Changan’s Deepal S05 REEV has been sampled in Cape Town as the Chinese automaker expands its electrified SUV range in South Africa. The midsize model is sold there exclusively as a range-extended EV: a rear-mounted electric motor drives the wheels, while a 1.5-litre petrol engine acts as a generator rather than powering them directly.
The motor produces 160 kW and 320 Nm, with a claimed 0–100 km/h time of 8.0 seconds and a top speed limited to 175 km/h. The generator makes 72 kW and 125 Nm. A 27.28 kWh LFP battery and 55-litre fuel tank are said to allow more than 900 km of extra-urban travel without stopping to recharge or refuel. Claimed combined consumption is 1.7 L/100 km, with energy use of 15.9 kWh/100 km.
The review highlights a quiet, comfortable ride, a spacious rear footwell and a cabin built around a 15.4-inch rotating touchscreen and augmented-reality head-up display. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 14-speaker audio system and a full set of driver-assistance features are included, although the software-led controls may take time to learn. The S05 costs R699,000, including a five-year/90,000 km service plan; its vehicle warranty is five years/150,000 km and its battery warranty eight years/150,000 km.
Its cited rivals are the Leapmotor C10 REEV and BYD Sealion 6 DM-i. The review says the C10 offers a similar combined range of more than 970 km, while the Sealion 6’s output varies from 160 kW in front-wheel-drive form to 253 kW with all-wheel drive, and its stated range is 1,080 km.