Deepal joins the crowd with S07 late November

ONLY a few weeks after pulling the pin on French brand Citroen, trading company Inchcape Australasia kicked off the latest Chinese brand to arrive Down Under - Deepal (meaning “deep blue” in Chinese) at an event in Sydney this week previewing its first model, the medium size fully electric S07 coupe SUV.

The not so sneak peek at Bondi Beach Pavilion was attended by regional Inchcape heavyweights and executives from Changan Automobile which makes Deepal vehicles…among a slew of others.

No pricing was provided on the “family” five seat S07 but it stands to reason Deepal will have Tesla’s popular entry level Model Y RWD in its sights when the numbers are announced which means circa $55,900 + ORC for the newcomer.

We’ll have to wait until mid-next-month for confirmation as that’s when the model is actually launched and stock starts going into dealerships.

As well as the Tesla, the Deepal S07 may compete against other new Chinese medium size fully electric SUVs like the Xpeng G6 (from $54,800 + ORC) and Zeekr X (from $56,900 + ORC) – but all are likely to be undercut by the Leapmotor C10.

If the S07 is pitched higher than expected, it will run into Subaru’s (Inchcape again) Solterra, Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and the Toyota bZ4x among others.

As company execs were not available for comment at the event, GoAuto was unable to discern whether or not Deepal is going to provide a Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) on its cars given the brand has zero profile in Australia so we can only speculate.

Nothing on included recharging schemes either but both may be needed get Deepal front of mind with customers.

The S07 appears sleek and sexy in the metal with an almost generic front reminiscent of perhaps the MG4 and other BEVs. The similarity continues across the entire angular vehicle which looks partly cloned from other offerings in the BEVasphere.

Some neat touches set it apart such as the funky high mounted stop/tail light set into the spoiler atop the tailgate… and the big flat-faced 19-inch alloys.

Seven exterior colours are available including some real stunners like sunset orange and cosmic yellow.

Inside is a (very) attractive minimalist space dominated by a large landscape shaped centre screen with few peripherals apart from the multi-function D-cut wheel and column stalks for the indicators, lights and wipers. Of particular interest was the augmented reality head-up display and 14 speaker premium audio.

The display vehicles featured a form of artificial leather in various finishes and tones including quilted and panelled with decent seat bolsters.

Interior room is generous front and rear with adequate headroom despite the fixed pano’ sunroof and the model features both a frunk and a large boot expandable with the rear pew folded.

Despite being labelled “concepts” the cars on display were finished to a high standard exemplified in tight panel gaps, smooth lustrous paint, sharp triple door seals, neatly integrated body hardware, smooth carbon fibre effect plastic appliques, recessed door handles and hidden wipers.

All lighting is LED and the vehicles viewed exhibited a sporty stance accentuated by their relatively long wheelbase.

S07 dimensions are 4750mm long x 1930mm high x 1625mm high on a 2900mm wheelbase.

The models on display were rear wheel drive running a single synchronous permanent magnet electric motor generating 160kW and 320Nm fed through an 80kWh battery that is claimed to give a 475km range. Range extender hybrids with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol generator/engine are available overseas.

DC recharging is possible at 92kW for a fastest time of 35 minutes from 30 per cent to 80 per cent with a claimed consumption rate of 18.6kW/100km and V2L capability  and regen’ are part of the package.

It weighs a portly 2073kg which explains the somewhat tardy 7.9 second 0-100km/h time.

Deepal guff claims the S07 “offers Australian customers the opportunity to ‘Touch the Future’ with its bold fusion of luxury and cutting-edge technology, offering an effortless and thrilling driving experience”.

But that’s a rerun of the line unerringly taken by every other Chinese BEV brand here or incoming.

The display models were indeed well equipped across luxury, convenience, safety and digital tech’ crammed with the full gamut of the latest kit available but are not assessed by ANCAP at the moment.

Speaking at the Deepal brand launch and preview of the S07 was Cormac Cafolla, general manager Deepal Australia, who said; “The Deepal S07offers Australian consumers a practical and innovative SUV that combines futuristic design elements with advanced technology to create a stylish, enjoyable and comfortable rear-wheel drive mid-sized electric SUV.

“Deepal is about more than cars; it’s about electric vehicles that elevate your driving experience through harmoniously blending nature, technology and human experiences, and connecting with communities – and the S07 is a true reflection of this commitment.

Deepal has announced a seven year/160,000km vehicle warranty and an eight year/ 240,000km battery warranty.

More Deepal details and an S07 drive review will be available next month.