Changan Deepal S05 PHEV: Plug-in SUV for Europe

Test Report Changan Deepal S05 PHEV—Long-Distance Champion in Luxury Attire

2026-06-26 From sp-x | Translated by AI 4 min Reading Time

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China's electric vehicle manufacturers are increasingly focusing on plug-in formats for the European market – and on developing their products locally. The latest example: the Changan Deepal S05 PHEV.

The Deepal S05 PHEV has a system output of 190 kW/258 hp.(Image: Changan) — The Deepal S05 PHEV has a system output of 190 kW/258 hp.
(Image: Changan)

Four-digit kilometer ranges—the diesel of the e-era is called the plug-in hybrid. Now, another Chinese car manufacturer, Changan, is sending a low-emission long-distance vehicle to Europe. The Deepal S05 PHEV is meant to prove that plug-in hybrids still have a future in Europe and to open the mass market in Europe for China's number 5.

The first impression from the outside: With the SUV, Changan's design team at the European center in Turin has achieved an elegant creation. The design is the work of Klaus Zyciora, who, under his birth name Bischoff, served as Executive Director of Design at VW from 2007 to 2020 and then as Head of Design at Volkswagen until 2022. His successes include the Golf VI to VIII and the ID Buzz.

Deepal Relies on VW-Like Design

The Deepal S05 somewhat resembles a VW that Wolfsburg would have liked to build. No exaggerated creases, no futuristic experiments, but rather a harmonious blend of clean surfaces, a striking roofline sloping toward the C-pillar, and balanced proportions on a length of 4.60 meters (approx. 15-foot). Added to this are frameless side windows and well-designed lighting architecture at the front and rear—delivering an overall high-quality appearance.

The fact that the Chinese are now launching a plug-in hybrid is no coincidence. While high EU tariffs are now imposed on pure electric cars from China, plug-in hybrids remain exempt. The Deepal S05 PHEV is not just a new model but also a clever response to European trade policy—and an economically interesting one at that.

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The Deepal S05 looks a bit like a VW that Wolfsburg would have liked to build.(Image: Daniel Killy/SP-X)

Changan is launching its SUV Deepal S05 as a plug-in hybrid.(Image: Changan)

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Deepal S05—Aggressive Pricing

Changan is also showing an aggressive approach with pricing. The Deepal S05 PHEV starts as a Pro version at 36,000 euros (approx. $38,600) , while the more extensively equipped Max version costs 39,000 euros (approx. $41,800). At launch, introductory offers available until August 31 aim to reduce the entry price to 25,000 euros (approx. $26,800) and 28,000 euros (approx. $30,000), respectively—including government subsidies of up to 4,500 euros (approx. $4,800). That sounds enticing. However, Changan is still in the very early stages in Germany, currently operating with only eight dealerships nationwide. Across Europe, there are about 200 locations. The company states that the network is being developed cautiously and step by step. Nevertheless, Changan confidently positions the S05 in the C+ segment.

The excitement lies beneath the surface. With its Ultra-Hybrid technology, Changan combines a permanent magnet synchronous motor (172 kW/ 231 hp) with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 63 kW/86 PS (86 hp). Together, the system delivers a total output of 190 kW/258 PS (258 hp). Four different operating modes—electric, serial, parallel, or combustion engine only—ensure that the drive system always selects the most efficient solution. The battery stores 18.4 kWh of energy, enabling electric driving for up to 100 kilometers (approx. 62 miles). For daily commuters who charge regularly, the combustion engine is therefore rarely needed.

On our three-hour test drive around Barcelona, the Deepal S05 sounded almost consistently like an electric vehicle. The seamless transition to the gasoline engine is due not only to the very high-quality sound insulation of the interior but also to the refined and harmonious interaction of the systems. Steering and road handling have been adapted to local needs by Changan's technology center in Birmingham.

More European than Many Competitors

Thus, the S05 drives significantly more European than many Chinese competitors. The suspension operates comfortably without feeling spongy. The speed-dependent steering provides sufficient precision, and even on winding country roads, the SUV stays neatly on course. Only during very brisk driving through serpentine roads does one notice that the car's weight heavily leans on the "inside ski," meaning the two tires on the inner side of the curve. But the S05 is not a sports car, after all.

Inside, the Deepal feels surprisingly mature. The craftsmanship appears high-quality, with orange contrast stitching adding highlights. Even for tall drivers, the interior offers ample space. The 2.88-meter (approx. 9.4 ft) wheelbase ensures remarkable legroom in the rear. Unique to the top version is the so-called Queen's Seat. The front passenger seat features an electrically extendable leg rest, transforming it almost into a business-class recliner. The trunk provides 550 liters (approx. 19.4 cu ft) of space, which expands to 1,300 liters (approx. 45.9 cu ft) when the rear seats are folded down.

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Volkswagen hopes to regain its success with new models developed specifically for China. But the Chinese auto market as a whole is currently collapsing. (Image:Volkswagen AG)

Head-Up Display Instead of Instrument Screen

The cockpit is impressively simple. The 15.4-inch, extremely high-resolution central display responds quickly and even tilts toward the driver or passenger, depending on who enters first. Instead of a missing driver display, there is an optional and highly convincing head-up display with augmented reality functionality. It is highly adjustable and impresses with its precise and uncluttered presentation. The rest of the equipment is also abundant. Two smartphones can be wirelessly charged with up to 50 watts, a large panoramic glass roof brings light into the interior, and the in-house 14-speaker sound system delivers impressively rich, bass-heavy sound.

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The Deepal S05 PHEV impressively demonstrates how quickly Chinese manufacturers are learning. It drives comfortably, offers plenty of space, modern technology, and a convincing hybrid concept. Those looking for a family SUV will find an astonishingly complete package here. Changan will surely make more waves in Germany—by the end of the year, the new sub-brand Nevo will debut in the market, starting with a small city SUV.