Changan Deepal S07: the Chinese Electric SUV That Challenges Tesla… but Doesn’t Quite Beat It Yet

China’s oldest automaker enters the European market with an ambitious, tech-focused electric SUV designed to take on the Tesla Model Y and the segment’s established players.

The European electric SUV market continues to open its doors to new Chinese brands, and one of the latest arrivals is Changan, the country’s oldest automaker, producing vehicles since 1984. Its new contender is the Changan Deepal S07, a 4.75-meter-long SUV aimed squarely at rivals such as the Tesla Model Y, Skoda Enyaq, and Hyundai Ioniq 5. This is far from a rushed project: Changan operates design centers in Turin and Munich, as well as a major R&D hub in the UK, underscoring its serious intent for international markets.

Changan Deepal S07: Strong Technology and Value, with Clear Compromises

The S07 is powered by a 75 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery, delivering a claimed range of 474 km—a respectable figure, though below several direct competitors. Fast-charging performance is one of its weakest points, with a peak rate of just 93 kW, meaning a 10–80 percent charge takes around 45 minutes. On the plus side, it comes standard with 11 kW AC charging, a heat pump, and vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability.

Propulsion comes from a rear-mounted electric motor producing 215 hp, providing adequate performance for everyday driving. Changan claims a 0–100 km/h time of 7.9 seconds, which is acceptable for an SUV weighing 2,075 kg. On the road, it feels sufficiently powerful for motorway merging and overtaking, but its ride and handling fall short of the best in class. The suspension is overly firm—especially with the 20-inch wheels—and body roll in tighter corners reduces driver confidence compared with more finely tuned European rivals.

Where the S07 truly shines is inside. The cabin is spacious, well finished, and built to a high standard, in some areas rivaling more expensive alternatives. Standard equipment is generous and includes a panoramic glass roof, head-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, advanced driver-assistance systems, heated and ventilated seats, a premium 10-speaker audio system, and unique features such as Dog Mode and Camping Mode. However, the complete absence of physical buttons and a traditional driver display may not appeal to all users.

The 445-liter boot is adequate but smaller than that of many competitors, and limited rear-seat flexibility reduces overall versatility. Overall, the Changan Deepal S07 represents a convincing European debut, offering strong value, advanced technology, and an impressive interior. Nevertheless, most of its rivals still outperform it in range, charging speed, driving dynamics, and cargo space, meaning that, for now, it remains some distance away from truly challenging Tesla’s dominance.