Bermaz is about to welcome its second Chinese electric vehicle brand in the form of Deepal, Changan’s premium EV-first marque. The corporate is reportedly looking to usher in two SUV models by the center of next yr, and here we’re the most recent of those – the Deepal S05.
Launched in China in October, the S05 is a C-segment SUV that’s concerning the same size because the Proton eMas 7, measuring 4,620 mm long (+5 mm), 1,900 mm wide (-1 mm) and 1,600 mm tall (-70 mm), with a 2,880 mm wheelbase (+130 mm). Unlike that automotive, which is able to only are available pure electric guise – even though it’s rumoured that a plug-in hybrid version, based on the Geely Galaxy Starship 7, shall be offered in a while – the Deepal can be available with a spread extender as an option.
But first, let’s talk concerning the pure EV variant. Only a single powertrain configuration is out there at launch, utilising a rear electric motor that produces 238 PS (175 kW) and 320 Nm of torque. So equipped, the S05 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds on its strategy to a top speed of 180 km/h.
A 56.12 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery is fitted as standard and delivers a claimed range of 510 km on China’s wildly optimistic CLTC cycle. Deepal says the S05 has 3C charging capability, meaning that it could actually accept as much as 3 times the battery capability in DC fast charging power, or about 170 kW. As such, topping up the LFP pack from 30 to 80% takes quarter-hour.
Those searching for more range will find a way to go for a version with a 98 PS 1.5 litre petrol range extender, plus a detuned 218 PS (160 kW) electric motor that makes the automotive greater than half a second slower to 100 km/h (7.9 seconds).
It also gets a smaller 27.28 kWh battery that gives an all-electric range of 200 km (155 km on the WLTP cycle). Along with 45 litre fuel tank, this leads to a complete range of 1,234 km. A lower DC charging capability implies that despite the smaller pack, the REEV version takes 20 minutes to charge from 30 to 80%.
The S05’s pebble-smooth design is a departure from the angular styling of Deepal’s earlier models, the L07 (previously called the SL03) and S07 (née S7). The front end still gets split headlights, however the lower major projectors at the moment are shaped to mimic a delta-wing aircraft.
These can be found with Huawei’s Xpixel technology that gives the lamps with a resolution of 1.3 megapixels, enabling functionality much like Mercedes-Benz’s Digital Light headlamps. This includes with the ability to project a narrow road warning, a zebra crossing for pedestrians or perhaps a hopscotch court pattern onto the bottom ahead. Dual external loudspeakers also enable an out of doors karaoke mode, while the highest of the windscreen houses an optional 4K camera for taking photos and videos.
On the back, you’ll find the in-vogue full-width taillights, albeit without the L07 and S07’s triangular outer sections and three-point light signatures. Inside, the S05 sports a typically Chinese minimalist interior, dominated by a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen – running on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip – and housing a floating centre console with insulated armrest storage and dual phone holders with a 50-watt Qi wireless charger.
Other bits of tech include an augmented reality head-up display and an AI-enhanced voice control function that even works outside the automotive. The S05 also boasts a claimed class-leading 954 mm of rear seat legroom, a big 492 litre boot and, on pure EV models, a decently-sized 192 litre front boot.
When it comes to driver assists, the Deepal is on par with class norms, coming with Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features similar to adaptive cruise control and lane centring assist, in addition to distant park assist.
Doubtless a few of you shall be wondering why Bermaz is bringing in Deepal, on condition that it would be in close competition with Xpeng. From our perspective, we are able to see one superb reason – Changan is Mazda’s three way partnership partner, and the truth is, the Japanese carmaker has badge-engineered the L07 sedan because the EZ-6, the electrical alternative for the Mazda 6.
That automotive is tipped for global markets, meaning there’s a high possibility for it to return to Malaysia. The S05 can be set to form the idea of the production version of the Mazda Arata concept, shown at Auto China in Beijing earlier this yr.
As such, introducing these closely-related Deepal models would make quite a lot of sense, as it could actually provide after-sales support for each brands very easily.
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This Article First Appeared At paultan.org
