Changan Deepal S05 (2026) Review

Introduction

If you've been following developments in Britain's automotive sector over the past year or two, you'll have noticed a seemingly ever-growing collection of Chinese marques flooding into the UK market.

These include the previously unfamiliar names of BYD, Jaecoo, and Omoda, all of whom have enjoyed some early success.

But there's also GWM, Ora, Xpeng, Leapmotor, and Chery. The latter, despite being the parent company of both Jaecoo and Omoda, is also selling cars under its own brand name – and that's not even the full list.

One moniker that might still be unfamiliar is Changan. It is a  comparative Johnny-come-lately, launched here only in September 2025. But, incredibly, the company predates the advent of the car itself, having launched over 160 years ago.

It spent much of its first century supplying arms to the military, until it began turning its attention to vehicles, manufacturing China’s first ever Jeep – the Changjiang Type 46 – in the late 1950s.

Partnerships have followed with Suzuki, Ford, and Mazda. At the same time, it also swallowed up a couple of smaller Chinese marques along the way ahead of its launch here, where it’s had a Birmingham-based research and development (R&D) centre for a few years now.

Earlier this year, its S07 mid-sized all-electric SUV arrived, and now it’s being joined by a new smaller sibling, the compact crossover S05. But is it good enough to challenge the likes of Kia, Skoda and Tesla?

What are the Pros & Cons of the Changan Deepal S05?

Pros:

• Sophisticated, stylish interior
• Respectable straight-line performance
• Highly practical

Cons:

• Some competitors are more engaging to drive
• Lack of physical cabin controls
• Only average electric range

What are the first impressions of the Changan Deepal S05?

The Deepal S05 certainly looks tasty from the front.

It has a pleasing, chunky appearance, with a sharp drop-off on its nose, a grille-less panel, and two cheekbones housing lights, while the main headlights sit on top, at the edge of the bonnet.

There is plenty of cladding, too, while the sides are smooth, with the only crease to be found being at the bottom of the doors. The back features a fair amount of blank space; a lightbar spans the full width of the car just beneath the rear windscreen, but otherwise the posterior is rather uneventful.

The shape aims to be as aerodynamically efficient as possible, with a design team in Turin working to axe its drag coefficient to 0.25, marginally better than some foes, though the Tesla Model Y does even better at 0.22.

What are the Changan Deepal S05’s key features?

Only one trim level is offered on the Deepal S05.

It comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, a 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple Car Play, Android Auto, digital radio, augmented reality SatNav, a 14-speaker audio system, voice control, 64-colour ambient lighting, and a wireless phone charger.

Furthermore, it boasts vegan-friendly faux-leather upholstery, a heated and ventilated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats with electric adjustment, flush door handles, a powered tailgate, and a head-up display. Keyless entry and a 360-degree surround view camera are also included as standard.

In terms of power, there’s a choice of rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models – the former producing 272PS from its single motor, while the latter gets dual motors, upping the poke to an impressive 435PS.

What is the range of the Changan Deepal S05, and what are the battery options?

All versions of the Deepal S05 come with a 68.8kWh battery.

In all-wheel drive cars, you get up to 278 miles of range, while rear-wheel drive versions can manage up to 303 miles. Mind you, quite a few opponents can go further. We were on course to achieve about 250 miles on our test run in our rear-wheel drive example, which is about in line with expectations.

What’s the performance and drive like with the Changan Deepal S05?

As mentioned, we are testing the rear-wheel drive version, which is a couple of grand cheaper than the all-wheel drive car. It is also the least powerful of the two, but any disappointment is offset by its still-respectable 7.5-second 0-62mph time.

Sure, you’ll knock a full two seconds off that in the all-wheel drive variant with its 163PS advantage, but that really is overkill in a car like this, and our test whip should meet or even exceed the needs of most.

It accelerates keenly off the line, and the power is delivered smoothly, though you’ll get a burst of torque if you floor it. That makes it easier to live with in stop-start traffic, but when moving briskly, overtaking is a doddle, and it rarely feels out of puff in any situation.

Those wanting more of a shove can engage Sport mode. This setting makes the throttle pedal more sensitive, improving acceleration when you need it most, though the clout tails off considerably above 70mph (not that you should be going beyond this speed in the UK, of course!). The Deepal S05 may be Chinese, but its looks were designed in Italy, and its driving dynamics were tuned in the UK.

Ride comfort is impressive thanks to soft springs, which are very absorbing and enable the car to make light work of potholes and handle rougher road surfaces well. However, on particularly poor roads, it struggles to maintain composure and can feel unsettled. Indeed, some challengers feel better planted on imperfect surfaces, and the pliable setup also results in noticeable body roll around corners.

