Changan Deepal S07 DRIVEN: Is this Chinese EV a Tesla beater?

Another Chinese electric SUV has entered the new car market, and it’s got the Tesla Model Y in its sights.

The Changan Deepal S07 comes from China’s oldest car manufacturer, which has been producing vehicles for its home market since 1984. 

Changan has had a design centre in Turin, Italy since 2001, and a research and development centre in the United Kingdom since 2010. It also has a design centre in Munich since 2021, so it should have some idea of how to produce a car worthy of international roads.

But what exactly is the Changan Deepal S07? Measuring 4.75m long, the S07 is a five-seat SUV with the ambitious goal of toppling the Tesla Model Y, Skoda Enyaq and Hyundai Ioniq 5. 

The S07 is powered by a 75kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery, which provides a driving range of 294 miles. That’s significantly lower than many rivals the S07 is aiming for, with the Tesla Model Y offering up to 387 miles in its rear-wheel drive, long-range specification. 

Charging speeds are equally underwhelming. Changan claims a maximum speed of 93kW, which means a rapid charge from 10-80% will take around 45 minutes. On the plus side, 11kW charging is standard, along with a heat pump and vehicle-to-load charging. 

The S07 is driven by a rear-mounted electric motor which produces 215bhp. Changan says it will travel from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds, which isn’t bad for a car that weighs 2075kg. When diving, it’s clear the S07 is gutsy enough for highway merges and overtakes. 

What is disappointing is the S07’s handling and ride comfort. Despite claims that it has been engineered and tuned for European roads, the electric SUV is very stiff and restless on the move. This is down to its 20in wheels and passive dampers, whereas the Chinese market gets softer adaptive suspension. 

That means the S07 thumps and bumps over imperfect roads. Cornering isn’t the most confidence-inducing either, with lots of body lean in sharper corners. That said, we thought the S07 steering was acceptable for daily driving. It’s predictable and accurate, making this a relatively easy car to drive on the road.

Inside is where the S07 is more impressive than its rivals. It’s spacious and the material quality is strong, with a mixture of plush, softer materials and a solid build quality.

However, many won’t be a fan of the S07’s user interface. There’s not a single button to be seen, and there’s no traditional driver’s display. Instead, your data will be presented through the head-up display.

In the back, there’s a lot of space for passengers. Passengers in the rear also benefit from their own roof blind control and climate control. Additionally, a central armrest provides cupholders and a phone stand. 

There is a good level of equipment, too. A huge panoramic sunroof is standard, in addition to a head-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and voice control. 

Other equipment includes a 15.6in touchscreen infotainment system and lots of assistance technology, like speed limit warning and lane-keeping assistance. There’s also keyless entry, semi-autonomous driving, heated and ventilated seats, a 10-speaker sound system, plus several modes including Dog mode and Camping mode.

While adequate at 445 litres, the boot's capacity falls short of many rivals. Its shallow depth, combined with rear seats that only offer a 60/40 split fold and no sliding or seven-seat option, limits versatility. However, the squared-off shape makes it suitable for a standard single buggy.

Overall, Changan's S07 is a convincing debut for the firm in Europe. Its impressive cost, technology, and interior finish offer significant value, making it feel like a lot of car for the money. However, almost all of its rivals are better to drive in almost every respect. Plus, they will travel further on a charge, charge faster and have a larger boot. It’s going to be a while before it’s troubling Tesla.