Deepal to launch two electrified cars in 2026
Deepal, the premium brand of Changan Auto, will be launching two new electrified vehicles in early 2026: the G318 midsize SUV and the S05 crossover. Both cars will be available as range-extender electric vehicles (REEV), meaning the wheels will be driven only by electric motors. A gasoline engine will be on board exclusively to recharge the battery—it will not drive the wheels directly. This combines the performance, quietness and smoothness of EV driving with the range of the gasoline fuel. No more range anxiety, then.
The G318 SUV looks compact but has a substantial footprint, at 5125mm length x 2025mm width, with a 2880mm wheelbase. The rear-wheel drive version packs 251ps and 310Nm, while the all-wheel drive delivers 429ps and 572Nm. We certainly felt this on the road and on the fast sections of the Changan-managed high-speed test oval. Quoted 0-100kph time is 8.6 seconds for the 2WD and 5.9 seconds for the 4WD. The all-electric propulsion delivered instant and powerful acceleration all the way ot highway speeds and beyond. All-electric range is up to 146km, with a combined battery plus fuel range of more than 1000km.
Deepal G318 is named after China’s longest national highway, running more than 5400km from Shanghai to Tibet. With that implication of travel and adventure, the SUV should live up to its name. Specifications are promising: ground clearance is 210mm, and the approach and departure angles are 31 and 27 degrees. The 4WD variant features off-road creep mode, wading radar, hill-descent control and can even “tank-turn” 180-degrees.
The five-seat cabin has dual screens, a 10.5-inch driver display and and a14.6-inch HD smart screen. Luxury features like ventilated seats and massage function on all outboard seats, including the rear, will make long-distance travel (or heavy traffic) much more pleasant. Also on board are ambient lighting, premium audio system with up to 16 speakers, and full internet connectivity. Intelligent driving assist including active cruise control, level 2 autonomous driving, and self-parking feature, are expected to be on board.
Deepal S05 will be the second intriguing car in the initial lineup. The S05 is a compact crossover. S05 will be one of the few rear-wheel drive EVs on the market. Measuring 4620mm long x 1900 wide x 1600mm high, with a 2880mm wheelbase, the S05 can be an ideal first electrified car.
The S05 will be available as either a pure EV or a range-extender EV. The pure EV has 272ps, with up to 520km or 620km range, depending on the variant. A neat EV feature will be the 159-liter “frunk”, in additional to the 492-liter rear compartment. The range-extender model can go up to 165km in pure EV mode, and up to 1310km with the on-board gasoline engine.
The S05 interior features massage function and ventliation on both front seats. The “Queen’s seat” co-driver chair features a zero-gravity design that can convert to a full recliner, complete with ottoman, with one button push. A central 15.4-inch central touchscreen with CarPlay connectivity acts as control center, augmented by available head-up display. The audio system features up to 14 speakers.
The S05’s design, featuring 0.25 coefficient of drag, Smart Wing LED headlmaps and taillights, and frameless doors, won an iF Design award. Fun features may include an outdoor projector (good for impromptu karaoke or band sessions, with the S05’s power-to-load feature) and outdoor view cameras that can capture videos for your IG or TikTok.
The brand “Deepal” originates from the brand’s Chinese name of “Deep Blue,” valuing the environment, science, and technology. Deepal cars are assembled at Changan Auto’s state-of-the-art, highly automated factories in Chongqing. Deepal cars will be distributed by Autohub Group, adding to its portfolio of world-class brands like Lotus, Mini, and Zeekr. Autohub is promising very competitive and downright exciting prices when the cars debut. They will arrive in the first quarter of 2026, and will be on display at the Manila International Auto Show on April 9-12 at the World Trade Center
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