Deepal G318

Model Overview

The Deepal G318 is a mid-to-large extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) SUV rolled out by Deepal, the new energy vehicle brand under Changan Automobile, marking the marque's maiden foray into the rugged SUV segment. Named in tribute to the Sichuan-Tibet Highway (G318 National Route), the SUV made its official global debut on 13 June 2024, initially offering six variants with an indicative price range from RM175,900 to RM318,000. On 18 April 2025, the Deepal G318 Worry-Free Expedition Edition series went on sale, featuring three variants: 2WD Wilderness Edition, 4WD Mountain Edition, and 4WD Secret Realm Edition. A new 4WD Wilderness Edition was introduced on 25 March 2026, priced at RM185,900. Positioned as a "Tech Rugged" SUV, its key rivals include similarly sized rugged off-roaders such as the Fangchengbao Bao 5 and Tank 400 Hi4-T.

Design Language

The Deepal G318 adopts an "Interstellar Warship" design philosophy, sporting the iconic boxy silhouette typical of rugged off-road vehicles. The front fascia features a cybernetic metal grille design flanked by signature C-shaped energy LED headlights, complemented by roof rack-integrated spotlight arrays capable of illuminating an area of up to 250 m². The side profile exhibits chiselled character lines, complete with flush pop-out door handles and aerodynamic alloy wheels. At the rear, it gets a sci-fi "Space Gate" styling, paired with C-shaped energy taillights and a full-size tailgate-mounted spare tyre. In terms of dimensions, the 2024 model measures 5,010 × 1,985 × 1,895 mm, while the 2025/2026 Worry-Free Expedition Edition is further extended to 5,125 × 2,025 × 1,950 mm (with an alternative height version of 1,895 mm), riding on a 2,880 mm wheelbase. Seven exterior colourways are available, while the cabin draws inspiration from "Interstellar Travel", equipped with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch integrated central infotainment touchscreen. The "Holy Lake Green" interior theme takes cues from the landscape along National Route 318, generously trimmed in suede-like upholstery with detailed contrast stitching.

Powertrain and Performance

The Deepal G318 is powered by the Deepal Super Range Extender 2.0 system. The range extender unit is a 1.5T turbocharged engine churning out a maximum power of 110 kW (approx. 150 PS). The electric drive configuration is available in either a rear-wheel-drive single motor (185 kW / 252 PS) or a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup (combined output of 316 kW / 430 PS). The 4WD model develops a combined torque of 572 Nm. The official 0-100 km/h sprint is completed in 5.9 seconds for the 4WD variant and 8.6 seconds for the 2WD variant, with a top speed of 185 km/h. In terms of range, the 2025/2026 models pack a 35.07 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, delivering a CLTC pure electric range of 186 km and a total combined range exceeding 1,000 km. The WLTC combined fuel consumption is rated at 1.69 L/100 km, with a fuel consumption of 7.70 L/100 km under battery-depleted conditions. DC fast charging from 30% to 80% takes just 15 to 25 minutes. A 6 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power supply function is also supported.

Chassis and Handling

Chassis-wise, the Deepal G318 features a front double-wishbone and rear five-link independent suspension setup. It is built on a monocoque body structure boasting a torsional rigidity of 45,000 Nm/deg. The 4WD variant comes standard with an electric 4WD system, a centre differential lock, and a rear-axle magnetic mechanical locking differential. High-spec models are equipped with air suspension paired with CDC adaptive dampers and active magic carpet scanning technology, providing an adjustable ground clearance of 210 mm to 240 mm. For off-road metrics, it offers an approach angle of 27°, a departure angle of 31°, a breakover angle of 23°, a maximum wading depth of 600 mm, and a maximum gradeability of 63%. The ET all-terrain system integrates 16 driving modes, including Crawl Control and Tank Turn functions. The Rack-assisted Electric Power Steering (R-EPS) is an uncommon premium feature in this class.

Cabin and Equipment

For smart cabin technology, the Deepal G318 runs on the Deepal OS infotainment system, deeply integrated with the DeepSeek AI model to support advanced voice interaction features such as "see-and-say", continuous dialogue, and multi-zone voice wake-up. The system also supports multi-finger gesture screen casting and four-zone voice recognition. Smartphone connectivity includes Apple CarPlay, Carlink, and HUAWEI HiCar. Audio is piped through a 16-speaker sound system. In terms of comfort features, an openable panoramic glass sunroof with a powered sunshade comes standard across the range. Front seats feature heating and ventilation as standard; the high-spec driver seat adds a massage function; and the rear seats support multi-angle electric backrest adjustment. A 50W wireless smartphone fast charger is also fitted. Boot capacity stands at 818 litres, which expands to 1,747 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

Safety and Advanced Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the Deepal G318 utilises a high-strength monocoque body shell. Passive safety equipment includes 9 airbags and a Roll Stability Control (RSC) system. The battery pack adopts the "Golden Shield Battery 2.0" design, featuring 10 layers of protection and an IP68 waterproof rating. Driver assistance is handled by the Deepal AD PRO active safety suite. The hardware suite comprises 5 cameras (including an 8MP forward-facing perception camera), 12 ultrasonic sensors, and 5 millimetre-wave radars. Standard across the range is the IACC integrated adaptive cruise control system (encompassing follow-to-stop cruise, lane centring, intelligent speed limit assist, and smart lane offset) alongside a 540° panoramic camera with a transparent chassis view. Active safety functions include full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Centring Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Auto Parking Assist, Remote Parking Assist, and Reverse Tracking Assist. In addition, the vehicle is equipped with a water wading sensor system and Sentry Mode. According to the latest reports, an updated model equipped with Huawei Qiankun LiDAR and HarmonyOS Cockpit is slated for release in Q3 2026.

Market Performance and Reception

The Deepal G318 enjoyed a promising initial market debut, securing over 10,000 bookings within just 70 hours of launch, with sales peaking at 2,483 units in July 2024. However, sales momentum subsequently waned, ending 2024 with a full-year volume of 8,909 units; cumulative sales reached 10,325 units in 2025; and 878 units were delivered in March 2026, with monthly figures hovering between 200 and 300 units over an extended period. By May 2026, global sales exceeded 1,500 units for two consecutive months, with exports expanding to over 33 countries. In terms of market reception, the Deepal G318 has earned praise for its distinctive boxy styling, long extended-range capability, air suspension, and Level 2 ADAS capabilities. Nonetheless, market analysis highlights certain ambiguities in its positioning—a trade-off between hardcore off-road kit and everyday urban family needs; its monocoque construction faces an inherent disadvantage in severe off-road conditions compared to ladder-frame rivals; and the brand's upmarket push faces challenges. Overall, as Deepal's flagship product targeting the premium market, the Deepal G318 has carved out a unique competitive edge in the RM180,000 to RM230,000 EREV rugged SUV segment with its Super Range Extender 2.0 system, dual-motor 4WD, air suspension with CDC, Level 2 ADAS, and boxy silhouette; yet constrained by product positioning, fierce market competition, and brand perception, there remains ample room for improvement in its sales performance.