DEEPAL S05

Model Overview

The DEEPAL S05 is a compact SUV launched in Q4 2024 by DEEPAL Auto, the new energy vehicle (NEV) marque under Changan Automobile. As of June 2026, the 2026 DEEPAL S05 is available in seven variants across battery electric (BEV) and extended-range electric (EREV) powertrains, with official pricing ranging from RM116,900 to RM149,900. Targeted at the RM100,000-bracket family EV market, the model highlights generous cabin room, long cruising range, and extensive smart features, competing directly against class rivals such as the BYD Yuan PLUS and Geely Galaxy E5.

Design Language

The DEEPAL S05 adopts a styling philosophy officially dubbed "Interstellar Flying Wing", presenting a rounded, sculpted silhouette that carries forward the brand's symbiotic design language whilst integrating aviation-inspired cues. Up front, it sports a closed-off grille flanked by DEEPAL Megapixel Intelligent Light and Shadow Headlamps powered by HUAWEI XPIXEL technology, capable of dynamic welcome animations and custom projections. The sleek side profile is accentuated by frameless doors, flush pop-out door handles, and cyclone-style aero alloy wheels. Round the back, it features a full-width LED taillight bar with an illuminated central DEEPAL badge. In terms of dimensions, the SUV measures 4,620 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, and 1,600 mm tall, with a 2,880 mm wheelbase. Aerodynamic efficiency is rated at a low drag coefficient of 0.25 Cd. Four exterior colours are offered: Moonlit White, Fluorescent Moon Grey, Flowing Light Silver, and Celestial Black. Inside, buyers can choose between Heat Wave Orange and Star Rock Grey, set within an aviation-inspired wraparound cockpit that does away with a conventional meter cluster, projecting essential driving information via a 50-inch AR-HUD head-up display.

Powertrain and Performance

The DEEPAL S05 is offered in both pure electric (BEV) and range-extender (EREV) configurations, with a rear-mounted, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout standard across the range.

The pure electric version is driven by a rear permanent magnet synchronous motor producing a maximum output of 200 kW (approximately 272 PS), clocking a 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.28 to 6.48 seconds. Two CLTC-rated range options are available: 520 km and 620 km. The 620 km variant is powered by a 68.82 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack. The vehicle also incorporates micro-core high-frequency pulse battery heating technology, which can raise battery temperatures by 20°C in freezing -30°C conditions, boosting power delivery by 50% and lifting charging efficiency by 15%.

The range-extender version pairs a 1.5L New Blue Core hybrid-dedicated engine acting as a range extender with a rear electric drive motor. The drive motor puts out a maximum of 175 kW (160 kW on selected variants). It yields a CLTC electric-only range of 215 km and a total combined range of 1,310 km with a full tank and full charge. Its WLTC fuel consumption in battery-depleted state is rated at just 3.9 L/100 km. All variants come standard with 3C fast charging, capable of a 30% to 80% state of charge in only 15 minutes. It also features a 6 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power supply function.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the DEEPAL S05 features a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link (five-link) independent suspension setup. Built on a dedicated rear-wheel-drive architecture, the car achieves a near-50:50 front-to-rear axle weight distribution, with rear suspension internal friction reduced by 54% to enhance turn-in response and chassis agility. The suspension is tuned with an overall pliant, comfort-biased profile, effectively ironing out road chatter whilst retaining adequate body composure. The steering feel is light at low speeds and weights up progressively as speed builds to enhance highway stability. Real-world minimum ground clearance is tested at around 15 cm. In the EREV model, the 1.5L range extender cuts in and out virtually seamlessly, achieving an efficient petrol-to-electricity conversion rate of over 4.3 kWh per litre.

Cabin and Equipment

On the tech front, the DEEPAL S05 comes fitted with a 15.4-inch 2.5K floating central touchscreen ("Sunflower screen") that can swivel up to 15° left or right. The system runs on an automotive-grade Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chipset powered by DEEPAL OS 3.0/3.1. It deeply integrates the DeepSeek R1 large language model, providing intelligent conversational AI and comprehensive query support. Smartphone integration broadly covers CarLink, Apple CarPlay, HUAWEI HiCar, and Honor Connect. The voice control system supports four-zone voice command and continuous conversation. High-spec models add luxury amenities including a front passenger zero-gravity seat, 8-point front seat massage, and heated, ventilated, and memory-function front seats. A 50W wireless charging pad is housed on the centre console. Cargo capacity for the BEV includes a 159-litre front boot (frunk) and a 492-litre rear boot, alongside a flat rear floor design. The cabin provides 35 storage compartments in total, featuring a 13-litre chilled and heated centre armrest box. Unique highlights include a roof-mounted 48 MP 4K gimbal camera (supporting photo taking, video recording, and one-touch vlog editing) as well as the DEEPAL Megapixel Intelligent Projection Headlamps.

Safety and Driver Assistance

For structural safety, the DEEPAL S05 body comprises 78% high-strength steel-aluminium hybrid materials, leveraging 7,700-tonne mega-casting integrated aluminium body technology and Cell-to-Vehicle (CTV) body-battery integration. Passive safety includes standard front driver and passenger airbags, front side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags. In terms of active safety, the SUV comes standard with the DEEPAL AD PRO advanced driver assistance suite. The sensing hardware includes five HD cameras (including an 8 MP forward-facing camera), five millimetre-wave radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors. The system delivers Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, featuring Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control, Highway Navigate on Autopilot (NOA), Intelligent Lane Change Assist, and Smart Lane Departure Correction. The NOA function is engineered specifically for highway cruising, capable of executing autonomous lane changes. Additional safety assists include Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA) and Front Cross Traffic Braking (FCTB). A 540° panoramic surround-view camera and automated parking assist are also standard equipment.

Market Performance and Reception

The DEEPAL S05 experienced a lukewarm market reception during its initial rollout, with monthly sales lingering below the 10,000-unit threshold for some time. However, in September 2025, sales surged past the 10,000-unit mark for the first time in eight months to set a record high, maintaining five-figure monthly sales in subsequent months. By March 2026, global sales reached 17,586 units (14,069 units in the domestic Chinese market and 3,517 units overseas), taking cumulative global deliveries past 190,000 units. On the product lifecycle front, the 620 km long-range BEV debuted in August 2025, followed by the 215 km EREV variant in September 2025, alongside its European debut at the Munich Motor Show (IAA) that same month. Market feedback has generally commended the roomy interior provided by its 2,880 mm long wheelbase, generous smart features, and dual-powertrain flexibility. Noted drawbacks include the relatively modest ground clearance (around 15 cm) and a soft suspension setup that can produce vertical floating over undulating high-speed dips. Overall, anchored by strong selling points such as its class-above 2,880 mm wheelbase, dual powertrain options, 620 km electric range, 3C fast charging, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155-powered smart cockpit, and Level 2 ADAS, the DEEPAL S05 maintains a highly competitive edge in the RM110,000 to RM150,000 new energy compact SUV segment.