Bermaz is set to welcome its second Chinese electric vehicle brand in the shape of Deepal, Changan’s premium EV-first marque. The company is reportedly looking to bring in two SUV models by the middle of next year, and here we’re looking at the newest of these – the Deepal S05.
Launched in China in October, the S05 is a C-segment SUV that’s about the same size as the Proton eMas 7, measuring 4,620 mm long (+5 mm), 1,900 mm wide (-1 mm) and 1,600 mm tall (-70 mm), with a 2,880 mm wheelbase (+130 mm). Unlike that car, which will only come in pure electric guise – although it’s rumoured that a plug-in hybrid version, based on the Geely Galaxy Starship 7, will be offered later on – the Deepal is also available with a range extender as an option.
But first, let’s talk about the pure EV variant. Just a single powertrain configuration is available at launch, utilising a rear electric motor that produces 238 PS (175 kW) and 320 Nm of torque. So equipped, the S05 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 180 km/h.
A 56.12 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery is fitted as standard and delivers a claimed range of 510 km on China’s wildly optimistic CLTC cycle. Deepal says the S05 has 3C charging capability, meaning that it can accept up to three times the battery capacity in DC fast charging power, or about 170 kW. As such, topping up the LFP pack from 30 to 80% takes 15 minutes.
Those looking for more range will be able to opt for a version with a 98 PS 1.5 litre petrol range extender, plus a detuned 218 PS (160 kW) electric motor that makes the car more than half a second slower to 100 km/h (7.9 seconds).
It also gets a smaller 27.28 kWh battery that provides an all-electric range of 200 km (155 km on the WLTP cycle). Together with 45 litre fuel tank, this results in a total range of 1,234 km. A lower DC charging capacity means that despite the smaller pack, the REEV version takes 20 minutes to charge from 30 to 80%.
The S05’s pebble-smooth design is a departure from the angular styling of Deepal’s earlier models, the L07 (previously called the SL03) and S07 (née S7). The front end still gets split headlights, but the lower main projectors are now shaped to mimic a delta-wing aircraft.
These are available with Huawei’s Xpixel technology that provides the lamps with a resolution of 1.3 megapixels, enabling functionality similar to Mercedes-Benz’s Digital Light headlamps. This includes being able to project a narrow road warning, a zebra crossing for pedestrians or even a hopscotch court pattern onto the ground ahead. Dual external loudspeakers also enable an outdoor karaoke mode, while the top of the windscreen houses an optional 4K camera for taking photos and videos.
At the back, you’ll find the in-vogue full-width taillights, albeit without the L07 and S07’s triangular outer sections and three-point light signatures. Inside, the S05 sports a typically Chinese minimalist interior, dominated by a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen – running on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip – and housing a floating centre console with insulated armrest storage and dual phone holders with a 50-watt Qi wireless charger.
Other bits of tech include an augmented reality head-up display and an AI-enhanced voice control function that even works outside the car. The S05 also boasts a claimed class-leading 954 mm of rear seat legroom, a large 492 litre boot and, on pure EV models, a decently-sized 192 litre front boot.
In terms of driver assists, the Deepal is on par with class norms, coming with Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features such as adaptive cruise control and lane centring assist, as well as remote park assist.
Doubtless some of you will be wondering why Bermaz is bringing in Deepal, given that it will be in close competition with Xpeng. From our perspective, we can see one very good reason – Changan is Mazda’s joint venture partner, and in fact, the Japanese carmaker has badge-engineered the L07 sedan as the EZ-6, the electric replacement for the Mazda 6.
That car is tipped for global markets, meaning there’s a high possibility for it to come to Malaysia. The S05 is also set to form the basis of the production version of the Mazda Arata concept, shown at Auto China in Beijing earlier this year.
As such, introducing these closely-related Deepal models would make a lot of sense, as it can provide after-sales support for both brands very easily.
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