The Deepal S09 enters the luxury SUV arena as China's answer to the Volvo XC90 and Li Auto L9. With a hi-tech interior, Huawei autopilot and 180 km of electric range, it raises the bar.
If you haven't heard of it yet... Deepal, now is a good time to remember that name. Why? Because they just unveiled the Deepal S09 – a car that looks like a cross between a luxury saloon and a digital spaceship. Looking at it, you’d expect it to have its own Wi-Fi network, a coffee app and at least one hologram. While it doesn’t have a hologram (yet), it does have everything else. Including the best driver assistance in China – Huawei Qiankun ADAS.
Everything you can accept – and more
The Deepal S09 is a luxurious six-seater measuring 5,205 mm in length, 1,996 mm in width, 1,800 mm in height, and an impressive 3,105 mm wheelbase – quite comparable to the Li Auto L9. The vehicle is designed as an EREV, meaning it has an electric drive with the support of a petrol engine – a 1.5-litre Blue Whale turbo engine that acts as a generator to power the electrical system.
The 40.18 kWh battery is manufactured by CATL, allowing for up to 180 km (112 mi) of electric-only driving. Charging is fast, with 3C technology up to 120 kW.
Drivetrains include:
- Single-engine (RWD): 231 kW (313 hp)
- Dual-motor (AWD): total power 362 kW (492 hp)
Although Deepal has not officially released acceleration figures, the power and size suggest that the AWD version will accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) in around 6 seconds.
Interior from the future in 2030
If the exterior impresses, the interior leaves you speechless. The Deepal S09 has three screens: two 15.6-inch OLED units on the dashboard and a gigantic 43-inch AR head-up display that replaces traditional gauges. Passengers in the second and third rows can enjoy a 21.3-inch screen that drops from the ceiling - perfect for movie nights in the car.
In the central part of the cabin there is a sliding center console in the style of the model Zeekr MIX, which can be moved back and forth between the first and second rows of seats. The console includes a wireless charger for smart devices, four convenient drink holders, a spacious 10-liter refrigerated/heated compartment with a temperature range of -6°C to +50°C, and additional storage areas both above and below – all designed with the comfort and practicality of passengers on long journeys in mind.
The first and second row seats feature heating, cooling and 8-point massage, while the third row offers heating and practical backrests. Extras such as laptop trays and tablet compartments further enhance the practicality.
Huawei makes sure you drive smart – or rather, let your car drive you itself
The technological heart of the vehicle is the Huawei Qiankun ADAS system with a windshield-mounted lidar, which enables advanced autonomous driving on almost all public roads in China. The system includes traffic sign recognition, lane change assistance, automatic parking and real-time navigation.
The vehicle has independent front and rear suspension, air suspension and a adaptive damping system (CDC), which ensures exceptional comfort on all surfaces and enhances the possibility of easier off-road driving.
A price that confuses the competition
The S09 starts at around RMB 350,000 (around €43,500), which is around RMB 60,000 less than its direct competitor, the Li Auto L9. Crucially, the S09 offers very similar equipment – including advanced driver assistance, a luxurious cabin and the option of AWD.
Conclusion: Volvo XC90, watch out – the Chinese are coming… even though Volvo is Chinese too
The Deepal S09 is like a Swiss Army knife among SUVs: it has everything you need and more. The interior is more of a living room than a car cabin, the technology is on par with Tesla, and the comfort is reminiscent of a private salon. And although it has not (yet) been announced for the European market, interest will probably be so strong that the doors will eventually open in the West.
Deepal is aiming for a higher price range with this model, and it seems to be succeeding – with a combination of price, technology, comfort and Chinese confidence. It will probably not be available in the EU, but if it does come, it will cost around 80,000 euros according to the converted values.
