Changan’s EV brand, Deepal, is turning up the heat in the competitive electric SUV market. The company just launched the Deepal S05 520 Lite, a new all-electric variant that drops the entry price to an aggressive 116,900 yuan (about 16,400 USD). This move is a clear signal that Deepal is chasing volume, making its stylish electric SUV accessible to a much wider audience.
| Metric | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak power | 200 | kW | 268 hp single electric motor |
| Range (CLTC) | 520 | km | Based on the CLTC cycle; real-world range will vary. |
| Battery capacity | 56.12 | kWh | Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry |
| Length | 4620 | mm | Compact SUV segment |
| Width | 1900 | mm | |
| Height | 1600 | mm | |
| Wheelbase | 2880 | mm | |
| Starting price (local market) | 116,900 | CNY | Equivalent to ~16,400 USD |
Familiar Look, Sharpened Price
The new S05 520 Lite doesn’t mess with a successful formula. It keeps the same sleek design as its more expensive siblings, including the distinctive closed-off grille that signals its electric powertrain. The dimensions are identical, placing it firmly in the compact SUV category with a generous 2880mm wheelbase that promises decent interior space. You still get premium touches like frameless doors and flush door handles, features that help it stand out.
Packed with Tech for Daily Life
Inside, the focus is on practical tech. The cabin is dominated by a huge 15.4-inch 2.5K central screen, which serves as the hub for everything. It runs on a SemiDrive X9SP chip and supports all the essential connectivity options like Huawei HiCar, CarLink, and Honor Interconnection. It’s a clear indication of how important seamless phone integration is in the Chinese market, where tech features can make or break a sale. Deepal didn’t skimp on comfort either. The driver gets a six-way power-adjustable seat, and even the front passenger gets four-way power adjustments. Add in a heat pump for efficient climate control and an advanced air filtration system, and the S05 Lite feels like a great daily driver.
Solid Performance and Sensible Range
Under the skin, the S05 520 Lite is powered by a 200 kW (268 hp) electric motor. That’s plenty of punch for a vehicle of this size, offering the instant, quiet acceleration that makes EVs so enjoyable to drive. The motor is paired with a 56.12 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, a pragmatic choice known for its durability and cost-effectiveness. This setup delivers a CLTC-rated range of 520km. While the real-world range will be lower, it’s more than enough for most daily commutes and weekend trips.
This isn’t the first time Deepal has made headlines. The sub brand is part of parent company Changan’s aggressive push into the EV space and has been actively updating its models, like when the Deepal S05 received a major upgrade to its range and power.
A Tale of Two Markets
The pricing strategy for the S05 highlights the vast difference between the Chinese and European markets. The S05 just launched in Europe with a starting price around 45,780 USD, nearly three times the price of this new Lite version in China. The domestic BEV models range from 119,900 to 149,900 yuan (16,810 – 21,015 USD). By shaving another 3,000 yuan off the price, Changan is throwing down the gauntlet to rivals. Automakers in China are constantly finding new ways to offer more for less, and the aggressive pricing of models like the Deepal S05 and Nevo Q05 shows just how intense the competition has become.
With this new, more affordable model, the Deepal S05 is better positioned than ever to capture a larger slice of the pie, offering a compelling blend of style, technology, and value that’s hard to ignore.
