Changan’s EV brand, Deepal, just dropped a bombshell in the Chinese auto market. Its new L06 sedan, priced from just 134,900 yuan (about $18,800 USD), is the first production car in China to feature a magnetic ride suspension system. This isn’t just any suspension; it’s the same core technology you’ll find in a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or a high-end Cadillac. It’s a bold move that brings supercar handling dynamics to an affordable family sedan.
This launch isn’t just about one car. It’s a statement from Changan, signaling how quickly Chinese automakers are closing the gap on legacy brands, not just in battery tech, but in sophisticated chassis engineering.
| Metric | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Power (Pure EV) | 200 | kW | Equivalent to 268 hp |
| Peak Power (EREV) | 175 | kW | From the electric motor; 72 kW range extender not included |
| Range (CLTC) – Pure EV | 670 | km | CLTC standard; real-world range will vary |
| Range (Total) – EREV | 1,500 | km | Combined gas and electric range |
| Battery Capacity (EREV) | 28.39 | kWh | Offers 240km of pure electric range |
| DC Fast Charge (30-80%) | 15 | min | Applies to the pure electric version under ideal conditions |
| Dimensions (L/W/H) | 4,830/1,905/1,480 | mm | Sits on a 2,900mm wheelbase |
| Starting Price | ¥134,900 | CNY | Approximately $18,800 USD at launch |
Supercar Suspension for the Daily Drive
So, what’s the big deal with magnetic ride? The system, officially BWI Group’s MagneRide®, uses a special fluid in the shock absorbers filled with tiny magnetic particles. By applying a magnetic field, the car’s computer can change the fluid’s thickness almost instantly, adjusting the suspension’s firmness up to 1,000 times per second.
In simple terms, it means the Deepal L06 can be comfortably soft one moment and razor-sharp the next. It reads the road and your driving style, stiffening the dampers in corners to reduce body roll and softening them on bumpy roads for a smoother ride. It’s a level of adaptability previously reserved for exotic sports cars and luxury vehicles. While other Chinese EVs like the BYD Yangwang U7 boast advanced suspension, this marks a first for a car in this price bracket.
Interestingly, the technology has Chinese roots in its current form. Originally developed by GM’s Delphi division, it was acquired by Beijing West Industries (BWI), which further developed it. BWI now supplies this tech to brands like Ferrari from its Polish factory, and with new plants in China, it’s scaling up to bring this premium feature to the mainstream.
Powertrains: Pure Electric or Extended Range
The L06 isn’t just a one-trick pony. It offers two compelling powertrain choices to fit different needs.
First is the pure electric model. It packs a 200 kW (268 hp) motor and delivers a healthy 670 km of range on the CLTC cycle. More impressively, it can charge from 30% to 80% in just 15 minutes, making road trips much more practical. This option is perfect for the EV purist who wants strong performance and zero emissions.
For those with range anxiety, the extended-range (EREV) version is the answer. It pairs a 175 kW (235 hp) electric motor with a 1.5L gasoline engine that acts as a generator. With a 28.39 kWh battery, you get a solid 240 km of pure electric driving for daily commutes. When the battery runs low, the generator kicks in, stretching the total range to an incredible 1,500 km. It’s the best of both worlds, offering electric silence for city driving and endless range for long hauls. This flexibility is a key advantage in the competitive Chinese market, where Deepal offers other popular models like the Deepal S05.
Tech-Forward Interior and Sleek Design
Penned by a team led by ex-Volkswagen designer Klaus Zyciora, the L06 looks the part of a modern sports sedan. It has a sleek profile with frameless doors, a closed-off grille, and clean lines.
Inside, the cabin aims for a premium feel. Deepal claims over 90% of the surfaces are soft-touch materials. The driver-focused layout includes a three-spoke steering wheel and aggressively bolstered seats designed to hold you in place during spirited driving. The tech is front and center, featuring a massive 50-inch augmented reality head-up display (AR-HUD) and a 15.6-inch central screen that can pivot toward the driver or passenger.
On the autonomous driving front, the L06 comes standard with LiDAR across all trims. This hardware, powered by a cutting-edge 3nm automotive chip, enables advanced city and highway autopilot functions developed with Horizon Robotics, putting it at the forefront of driver-assist systems.
From its sophisticated suspension to its powerful and flexible powertrains, the Deepal L06 is a fascinating example of how quickly the definition of a “mainstream” car is evolving in China. It’s a confident, tech-packed sedan that delivers features many global brands still reserve for their top-tier models.