The light steering is perfect for the lower speeds of a town or village centre, but although it weights up around bends, there’s not enough of a transition between the two. The brake pedal takes some getting used to, too, since the regen system can be a bit grabby unless you hit the pedal with precision. There are no paddle shifters behind the wheel, so the braking strength can only be changed via the infotainment system.

One big plus is the soundproofing, which makes the S05 very relaxing to drive. Several features contribute to this, including thickened glass, which enhances the cabin's calm, quiet environment.

Changan says the Deepal S05 has been tuned at its Birmingham-based R&D centre for UK and European roads. Clearly, there’s still some work to be done, but this isn’t a bad start. Towing capacity is 1,600kg and requires the purchase of an optional extra detachable tow bar.

How fast can the Changan Deepal S05 charge?

One big step forward over the S07 is that the S05’s maximum DC charging rate is more than double that of its larger sibling – 200kW to the S07’s 95kW. That means a 10-80% top-up takes just 23 minutes.

For AC charging, a 7.4kW home wallbox will take about 11 hours to juice the batteries from 0% to 100% fully. Mind you, the Deepal S05 is capable of 11kW charging, too.

What are the running costs and emissions for the Changan Deepal S05?

The Deepal S05 will be very cheap to run, especially if you can charge it at home, which is more cost-effective compared with public charging points. Achieving 3.5 to 4.0 miles per kWh seems realistic.

It is cheap to tax, too, with the first year's bill being just £10, though you'll pay £200 per year after that (subject to annual increases).

If you prefer the all-wheel drive version, you'll be pleased to hear that, although adding any optional extras will take the total price of the Changan above £40,000, the Expensive Car Supplement threshold is being raised. From April 2026, the threshold for EVs rises from £40,000 to £50,000.

Likewise, being all-electric puts the S05 in the bottom band for Benefit-In-Kind tax, making it a good choice as a company car, though, of course, any other EV can say the same.

Changan is an unknown brand in the UK, so it's much too early to tell whether the Deepal S05 will be reliable. Peace of mind is offered through a seven-year, 100,000-mile guarantee, with the battery and electric motor covered by an eight-year, 124,000-mile warranty. Yes, we know, you’re leasing – so a warranty won’t impact you – but it gives you a sense of how much belief Changan has in its cars.

What’s the interior and technology like with the Changan Deepal S05?

Anyone hoping to be impressed by the Deepal S05’s cabin will be beaming ear to ear. It is a lovely-looking interior, with a thoughtfulness that really does justice to Changan's decision to have the car's aesthetics designed in Italy.

The synthetic leather is very nice, and just about everything is soft to the touch, giving it a premium feel. It all feels solid and well-fitted together, though some of the materials seem cheap beneath certain bits of upholstery.

The flat-bottomed steering wheel is nice to hold, adorned with various buttons and silver decor. It is a minimalist, decluttered cabin design that is contemporary and very attractive, with just about everything hidden behind the touchscreen, apart from the silver buttons on the wheel. At 15.4 inches, the touchscreen is large and can be angled towards a front-seat passenger at the touch of a button.

The graphics are sharp and well-designed, and the screen is very responsive to your inputs. It is reasonably intuitive to operate, too, and we found it easy to get used to, though the sheer depth of the system can prove challenging to use when on the move.

There are so many settings that can be changed, including games, apps, and other quirky features. Shortcuts can be programmed along the bottom of the screen. One notable absentee is a digital instrument screen, which is entirely replaced by a head-up display that can be customised to show the information you prefer.

What’s more, we sometimes find wacky features in cars, and the Changan Deepal S05 doesn't disappoint here. The car has an external speaker that can play messages to people within earshot, including pre-recorded reminders for other motorists about road safety.

We can’t imagine blaring a message out to the large, angry bloke who’s just cut you up that he should remember to check his mirrors next time, but at least it’s a nice thought. And, yes, you can get it to say just about anything by typing your message into the infotainment touchscreen.

Is the Changan Deepal S05 practical, and how big is the boot?

It is a walk in the park to find a supportive driving position in the Deepal S05 thanks to the electric adjustment in the front seats, along with the driver’s lumbar adjustment and memory function. The front passenger’s chair, known as the Queen’s Seat, also gets a powered leg rest.

Forward visibility is good, as the windscreen pillars aren't overly thick. Sure, the fuller rear pillars restrict rearward visibility, but we've seen much worse – and the Deepal S05 comes with a 360-degree surround view camera, which helps with reversing and parking. There is plenty of space up front, with legroom and headroom, while the centre console is wide enough to keep two front seat occupants sufficiently apart.

In the back, you’ll not be short-changed either, with a generous amount of legroom even for taller adults, and despite a slight slope in the roofline towards the back, there’s still enough headroom. Boot space is class-leading at 492 litres, making it bigger than rivals, albeit not by a huge amount, while the available capacity increases to 1,250 litres with the rear seats folded 60:40. 

