As the DEEPAL brand with a traditional big manufacturer behind it, their first vehicle SL03 opened for delivery less than a year ago, sales exceeded the 50,000 mark, hitting the brand’s popularity .On this basis, on 20 May, DEEPAL officially entered the mid-size SUV market, pre-sale of a new model – DEEPAL S7.
DEEPAL S7 portrays the target consumer group as “new youth” who pursue the excitement of driving and are the young group who still retain the expression of their own needs in family life. As an SUV sharing the same platform as the SL03, the DEEPAL S7 still follows the rear-wheel drive format.
Dynamic experience
First of all, in the acceleration and brake pedal performance, Changan DEEPAL S7 is equipped with Changan’s “Force Super Collective Electric Drive” technology, the use of rear-mounted single-motor drive form, divided into two power configurations of 160kW/180kW, to provide CLTC range of 520km, 620km range version, the high-power version of the 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.7s.
Although DEEPAL S7 has a sporty appearance, its acceleration performance is quite soft. As a pure electric model equipped with a 180kW motor, the torque output characteristics of the motor, the power performance in daily urban and high-speed driving are excellent, and sharp acceleration and overtaking are very easy.
As an SUV, family travel in the use of the scene is relatively higher; in order to adapt to the use of this multi-person travel scene, DEEPAL S7 is also equipped with a “comfortable parking” function, which can have a certain inhibition effect on the braking nodding phenomenon, to enhance the comfort of the vehicle ride.
Power recovery setting
In addition, as a new energy model, kinetic energy recovery is a recent topic of concern. Regarding kinetic energy recovery, DEEPAL S7 fully embodies what “latecomer’s advantage” means. Unlike previous models that offer 2-3 gears of kinetic energy recovery adjustment, DEEPAL S7’s kinetic energy recovery can be adjusted almost infinitely from 0-100%. Depending on the percentage of recovery, the vehicle’s kinetic energy recovery can be freely switched between 0.05G and 0.2 G.
This calibration not only allows both types of people to find a setting in DEEPAL S7 that matches their driving habits but also better adapts to different usage scenarios. DEEPAL S7 shows a strong “inclusiveness” and is a pure electric vehicle that is easy to drive and easy to start.
Dynamic performance of steering and chassis
Firstly, the steering feel of the DEEPAL S7 is not particularly fast or accurate but is more suited to a smoother, more relaxed driving style for the daily commute.
In order to enhance the “sporty character” of the steering, the DEEPAL S7’s steering is set with a larger return torque, which makes the steering wheel return relatively faster, adding a bit of sporty style to the S7’s steering.
The chassis setup of the DEEPAL S7 also prioritises comfort, and although the S7 shares the same platform as the SL03, the S7 will be tuned to focus more on the ride experience.
The chassis of the DEEPAL S7 will be more resilient and textured compared to the SL03, especially when passing through roads in poor paved conditions; the ride quality of the S7 chassis will have a significant improvement.
Static designs
The DEEPAL S7 measures 4750*1930*1625 mm and has a wheelbase of 2900 mm. In terms of exterior design, the DEEPAL S7 achieves a good balance between design aesthetics and functionality and practicality. It has a distinctive personality and rich details, and the wind resistance control has also reached the first-class level in its class, with a low wind resistance coefficient of 0.258Cd, which can bring positive help to the range.
Wheel
The DEEPAL S7 is fitted with a five-spoke 21-inch wheel and tyres from Marque’s PremiumContact C in size 255/40 R21, a set of tyres that perform satisfactorily in terms of tyre noise on the move.
Bezel-less design doors
All four doors of DEEPAL S7 are frameless, presenting a more advanced visual effect. DEEPAL S7 uses double-layer laminated glass in the front row; in the actual experience, at speeds below 120km/h, the wind noise does not produce an obvious nuisance to the occupants.
Central Configuration Layout
DEEPAL S7 adopts a screen configuration of 53-inch AR-HUD + 15.6-inch sunflower centre control screen + 12.3-inch passenger smart screen in the front row. The AR-HUD function equipped therein is also optimised in terms of font design and information layout, which not only displays clearly but also has a wide range of height adjustability and presents a wide variety of information.
Seat space
The main and passenger seats support 16/14-way electric adjustment and are equipped with electric legrests, ventilation, heating and massage functions. Meanwhile, both front seats are equipped with “Zero Gravity” mode, which allows you to recline at the touch of a button.
DEEPAL revealed at the Workshop that, based on their analysis of crash test data, the design of the backrest tilting angle of 60° or less can effectively guarantee the safety of the passenger in the event of a collision.
Finally, regarding the rear experience, thanks to the 2900mm wheelbase, DEEPAL S7 rear longitudinal space is quite generous; even when the rear row is filled with three people, lateral space is not too tight.
Summary
First of all, Changan’s new energy brand, DEEPAL, whose first model was launched from the total sales volume, can be seen from the consumer recognition of the DEEPAL brand. Secondly, I think DEEPAL has accurately grasped the target group’s “real needs” and made a new SUV with a dynamic and sharp appearance, comfortable driving experience, and no obvious shortcomings in the user experience. Finally, the price is also quite reasonable, and the DEEPAL S7 Pure Electric Edition is an excellent model in all aspects.
