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DEEPAL S07 review: A tech-forward all-electric SUV with premium ambition

The DEEPAL S07 blends smart tech, comfort, and real-world range in a refined EV package built for daily use in Singapore.

The DEEPAL S07 is the first all-electric SUV from DEEPAL, a premium EV brand under Changan Automobile. Positioned as a modern, tech-rich alternative to more established competitors, it combines clean design, strong features, and a surprisingly refined cabin experience. Aimed at young professionals, tech enthusiasts, and families looking for a future-ready vehicle, the S07 offers more than what its badge might suggest.

The brand’s name merges ‘Deep’ and ‘Pal’, symbolising a deep friendship between humans, technology, and nature. This philosophy guides its design, powertrain, and intelligent systems.

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We test-drove the DEEPAL S07 for three days across Singapore to assess how it holds up under everyday conditions. From navigating dense traffic and carpark ramps to open expressway runs and evening school pickups, we pushed the S07 through a mix of typical urban use cases. The goal was to determine if its features genuinely translate into a better daily experience for local drivers.

Design and comfort inside and out

The DEEPAL S07 makes an immediate impression with its futuristic design. Frameless doors and retractable handles reinforce its clean silhouette, giving it the profile of a coupe-SUV hybrid. At 4,750mm long and 1,930mm wide, the car is similar in footprint to many mid-size crossovers, but its low roofline and dynamic stance help it stand apart. The “Star Petal” LED daytime running lights and full-width “Star Flame” taillight further add to its unique identity.

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One of the most eye-catching features is the panoramic glass roof, which spans nearly the entire ceiling. It floods the cabin with light but includes an electric sunshade that can be adjusted via voice command or rear touchscreen. The roof contributes significantly to the open, airy feeling inside and makes the cabin feel more upmarket. High-mount rear spoilers and rain-sensing boneless wipers reinforce its attention to modern styling and detail.

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Step inside, and the DEEPAL S07 feels closer to an executive sedan than a mass-market SUV. The interior combines perforated synthetic leather, soft-touch materials, and a minimalist dashboard layout dominated by a 15.6-inch touchscreen. Both front seats offer power adjustment and ventilation. The driver’s seat also includes lumbar support, memory presets, and a welcome function that slides it back for easier entry.

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Rear passengers are not an afterthought. Thanks to the long 2,900mm wheelbase, legroom is ample. The rear touchscreen panel allows control of climate settings, front passenger seat position, and even the sunshade. There’s also a centre armrest, dedicated USB-C ports, and ambient lighting options that change based on drive mode or mood. With dual soundproof front windows and refined suspension tuning, cabin noise was noticeably low, even at highway speeds.

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Image credit: DEEPAL

The S07 is available in a range of colours that complement its modern design, including Comet White, Lunar Gray, Eclipse Black, Sunset Orange, Cosmic Yellow, and Andromeda Blue. These options add flexibility for buyers looking to match the car’s aesthetics to their personal style.

The S07 also offers a practical rear boot with a low loading height and foldable rear seats to expand cargo space when needed. Up front, a 125-litre compartment adds extra storage for smaller items like bags, travel luggage or daily essentials.

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Balanced performance for city driving and weekend trips

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The S07 is powered by a single rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor producing 160kW (218hp) and 320Nm of torque. Its acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds is smooth rather than dramatic, but it delivers enough thrust for overtakes and expressway merges without strain. The throttle response is immediate, and the rear-wheel drive adds some dynamic character not found in front-drive rivals.

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The driving experience is composed. It uses a McPherson front suspension and multi-link independent rear, offering good body control without sacrificing comfort. Potholes and uneven tarmac are absorbed with minimal cabin disruption. The 19-inch wheels and 235/55 tyres strike a sensible balance between grip and comfort.

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Three drive modes—Eco, Comfort, and Sport—change the throttle mapping and steering feel, while a Custom mode lets drivers tweak settings to their preference. In Eco mode, the car feels more relaxed, which is ideal for conserving energy in traffic. Comfort is well-suited to daily use, while Sport sharpens response and adds weight to the steering.

