By no means am I a betting man, but I’d wager most readers haven’t heard of Changan. The brand hails from China and has been making vehicles for 40 years.
Earlier this year in the UK, Changan launched its first vehicle, the seven-seat Deepal S07. I skipped that launch, but I did get behind the wheel of its newest model, the Changan Deepal S05.
The S05 is a smaller, five-seat pure electric SUV, and I was genuinely blown away by how luxurious it feels for a compact.
This affordable electric SUV rivals much pricier cars
This affordable electric SUV offers premium comfort, generous tech, and an 8-year warranty without the premium price.
A legacy you might not know: Changan’s 40-year automotive journey
From its roots in China to modern SUVs, the brand has quietly built a reputation for innovation
Changan isn’t some new Chinese startup—it’s been around since 1862 and has been building vehicles for the last 40 years.
State-owned in China, the company has partnered with big names like Ford and Mazda along the way. Its latest model, the S05, now goes head-to-head with SUVs like the Tesla Model Y and Toyota C-HR—but how does it measure up?
These Are the High-Tech Chinese EVs the U.S. Is Missing Out On
China is producing some truly impressive EVs that, for now, won’t be making their way to the U.S. market.
Sleek and tidy design with thoughtful proportions
Compact, clean, and reasonably efficient for everyday driving
Measuring 181 inches long, 75 inches high, and 63 inches wide, the S05 is about the same size as a Honda CR-V. It comes with rear- or all-wheel drive, both powered by a 68.8 kWh battery, with 303 miles for RWD and 278 miles for AWD.
New Chinese SUVs seem to appear every week, and most of them look the same. The S05 is different, with a sleek, tidy design and thoughtful proportions from Changan’s Turin-based design team.
It’s also efficient on paper, thanks to a 0.26 drag coefficient. And most importantly, it doesn’t look like an egg, which is always a bonus.
Could Geely’s big CES announcement make your next EV more affordable?
If Geely can bring its low-cost EVs to the U.S., it could force other automakers to offer similarly inexpensive cars.
Step inside: premium feel and clever tech throughout
From quality materials to a sliding touchscreen, the S05 keeps it simple yet impressive
Step inside, and the S05 really comes alive. Build quality feels solid, and everything looks thoughtfully put together.
Leather or vegan leather comes in black or orange—classic or bold—with the orange working surprisingly well. The fully reclining passenger seat with an extendable footrest is perfect for long-drive naps.
The centerpiece is a 15.4-inch touchscreen that slides left or right to reduce glare or let a passenger join in.
Tech is plentiful: multi-zone voice control, gesture recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a solid 14-speaker audio system all come standard. The steering wheel joystick feels a little flimsy, and the voice commands take some learning, but everything works as expected.
Most features are standard, with only a few options: exterior colors, a tow-bar, and a £1,000 ($1,321) panoramic roof.
Everyday practicality and usable cargo space
Despite being a compact SUV, the S05 feels surprisingly roomy. Front and rear seats offer more than enough space unless you’re hauling NBA players.
Cargo space is respectable, with 17.4 cu ft in the trunk and 44.1 cu ft with the rear seats folded down. There’s also a generous 5.6 cu ft frunk for extra storage.
If you need to tow, the S05 can handle up to 3,527 lbs when fitted with the £600 ($793) tow-bar.
China’s Electric Vehicle Battery Swapping Could Go Mainstream
This could be a highly efficient alternative to battery charging, offering faster speeds and additional advantages.
Plenty of pep and composed handling
From everyday driving to quick bursts, the S05 feels confident and well-tuned on the road
It’s all well and good that the S05 looks the part inside and out, but how does it drive? The RWD model has 268 horsepower and hits 0–62 mph in 7.5 seconds—not thrilling, but plenty quick for most daily driving.
The AWD version adds a front motor for 430 horsepower, making 0–62 mph in 5.5 seconds, which is impressively quick for a family SUV. Both versions top out at 112 mph.
Changan’s UK R&D center clearly had input, because the steering feels nicely weighted and accurate. It’s slightly firm over rough patches, but overall the S05 handles well and feels composed on the road.
MG’s SolidCore battery and Hybrid+ tech make EVs faster and smarter
MG’s SolidCore battery and Hybrid+ tech make EVs faster, safer, and more efficient for everyday driving.
Fast charging and clever energy features
Quick top-ups, vehicle-to-load, and pre-conditioning keep the S05 ready for daily use
Both the RWD and AWD S05 come standard with a heat pump and pre-conditioning for cabin comfort.
Charging is strong, with a maximum of 200 kW DC and an average closer to 130 kW, taking the battery from 10 to 80 percent in just 23 minutes.
You also get 11 kW AC charging and 3.3 kW vehicle-to-load for powering external devices, though there’s no bi-directional charging.
10 Companies Leading the Charge in Autonomous and Electric Vehicles
These top innovators are shaping the future of electric and autonomous vehicles with groundbreaking technology and sustainable solutions.
Simple pricing and reassuring warranties
RWD or AWD, both trims come well-equipped with long-term coverage for peace of mind
The RWD S05 starts at £37,990 ($50,275), while the AWD bumps the price up to £39,990 ($52,904). You’re mostly paying for the extra drivetrain, as both trims share the same features and interior kit.
For peace of mind, the S05 comes with an eight-year battery warranty and seven years—or 100,000 miles—on the vehicle itself.
10 Automotive Tech Concepts That Could Be Predicting the Future
From autonomous driving to EVs and flying cars, these are 10 game-changing automotive tech concepts shaping the future of transportation.
A compact SUV that surprises with competence
Thoughtful design, simple buying, and plenty of standard features set the S05 apart
The Changan Deepal S05 might be unfamiliar to many, but in my time with it, I found it impressively competent. With design input from Italy and engineering from the UK, it doesn’t feel like your typical Chinese import.
In a crowded compact SUV market, the S05 distinguishes itself with a simple buying structure, plenty of useful standard features, and a well-put-together feel. It’s understated in places, but not everyone wants a vehicle that shouts for attention.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