Even better, there's another 159 litres available via the 'frunk' underneath the bonnet (152 litres in the all-wheel drive version), as well as 28 litres of underfloor storage in the boot. There is a bunch of interior storage, too – 32 places, according to Changan – though it made a late decision to remove the glove compartment and replace it with a shelf.

How safe is the Changan Deepal S05?

The Changan S05 was safety tested by Euro NCAP in 2025, earning a five-star rating.

It scored 94% for adult protection, 87% for children, and 76% for safety assists. The latter category comprises a suite of 17 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), containing adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, lane change assist, and lane departure warning.

Forward collision warning, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear cross-traffic braking, traffic jam assist, intelligent speed assist, traffic sign recognition, driver fatigue monitoring, and high beam assist are also included. In addition, the Deepal houses a 360-degree surround-view camera.

Can I choose optional extras with the Changan Deepal S05?

Yes, but there’s not a lot to choose from.

You can’t change the wheel size, but you can select a different body colour – and, refreshingly, you're not charged an arm and a leg for the privilege – with light blue, dark grey, silver, black or white to choose from.

Even better, if you want to shy away from the generic black upholstery, you can go for orange instead, which really looks the part – and again it’s a no-cost option. If you're desperate to part with more cash, a detachable tow bar and a panoramic sunroof are the only paid-for extras – the latter comes with an electric sunshade.

What are the rival cars to the Changan Deepal S05?

Several cars challenge the Deepal S05.

The Skoda Elroq and Enyaq, as well as the Kia EV3 and EV6, are the main likely alternatives, along with a fellow Chinese newcomer, the BYD Atto 3. The Ford Explorer and Ford Puma Gen-E are also worth looking at, along with the Renault Scenic E-Tech.

The MG S5 EV, the Citroen e-C5 Aircross and the Smart #5 should also be on your leasing list. At the premium end of the market, there’s the Volvo EX30, as well as the Tesla Model Y.

What’s the final verdict on the Changan Deepal S05?

The Deepal S05 isn’t quite the finished product, but at least Changan has got something great to build on.

It is well equipped, pleasant to look at, even nicer to sit in, has decent performance, superb practicality and a level of customisability from the infotainment system that’s hard to beat. Indeed, the technology trounces most of its fellow Chinese newcomers.

The S05 is also very comfortable, and it scored excellently for safety. That said, some opponents have more range and are more engaging to drive, and the Deepal S05’s soft suspension setup can feel excessively bouncy.

Pricewise, it’s not cheap – especially when compared with, say, Volvo’s EX30. So, we would stick with the rear-wheel drive version, which is cheaper to lease and offers more range than the all-wheel drive edition, whose extra power seems like hedonism.

There are a few flaws with this car, but it's a bit different from the usual suspects – and very likeable. Changan’s models are only likely to keep improving – so this is a brand to watch.

Where to next?

View latest Changan Deepal S05 lease deals - from just £351.92 per month inc VAT**.

Call us on 0118 3048 688 or hit the green 'Enquire' button for more details.

Looking for a great leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of Special Offers and Lease Deals. 

New SUV? Read our latest Reviews and find the right model for you.

Want to know more about leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive Leasing Guides.

Interested in everything motoring? Why not catch up on all the latest Car Leasing News.

**Score based on Select’s unique meta score analysis, taking into account the UK’s top leading independent car website reviews of the Changan Deepal S05

**Correct as of 09/04/2026. Based on 12 months initial payment, 5,000 miles annually, over a 48 month lease. Initial payment equivalent to 12 monthly payments, or £4,223.04 (Plus admin fee) Ts and Cs apply. Credit is subject to status.

Every lease deal is a fixed monthly cost for the whole of your contract, apart from changes to government costs, e.g. VAT changes or road fund license cost changes and in certain specific cases where the funder changes the price. Electric range quoted is WLTP.

We like to be up front and transparent with our customers, ensuring they get the service they can expect. View our initial disclosure document here: https://www.selectcarleasing.co.uk/initial-disclosure-document.html

All vehicles listed are subject to manufacturing availability and images and descriptions used are for illustrative and reference purposes only. Please visit the manufacturer’s website for more accurate specification. All data listed comes from the CAP database and is subject to change. Terms and conditions apply.

To be eligible for one of our offers you will need to be over 18 to qualify and approved for credit with one of our verified lenders, which is subject to status and the finance companies terms and conditions. Not all applicants may be eligible. Failure to maintain payments may result in the termination of your contract agreement and the vehicle being returned

Select Car Leasing is a credit broker not a lender. Select Car Leasing is a trading style of Select Contracts (UK) Limited and the firm is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN 670832. VAT Registration No 392 2756 72. ICO Registration ZA076253. Company Number 06569098. Select Car Leasing is proud to be a member of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) No 1846.