- Chinese automobile manufacturer Changan Automobile is launching its second fully-electric model in the UK, the Changan Deepal S05, following the Changan Deepal S07 last year.
- The Changan Deepal S05 is the latest model, and joins the super competitive electric compact crossover segment.
- Sales are set to start from the 1st of March, putting it in a competition with a significant number of sub £40,000 electric crossovers.
Changan continues its UK expansion with second model
After originally debuting in the United Kingdom last year with the launch of its Deepal S07 electric SUV, Changan Automobile is continuing its expansion in the country with the March launch of the Deepal S05 – designed to slot in below the Deepal S07 in the growing lineup.
Classified as an electric compact crossover, the Deepal S05 enters one of the most competitive segments within the BEV market. At a starting price of £37,990, it’ll go right up against other models within this size and price point – including the Tesla Model Y, Volkswagen ID.4, and Skoda Enyaq, just to name a few.
The Changan Deepal S07 will be available in two configurations at launch. The first, starting at £37,990, will be a rear-wheel-drive variant delivering 268 horsepower, whilst an all-wheel-drive variant with a punchier 429 horsepower will also be on offer at £39,990. No matter which model you choose, energy comes from a 68.8kWh LFP battery, offering a claimed range of 303 miles for the RWD variant and 278 miles for the AWD variant.
Unlike many of the Chinese EVs sold in the UK however, the Deepal S05 won’t actually be produced in China. Due to the UK’s fairly unique right-hand-drive nature, UK-bound models will be produced in Thailand, where Changan has been operating a facility since 2023 which focuses on producing models for right-hand-drive markets across the world.
We tested out its bigger brother, the Deepal S07, last year, and were impressed with its fit, finish, and performance. Much like this model, the Deepal S05 has been designed within Europe, whilst Changan’s UK-based R&D centre has had input on fine tuning handling and dynamics for UK-bound models. We expect to get some hands on time with the Deepal S05 later in March, which will allow us to assess whether the Deepal S05 can impress like the S07 did.
Nic Thomas, Managing Director of Changan UK, commented:
“The Deepal S05 is designed for people who want an electric SUV that fits effortlessly into everyday life. It delivers reassuring performance, thoughtful comfort and technology that simply works, wrapped in a design that feels modern and confident, all without the premium price tag. For drivers looking for an electric C-SUV that feels considered, capable and genuinely good to live with, the Deepal S05 is a compelling option.”
