At the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich, the Changan Deepal S05 caught the eye as an electric SUV that promises to be revolutionary. With a futuristic design developed in Turin, solid specifications and a price that doesn't require a second mortgage, it seems that the Chinese are seriously targeting the European market. But is the S05 really what we need, or just another shiny newcomer full of promise? Let's see what this electric upstart brings.
At the fair IAA Mobility 2025 In Munich, the Changan Deepal S05 caught the eye as an electric SUV that promises to be revolutionary. With a futuristic design developed in Turin, solid specifications and a price that doesn't require a second mortgage, it seems that the Chinese are seriously targeting the European market. But Changan Deepal S05 really what we need, or just another shiny newcomer full of promise? Let's see what this electric upstart brings.
Design: European elegance with Chinese courage
Exterior: Futurism that attracts
Changan Deepal S05, with dimensions 4620 x 1900 x 1600 mm and wheelbase 2880mm, is classified as a compact SUV, competing with models such as the Volkswagen ID.4 or the Toyota Corolla Cross. Its exterior is a real feast for the eyes: a closed front grille, two-level LED lights and hidden door handles (on the Luxury version) give the impression that the car has flown in from the future. The single rear light strip and robust plastic surrounds add a touch of adventurous spirit. “This is the car Elon Musk would want to drive if he weren't so busy with his x-dreams,” you could say.
Interior: Digital cockpit for the new generation
Enter the S05 and welcome the future. Instead of the classic dashboard, 15.4-inch central display, which controls everything from navigation to climate control. Traditional gauges are replaced by a heads-up display (HUD), which gives the driver the feeling of piloting a spaceship. Qualcomm SA8155P chip It delivers fast, smooth performance, while two wireless phone chargers keep phones cool, hidden air vents, and two-tone upholstery create a premium feel. It may not be a Rolls-Royce, but for the money, it's surprisingly close.
Technical specifications: Power, range and dynamics
Powertrain: Electric power for all tastes
The Changan Deepal S05 is available in three versions on the European market:
- RWD Pro and Max: One engine with power 200 kW (268 hp) and torque 290 Nm (214 lb-ft)Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h 7.5 seconds, the highest speed is 180 km/h (112 mph).
- AWD Max: Two engines with shared power 320 kW (429 hp) and torque 502 Nm (370 lb-ft)Acceleration to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds, which is already in the range of sports SUVs.
Battery and range: Solid for everyday use
All European versions are powered by 68.8 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, which offers reach:
- 485 km (WLTP) for RWD versions.
- 445 km (WLTP) for AWD Max.
Compared to the Chinese version (56.12 kWh battery, 510 km according to CLTC), the European model is adapted to stricter standards. Charging is impressive: with 200 kW (DC) the battery from 30 % to 80 % is charged in 15 minutes, while 11 kW (AC) Charging takes approximately 23 minutes for 10–80 %. Function V2L (vehicle-to-load) It allows you to power external devices, which is ideal for camping or working in the field.
Safety: European standards without compromise
Deepal S05 is adapted to European requirements with more than 150 specific upgrades, which includes 5-star Euro NCAP rating (based on tests of the S07 model). Changan offers 7 years or 160,000 km warranty for the vehicle and 8 years or 200,000 km for the battery, which is above average in this class.
Changan's European adventure: Ambition or risk?
Brand history: Two decades in Europe
Changan is no newcomer. With a design center in Turin (since 2001) and research centers in Germany and Great Britain, it has been preparing for the European market for a long time. At the IAA 2025, it presented its vision “Changan: Sharing the Future”, which includes the Deepal S05, S07 models and the premium brand Avatr. By 2027, it plans to eight electric models in Europe, which is an audacious goal. Collaboration with Bosch and ZF in technology development gives them additional credibility.
Trust challenges
But not everything is rosy. There has been criticism in China for violating “one-year price guarantees”, when new models offered more features for the same price, angering early buyers. A similar situation occurred in Australia, where the price of the S07 model was dropped shortly after launch. European buyers, who value reliability (45 % trusts them to established brands, research shows), will demand transparency. Changan will have to demonstrate its commitment to long-term quality.
Affordability: Bargain or Trap?
Prices: Chinese bargain, European reality
In China, the Deepal S05 starts at 119,900 yuan (approximately €15,500), which is ridiculously cheap. In Europe, prices are higher, but still competitive:
- RWD Pro: €38,990 (US$45,780)
- RWD Max: 41.990 €
- AWD Max: 44.990 €
Compared to models like the Volkswagen ID.4 or Tesla Model Y, the S05 is attractively priced, especially considering the equipment and warranty.
Competitive advantage
For less than €45,000 you get an electric SUV with a range of almost 500 km, fast charging and European design. But the key question remains: will Changan be able to provide reliable after-sales support? If so, the S05 could become a real hit.
Conclusion: Is Deepal S05 a star or just a meteor?
Changan Deepal S05 proved at the IAA 2025 that the Chinese are no longer just price challengers, but serious players. With the power to 320 kW (429 hp), reach up to 485 km (WLTP) and fast charging in 15 minutes The S05 is technically impressive. The design was developed in Turin and the price starts from 38.990 € putting it alongside its European competitors. But a shadow of doubt remains due to the brand's past price slip-ups. If Changan delivers on its promises of quality and service, the S05 could become a fixture on European roads. For now, it's a car that deserves a test drive – perhaps at the IAA. Who would have thought that a Chinese SUV would one day teach Europe how to make electric cars?
