The DEEPAL S07, an all-electric SUV fresh from the design studios in Turin and winner of the Red Dot International Design Award, is soon to hit Australian showrooms. It has a starting manufacturer’s list price of $53,990, not bad considering the Italian design, and the fact that it is an EV. On-road costs usually amount to around 10% so the finishing price is near 60k.
DEEPAL Australia is now taking orders, with deliveries to begin in early December. Deepal is imported by Inchcape, which also brings us Subaru, Foton and Peugeot, so while the Deepal brand is new to us, the Inchcape company it is not.
In an added incentive for those ready to take the leap, buyers who take delivery before January 31, 2025, will enjoy a year of unlimited charging with the national EVIE network. For a country where road trips are practically a national pastime, this could mean big savings on those long, scenic drives. And if you prefer the convenience of home charging, DEEPAL’s partnership with EVSE ensures you can have a smart home charger installed without the hassle, making overnight charging as simple as plugging in.
The S07 comes with a single 160kW/320Nm electric motor on the rear axle, paired with an 80kWh battery pack good for an WLTP range of up to 475km. Punters will undoubtedly compare to the segment leader, Tesla Model 3 / Model Y which claim a range of 629km and have AWD dual motor offerings. The Deepal S07 isn’t neck-snapping by any means and the range of 475km seems on the low side for an 80kWh battery, so a drive will tell a fuller story.
The S07 also features regenerative braking, allowing it to reclaim energy on the go, which further extends its range.
Inside, you’re greeted by a wrap-around console, soft-touch materials, and premium synthetic leather seats that are both heated and ventilated. There is a 125L frunk up– ideal for stashing cables, groceries, or those muddy hiking boots you’d rather not have rolling around the back.
One of the quirkiest touches in the S07 is its “segmented audio” system, featuring Sony speakers embedded into the driver’s headrest. This allows the driver to receive navigation cues or take calls privately, while the rest of the car continues with music undisturbed. It’s a thoughtful feature that shows DEEPAL is serious about making the driver’s experience as smooth and distraction-free as possible.
Above: This Week’s VIDEO Car Review – 2024 Corvette Stingray Convertible Review Alan Zurvas Ryan Brooks
#gmsv, #generalmotors, #C8corvettestingray #alanzurvas, #gaycarboys
ABOVE: Deepal S07
Safety
DEEPAL S07 comes with a Human and Pet Detection system. It alerts you if anyone or anything important is left inside the car, triggering lights and a horn if someone forgets their simpering hound. And for the weary traveller, the “nap mode” locks the doors and fills the cabin with calming sounds of rainfall or waves, letting you unwind before hitting the road again. For a bit of fun, there’s also a “bonfire mode” that simulates the sound of a crackling campfire. The only thing missing is a mug of hot cocoa.
DEEPAL’s General Manager, Cormac Cafolla, who has been testing the S07, says he’s particularly impressed by the augmented reality head-up display (HUD). ““I’ve personally found the HUD in the S07 has enabled me to swiftly scan through intuitive and helpful information, enabling me to react quicker to changing circumstances during peak hour in Sydney.
“I believe in the technology and think it might end up being the most significant screen in the car because of the flawless integration of electronics, software, and optics.”
DEEPAL S07’s 7-year/160,000km warranty and an 8-year/240,000km battery warranty, come with a year of complimentary roadside assistance. Many brands run the roadside assist for the full length of warranty, something you’d expect from a model claiming “luxury” as part of its selling point.
Like most EVs, S07 needs much less attention than a dinosaur-burning equivalent. Servicing is scheduled every 10,000km or annually (after the initial 5,000km service), making the S07 low-maintenance. Many of the bits which go wrong the most relate to the oily parts of a car such as clutch/gearbox/engine, something an EV never has to face.
DEEPAL is a new Chinese brand in a sea of new Chinese brands, particularly in the EV sector. Will the S07 stand out? The brand claims its mix of unique features, European-inspired design, and a keen focus on driver and passenger comfort will put it up as a genuine contender. With the order books now open, DEEPAL is hoping for a warm reception for the S07 among Australian EV buyers.
The website is up and running while the dealer network is just getting started:
- DEEPAL Parramatta | 60-64 Church St, Parramatta NSW 2150
- DEEPAL North Shore: 355/357 Pacific Hwy, Artarmon NSW 2064
- DEEPAL Melbourne City | 406 Victoria Street, North Melbourne VIC 3051
- DEEPAL Doncaster | 560 Doncaster Rd, Doncaster, VIC 3108
DEEPAL Australia’s General Manager, Cormac Cafolla, said they expect to expand the brand’s physical footprint throughout additional cities.
“Following our first public engagement event at the Sydney International EV show, these initial retail locations will provide the perfect opportunity for EV enthusiasts, and those looking for their first EV, to engage with and learn about the groundbreaking DEEPAL S07.”
Priced well below the Subaru Solterra, S07 looks like a bargain by comparison. Following the cessation of Citroen importation by Inchcape, might there be further adjustments?
Deepal Stories
SHORT Video Review: Audi e-Tron GT RS Quick Look – Light Show
#automobile #shorts #audietrongtrs #gaycarboys #alanzurvas ##shorts
Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.
Leave a Reply