This is the Deepal S7, which is an electric crossover SUV that Changan Auto Philippines previewed during the brand launch last year. The Tesla Model Y-rivalling electric vehicle (EV) has a planned launch date of sometime this year, and if priced right, could be one of the most affordable electric crossover SUVs in the Philippines.
But pricing is still something we don’t know at the moment. What we know is what’s powering the specific model we’re driving. The Deepal S7 we’re driving is the more powerful 258 horsepower and 320 Nm version with the longer range battery that’s good for 620 kilometers based on the CLTC test cycle. There’s also a more affordable 218 horsepower version and this comes with a smaller battery and thus, a CLTC range of 520 kilometers. Plug-in hybrid versions (PHEVs) are also available, but what’s most likely to arrive in the Philippines is the EV version.
Now that most of the specs are out of the way, how’s the Deepal S7 like at face value? Well, the Chinese continue to flex their might when it comes to EVs, and the Deepal S7 is no exception. The electric compact crossover SUV looks sleek with excellent proportions and a drag coefficient of just 0.258 Cd. It’s nearly as good as its chief rival, the Tesla Model Y at 0.23 Cd.
Sleek LED headlights and taillights give the S7 a striking look at night, while the flushed door handles contribute to its impressive aerodynamics. What’s also impressive is its pair of LED screens on each side of the front bumper. Yes, those are screens, which can either act as a stylistic piece or display pre-configured symbols.
As for the interior, the Deepal S7 is likewise going all-in with tech and modernity. There’s a lack of physical controls as all functions have been migrated to the large infotainment screen. I’m not a fan of such a button-less arrangement, and that continues pretty much in the S7. Notice the lack of a speedometer as well, and that’s because all of the driving information has been migrated to the infotainment system or via the windshield-projected head-up display. The screen, by the way, can self-adjust to the left or right depending on whether or not the driver’s seat is occupied, or the front passenger can adjust the screen to themselves if they desire.
Material quality is also excellent, with plenty of soft-touch materials and suede surfaces that help in making this interior feel premium. The doors and switchgear are all solidly built with European car-like levels of solidity. There are two wireless charging pads at the center console, and the interior space is excellent since this is a vehicle that was developed from the ground up to be an EV. Therefore, this vehicle has a front trunk.
When it comes to the driving experience, the Deepal S7 continues to impress. Those 258 horses and 320 Nm of torque are delivered instantly, with a 0-100 kph time of just 6.7 seconds. The rigid chassis and superb levels of sound insulation have made this a very serene vehicle–even at high speeds. Vibrations are eliminated even before they reach your body–a testament to how rigid the vehicle structure is. It also offers excellent ride quality despite the low-profile tires, and yet, when it comes to handling, the Deepal S7 handles pretty well.
I wouldn’t say it’s outright sporty, since the steering is a bit numb, but there’s precision dialed in that makes the S7 checkable through corners. It’s not a bad car, of course. It’s just that, if comfort is what you’re after in a car, the S7 offers it in spades. And indeed the Deepal S7 does offer a lot in spades, especially considering the price.
The Deepal S7 is also fitted with the latest radar and LiDAR tech as you’ll see with the numerous sensors surrounding the vehicle. With these sensors provided by Huawei’s ADS 2.0, it gives the Deepal S7 AI-based operation of its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as full-speed adaptive cruise control, and lane centering, just to name a few. All of these and more are offered in China at a price range of just P1.3 million to P1.5 million when converted to our local currency.
Even with taxes and shipping considered, the Deepal S7 won’t most likely exceed the price tag of a mainstream compact crossover like a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. What’s more impressive is like most of the newest EVs that China is pumping out, these are often just as cutting-edge or even better engineered than what the mainstream brands are capable of–at a price point that’s about half of what the mainstream brands also offer.
The question now is, will you be interested in a Deepal S7 if it does arrive in the Philippine market?
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