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Over three days, we covered roughly 300km, mostly in mixed traffic. The S07 averaged around 15.2kWh/100km, translating to a real-world range of about 420km, close to its WLTP-rated 475km. Charging was fast and hassle-free. The V2L (vehicle-to-load) function was also tested by powering a laptop and small fan during a short park session, which is practical for outdoor use cases or emergencies.

Smart cabin experience backed by safety and ADAS features

Technology is a central part of the S07 experience. The Snapdragon 8155 processor and DEEPAL OS run the in-car interface fluidly, with no lag or stutter during testing. The 15.6-inch touchscreen is the command centre for everything from climate control to drive modes and ambient lighting. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work reliably, and the native navigation system includes live traffic and voice input support.

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The S07’s audio experience is above average for this segment. Its 14-speaker sound system, including headrest-mounted speakers for the driver, delivers spatial clarity and rich bass.

The DEEPAL S07 includes a wide range of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, front collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and traffic jam assist. Additional features like blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and braking, and a 360-degree camera with a transparent chassis view are also included, which could be particularly helpful in dense city environments like Singapore.

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The DEEPAL mobile app extends the car’s convenience features beyond the cabin. It allows drivers to remotely check battery status, lock or unlock the vehicle, and activate climate control before stepping in, which is particularly useful in Singapore’s humid conditions. During the test period, the app responded quickly and reliably to commands, including pre-conditioning the cabin before morning drives. Its interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a practical extension of the in-car experience rather than an afterthought.

Other thoughtful features include over-the-air updates, automatic rain-sensing wipers, and a system that closes windows automatically when it detects rain. The car also includes six airbags, electronic stability and traction control, brake assist, hill start and descent control, ISOFIX mounts, and electronic child locks.

Thoughtful features that make daily driving easier and more enjoyable

Over the three-day period, the DEEPAL S07 handled a variety of scenarios with ease. Its 5.75-metre turning radius made tight basement carparks manageable, while parking sensors and cameras provided complete visibility. The electric tailgate opened quickly, and the side mirrors auto-tilted while reversing to improve rear wheel visibility.

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In daily stop-start traffic, the S07 proved easy to live with. Its smart regenerative braking reduced fatigue and preserved range. Using voice control to adjust the climate system or navigate menus became second nature. We also tried the mobile app several times to pre-cool the cabin and check the battery status remotely, and each action responded promptly.

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The cabin remained comfortable throughout longer drives. Rear passengers appreciated the ability to recline slightly and adjust their climate settings independently. Seat cooling worked well in the heat, and we especially liked the subtle ambient lighting and headrest speakers during night drives.

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For young families or dual-income professionals, features like the fatigue monitoring system, child locks, auto door unlock during collisions, and high ISOFIX usability show that DEEPAL has paid attention to the details. Despite being a first offering, the car feels mature and considered in design and day-to-day functionality.

The verdict: DEEPAL S07

The DEEPAL S07 is an impressive first entry from a brand that combines automotive tradition with next-generation tech. It is feature-rich and delivers those features in a way that enhances day-to-day driving. It consistently punches above its weight, from performance and cabin refinement to thoughtful safety and comfort systems.

Storage is practical and well-designed, with a foldable rear seat, a useful front trunk, and convenient charging and device ports throughout the cabin. While some touchscreen menu navigation could be more intuitive, these are minor issues in an otherwise well-rounded and user-friendly vehicle. Its ability to balance performance with efficiency and technology with usability gives it broad appeal, especially in markets like Singapore, where EV expectations are high.

The S07 reflects DEEPAL’s intent to build all-electric vehicles that feel human-centred and thoughtfully engineered. With the combined strengths of Changan, Huawei, and CATL, the brand has delivered a product that feels mature and relevant from day one.

For drivers ready to move beyond petrol without giving up comfort or quality, the DEEPAL S07 is a strong alternative to more established rivals. It proves that an EV can be smart, stylish, and genuinely practical, making it one of the most complete all-electric SUVs currently available in its class.

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