modes make it feel more like a lounge than a traditional car interior.

However, the seats are a mixed bag.

They are heated and ventilated, electrically adjustable, and very comfortable at first. But they feel more like a sofa than a supportive driving seat. There is no under-thigh tilt adjustment, which I really missed. On shorter journeys they are lovely. On a long motorway run, I am not convinced they would offer enough support.

If you value comfort over cornering confidence, you will probably love them. If you like to feel held in place, you might not.

Technology and infotainment

Tech is clearly a big focus here.

The 15.6 inch rotating touchscreen is a real talking point. It can swivel towards the driver or passenger, and it looks sharp and responsive. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, which is essential these days.

The AR head-up display replaces a traditional instrument cluster, projecting speed, navigation and safety info directly onto the windscreen. Once you get used to it, it works well and keeps your eyes up and on the road.

Other highlights include:

  • 40W wireless phone charging
  • 14-speaker premium sound system
  • 360 degree camera with transparent chassis view
  • Multifunction rear touchscreen
  • Bluetooth phone key

There are also loads of novelty but useful modes like nap mode, camping mode, car wash mode and even pet detection. Some will use them daily, others will try them once and smile, but it all adds to the sense of a tech-forward car.

One downside is that some system elements are not fully localised, and parts of the adaptive cruise and menus do not yet feel completely polished for UK use.

On the road

This is where the S07 shows its character, and where opinions will split.

It is very easy to drive. Steering is light, visibility is good, and everything feels calm and predictable. Around town and on the motorway it is effortless. Adaptive cruise control, lane assistance and driver aids take the stress out of longer journeys.

But it feels floaty.

The best way I can describe it is that it feels less like driving a car and more like steering a very good computer game. The steering is accurate, but numb. The suspension prioritises comfort, but there is a softness that removes road feel entirely.

If you are after a driver’s car, this is not it. There is no sense of engagement or feedback. You point it where you want to go, and it goes there, quietly and competently.

For many buyers, that will be exactly the point.

Performance and efficiency

With 218hp and a 0 to 60 time of 7.9 seconds, it is quick enough for everyday driving. It never feels slow, but it never feels sporty either.

The claimed 295 mile range is competitive for the class, and the large battery should make it a strong long-distance cruiser, especially with its comfortable ride and quiet cabin.

This feels like a car designed to make EV ownership easy, not exciting.

Space and practicality

The S07 is a big car, and it uses its space well.

  • Rear legroom is generous thanks to the long wheelbase
  • The boot is a useful 510 litres
  • The frunk adds another 125 litres
  • Rear seats fold 60:40

It would work well for families, company car drivers, or anyone needing space without stepping up to something huge.

Safety and driver assistance

Safety tech is comprehensive.

You get front collision warning, emergency braking, lane keeping, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and more. Parking is made easy with the 360 degree camera and parking aids.

It all works quietly in the background and adds to the relaxed driving experience.

Rivals

The obvious competitors are the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model Y.

Compared to those, the Deepal S07 feels:

  • More comfort-focused than the Ioniq 5
  • Less engaging but more lounge-like than the Model Y
  • Very strong on standard equipment for the price

It may not have the brand recognition yet, but on paper and in the cabin, it absolutely belongs in the conversation.