Deepal S07 L (2026) Quick Review

The EV market in Mzansi

The South African EV landscape is no longer a quiet pond; it’s a battlefield. While established players like Volvo and BYD have already staked their claims, Changan has entered the fray with its dedicated EV sub-brand, Deepal. Leading the charge is the S07—a vehicle that looks less like a traditional SUV and more like a prop from a sci-fi film. Designed in Turin and inspired by the vertical, neon-soaked aesthetics of Chongqing, does the S07 have the substance to match its undeniable style?

Related: Changan Deepal S07 video review

Fast Facts

• Model: Deepal S07 L

• Price: R 995 900

• Engine: Single Electric Motor (rear)

• Power/Torque: 160kW / 320Nm

• 0-100 km/h: 7.9 Seconds

• Top Speed: 180 km/h

• Range: 500 km (WLTP)

• Maintenance Plan: 5-year / 90 000km

• Warranty: 5-year / 150 000km (vehicle); 8-year / 150 000km (battery)

Pros:

• Stunning, futuristic design.

• Massive rear legroom and dual-boot storage.

• High level of standard equipment (Sony audio, AR-HUD).

• Strong 5-year/90 000km maintenance plan.

Cons:

• Lack of physical buttons for vehicle controls.

• Relatively slow charging.

• 0-100km/h performance is adequate rather than exciting.

• Brand is still establishing its footprint in SA.

Styling

The Deepal S07 is certainly striking. It sits low and wide, featuring a coupe-SUV silhouette that manages to look aggressive without being bulky. The "Star Petal" LED daytime running lights are distinctive, but it’s the frameless doors and flush-fitting door handles that really elevate the premium feel. In South African spec, it arrives with 20-inch alloy wheels that fill the arches well. It makes the Volvo EX30 look small, and the BYD Sealion 7 look conservative. If you want to be noticed at the Melrose Arch charging station, this is among the best in its segment.

Space & Interior

Step inside, and the cabin is minimalist, wrapped in vegan leather, and dominated by a massive 15.6-inch  touchscreen. The screen can tilt 15 degrees toward either the driver or the passenger and features wireless Apple CarPlay that connected seamlessly each time I entered the car. Like many modern Chinese vehicles, nearly all key vehicle functions are controlled via this central screen. I find it less convenient than traditional buttons, and the sometimes-overly intrusive safety systems will need to be switched off on the same screen if you're not in the mood to be micro-managed while commuting to work.

Thanks to a dedicated EV platform, the wheelbase is a massive 2 900mm. This results in limousine-like rear legroom, which passengers I took along for a ride commented on as cavernous. You get a 445-litre boot at the back, supplemented by a very usable 125-litre "frunk" or "froot" (front boot)—ideal for storing charging cables and keeping the main boot clean.

Rear occupant space is fantastic!

Comfort & Convenience

Standard features include:

• Audio: A 14-speaker Sony premium sound system.

• Tech: An Augmented Reality Head-Up Display (AR-HUD) replaces a traditional instrument cluster.

• Luxury: Heated and ventilated front seats, a large 1.9m panoramic sunroof, and a 40W ventilated wireless charger.

• Engineered silence: Double-glazed front glass and electric suction doors (soft-close) ensure the cabin remains a sanctuary from the South African highway hum.

Performance

The S07 L is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor producing 160 kW and 320 Nm.

• Speed: It’s not a performance hero like the Dongfeng 007 (which hits 100km/h in 3.9s). The Deepal takes a more measured 7.9 seconds to reach 100 km/h.

• Range: This is where it shines. The 80 kWh battery provides a claimed WLTP range of 500 km (or 560 km NEDC). In real-world South African conditions, you can safely expect 450-470 km with relative ease

• Charging: It supports DC fast charging, allowing a 30-80% top-up in about 35 minutes.

Driving impression

On the road, the S07 prioritises refinement over raw, neck-snapping theatrics. While many EVs lean into ludicrous acceleration to hide their weight, the S07 takes a more measured approach. Its 160 kW rear-mounted motor delivers power with a linear surge—think of it more as a smooth V6 than a digital light switch.

The first thing you’ll notice is the hush. Thanks to double-glazed glass and a dedicated EV platform, the cabin remains remarkably isolated from the typical South African road hum. At urban speeds, the steering is light and effortless, making the 4.7-metre SUV feel surprisingly nimble in a tight Woollies parking lot, aided by a 540-degree camera system.

However, the S07 is clearly tuned for comfort, or 'Cloud Suspension' as they call it. On the open road, it glides over minor undulations with a wafting quality that passengers seemed to enjoy. The trade-off is that it isn’t a corner-carver; push it hard into a sweep, and the 2.1-ton kerb weight and 20-inch rubber remind you that this is not a hot hatch. The combination of the soft ride and relatively pedestrian acceleration makes this feel like a normal car, albeit a very quiet one, which was refreshing after EVs that seem more focused on performance than range and ultimate refinement.

Fuel (Electricity) Economy

During our test period, the S07 averaged 16.7 kWh/100km. For perspective, at current home electricity rates, it costs roughly R312 to fully charge the S07 from 0% to 100%, and provides around 450-470km of range. The problem many will encounter is charging speed, with a DC fast-charging rate of 92 kW to 93 kW, meaning my "splash and dash" at the local mall took longer than I had anticipated.  It supports AC charging up to 11 kW, which can fully charge the vehicle in about 8 hours, making this the type of car best suited to home charging with some careful weekly planning to avoid inconvenience.

Safety

Safety is comprehensive, with a 5-star Euro NCAP rating and a suite of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems):

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist.

• Lane Keep Assist and Blind Spot Detection.

• 540-degree Camera: Provides a transparent chassis view, making it incredibly easy to park this 4.7-meter SUV in tight mall spots.

The systems generally work well but can be overly intrusive at times, leading me to switch several of them off during my tenure.

Price

The Deepal S07 L launches at an introductory price of R 995 900.

The Verdict

The Deepal S07 L is a solid mid-size EV. While it lacks the raw acceleration of some rivals, it compensates with interior space, a large battery/range and a level of standard luxury features. Charging times remain a challenge, and the over-reliance on the central screen for key functions remains a bugbear.