Changan’s Deepal brand just dropped a new entry-level variant for its S05 all-electric SUV, and it’s a real head-turner, especially with its aggressive pricing. The Deepal S05 520 Lite comes in at a mere 116,900 yuan, which translates to roughly 16,400 USD. This move by Deepal isn’t just about expanding their lineup, it’s about making electric vehicles more accessible to a wider audience, right here in China’s incredibly competitive EV market.
Design and Dimensions: Familiar Yet Fresh
The S05 520 Lite keeps that cool, modern design language we’ve come to expect from the Deepal S05 series. You get that clean, closed-off grille which gives it a sleek and futuristic vibe. It’s a compact SUV, perfectly sized for navigating urban jungles or heading out for a weekend adventure. We’re talking 4620mm long, 1900mm wide, and 1600mm tall, with a generous 2880mm wheelbase. These dimensions scream practicality without sacrificing style.
On the outside, you’ll find some neat touches that make a difference. Standard frameless doors add a touch of sophistication, while the active air intake grille isn’t just for show, it helps with efficiency. Mechanical flush door handles, a manual tailgate, electric exterior mirrors, and keyless start/entry round out the exterior features, proving that affordability doesn’t mean skimping on convenience.
Step Inside: Comfort Meets Tech
Once you slide into the cabin, you’ll see that Deepal put a lot of thought into making the S05 520 Lite a comfortable and connected space. The four-way adjustable steering wheel comes with customizable buttons, putting control right at your fingertips. One-touch power windows with an anti-pinch function are a nice safety touch, and though you get a manual anti-glare rearview mirror, the rest of the interior is pretty plush.
Both front passengers get power-adjustable seats, six-way for the driver and four-way for the passenger, which is a sweet deal for an entry-level EV. The 4/6 split-folding rear seatbacks fold flat, making it super versatile for hauling gear, groceries, or whatever life throws at you. Practicality is key here. Rear air conditioning vents, automatic air conditioning, and a heat pump system ensure everyone stays comfortable, and a PM2.5 high-efficiency filtration system keeps the air inside clean. Seriously, that’s a lot of kit for the price.
Infotainment: Powered by SemiDrive
At the heart of the S05 520 Lite’s tech suite is an infotainment system powered by a SemiDrive X9SP chip. This powerhouse drives a crisp 15.4-inch 2.5K central control screen. It’s got all the connectivity you need, supporting CarLink, Huawei HiCar, and Honor Interconnection. An 8-speaker audio system with dual-zone sound source localization and a single external speaker means your road trip playlists will sound fantastic. Deepal’s clearly focusing on a seamless and engaging user experience.
Performance and Range: Efficient and Capable
Underneath that sleek body, the S05 520 Lite houses a robust 200 kW (268 hp) single electric motor. That’s plenty of punch for a compact SUV, promising zippy acceleration and confident highway cruising. Powering this setup is a 56.12 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack. It gives the S05 520 Lite a CLTC-rated range of 520km, which is quite impressive for an EV in this price bracket. It makes daily commutes and longer journeys entirely feasible without range anxiety. Speaking of Chinese EV tech, it’s worth noting the rapid advancements in China’s EV charging infrastructure, which supports these impressive ranges.
Deepal launched the S05 in China in October 2025. This latest 520 Lite variant isn’t just an addition, it’s a direct challenge to the market, coming in 3000 yuan (about 420 USD) cheaper than the previous most affordable BEV model. While the Deepal S05 has made its way to Europe, starting at around 45,780 USD, the domestic market in China benefits from much sharper pricing, typically ranging from 119,900 to 149,900 yuan (16,810 to 21,015 USD). The introduction of this incredibly affordable model really underscores the fierce competition and consumer-centric strategies employed by Chinese automakers, a trend that continuously redefines the Chinese auto market.
Overall, the Deepal S05 520 Lite is a compelling package. It’s stylish, packed with tech, capable, and most importantly, incredibly affordable. This new variant isn’t just expanding Deepal’s lineup, it’s making a statement about the future of accessible electric mobility.
