Changan Deepal S05 Review: A firm new contender in the family EV space
For those willing to look beyond the usual badges, the S05 could prove to be one of the more interesting leasing options to arrive in 2026. Here's our first-drive review.
If the name Changan doesn’t ring a bell yet, it soon will. It’s one of China’s “big four” car manufacturers, and as one of the oldest it already builds millions of vehicles a year. Now it’s turning its attention to the UK with its Deepal range of products.
We’ve already driven the larger, more wafty S07, and now we’ve had a go in the S05. It sits in one of the most competitive market segments: compact electric SUVs. Think the Skoda Elroq. Volkswagen ID.4. Renault Scenic E-Tech.
On paper, the Deepal S05 makes a strong case for itself. It promises over 300 miles of range, rapid charging, a premium-feeling interior and plenty of tech – all wrapped up in a smart, modern-looing package. But in reality does this translate into a genuinely compelling lease option? We think so. Here’s why.
Design and exterior
The Deepal S05 follows the trend of the segment, and doesn’t shout for attention. But there’s plenty to appreciate on the design front.
Those frameless doors add a slightly more premium edge than many of its competitors.
The body has a clean, uncluttered look with a smooth, grille-free front end and slim LED lights stretching into the wings. It’s a shape we’ve become very familiar with – a mid-sized SUV with a coupe-like roofline.
Dig a little deeper and there are things that help it stand out. Those frameless doors add a slightly more premium edge than many of its competitors. It’s a similar story with the flush door handles and full-width rear light bar. There’s a touch of Cupra about it at the rear, namely because the Changan insignia lights up and sits within the light bar itself.
Size-wise, it sits comfortably in the C-segment, making it a direct alternative to cars like the Skoda Elroq. So, it feels big enough to give it a bit of road presence, but compact enough to navigate tighter urban environments without issue.
Interior and tech
Step inside and the cabin feels plush and is dominated by tech. It feels far more futuristic than you might expect from a relatively new entrant to the UK market. There’s no traditional instrument cluster ahead of the driver, with core info projected via a head-up display. This can be customised in various ways, and allows the dashboard to have a clean, uncluttered aesthetic.
The only physical controls for the driver are the stalks and steering wheel controls.
The centrepiece is a large, tablet-like touchscreen that handles almost all of the car’s functions. The only physical controls for the driver are the stalks and steering wheel controls so, while the system is quick to respond, it will take you a while to get your head around all the menus.
The screen’s party piece is its ability to rotate towards the passenger, depending on who is using it.
Material quality is another strong point. Soft-touch surfaces, neat stitching and ambient lighting all contribute to an upmarket feel, while heated and vented seats, a panoramic roof and high-end sound system help the S05 to punch above its weight in terms of perceived quality.
Battery, range and charging
All Deepal S05s feature the same 70kWh battery, with a single motor and dual motor models available. According to official figures, the single motor variant should be capable of 303 miles between charges, while all-wheel drive dual motor models can muster around 275.
The Deepal S05 supports charging of up to 200kW.
Our test car, a single motor model, managed to attain 3.6 miles per kWh, suggesting in the real world it should manage around 255 miles. That’s down on the official figure, but it’s no worse than many other rivals. The Deepal S05 supports charging of up to 200kW, meaning that using a rapid charger you can go from 30% to 80% in around 15 minutes – again, this is on the money when compared to its core competition.
Public EV Charging: Made Simple with Be.EV
If you’re thinking of going electric, you’ll be pleased to hear we’ve got an exclusive offer from our partner Be.EV. They make public EV charging simple, affordable and easy to understand.
Their growing network of rapid chargers combined with subscription plans can help reduce charging costs. And thanks to our offer, you’ll get a further 50% off your first two charges of your new electric lease vehicle.
Performance and driving
We drove the single-motor rear wheel drive Deepal S05, which is set to be the most popular. It offers a healthy balance of performance, with 0-62mph taking 7.5 seconds. It’s quick enough to feel response in everyday driving, with the same smooth, instant acceleration we’ve become accustomed to with EVs.
Steering is light and easy, while the suspension is exceptionally soft.
Out on the road, the S05 prioritises comfort over driver engagement. Steering is light and easy, while the suspension is exceptionally soft. While this helps it iron out lumps and bumps, it can feel a little uncomposed at times. It’s certainly not the most dynamic SUV in its class, but for the most part is comfortable, quiet and easy to get on with – arguably the most important attributes in a car like this.
One thing that was noticeable was the lack of regen braking in any of the core driving modes. If you want to get that one-pedal driving feel, you’ll need to turn it on via the touchscreen, and even when you do, it’s not that powerful.
Despite the sofa-like suspension set-up, road-holding is good – as was demonstrated during our test “drive” at Cotswolds Airport. It’s very difficult to get the car to become unbalanced, despite its heavy battery pack.
So should you lease one?
With list prices started just under £38,000, the Changan Deepal S05 doesn’t offer quite the value of some other Chinese cars – coming in close to many European rivals. But, while it doesn’t dramatically undercut its rivals, it offers strong value when you consider the level of standard tech on offer.
Many of the features that are optional extras on competitors come included here, which will help strengthen its appeal.
Many of the features that are optional extras on competitors come included here, which will help strengthen its appeal.
Running costs should also be competitive. As an EV, it benefits from low BiK rates for company car drivers, while electricity costs are typically lower than petrol and diesel on a per-mile basis.
Verdict
The Deepal S05 is an impressive next step into the UK market for Changan, and it immediately feels like a credible alternative to more established rivals – that’s not a given for Chinese brands.
It delivers a well-rounded package that combines decent range, impressive standard tech and a comfy driving experience. Just as importantly, it feels thoughtfully put together, rather than being rushed to market.
For those willing to look beyond the usual badges, the S05 could prove to be one of the more interesting leasing options to arrive in 2026.
