Changan Deepal S05 Car Review

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…the Changan Deepal S05 a mid-size family SUV, that, for the moment, is only available as a BEV. The S05 (pronounced S zero five), is the new Chinese brand’s second car after the launch of the larger S07 in September 2025.

Changan is offering the S05 in two initial formats both with a 68.8kWh battery – either rear-drive with 272hp or all-wheel drive with 435hp. WLTP range for each are 303 miles and 278 miles respectively. A plug-in hybrid will follow in September.

A single trim level is available which includes includes 20-inch alloys, 15.4-inch infotainment screen, wireless phone charging, panoramic roof, Bluetooth, V2L, heat pump, dual-zone climate control, powered front seats, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, vegan leather upholstery, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 360-degree camera, satnav and head-up display.

Is The Changan Deepal S05 Suitable For My Fleet

Changan has ticked a lot of fleet boxes with the S05 when it comes to the practical necessities. The rear boot is 492 litres and if that’s not enough there’s a front boot with more than 150 litres available. These figures are helped by the fact that while Changan says the S05 is their C-SUV car, it’s at the larger end of the sector at 4.6m long. There’s also very good rear passenger space both head and legroom. For higher mileage drivers the maximum DC charge speed is an impressive 200kW – better than almost all rivals. The S05 is efficient too. We saw the car record 3.4 miles per kWh in mixed driving with minimal eco activity.

Leasing A Changan Deepal S05

Gateway2lease is offering the rear drive Changan Deepal S05 for £460 a month on a 3+36 contract with 10,000 miles a year. Monthly maintenance costs are forecast at £48 a month, according to Gensen Reports. However, lease companies are clearly treating the S05 with residual caution as an equivalent Skoda Elroq (a rival to the S05) on the same basis comes in at £330 a month. Class 1A NIC for the Changan comes in at £21 a month.

Driving A Changan Deepal S05

From behind the wheel, the Deepal S05 makes a strong, positive first impression.

Cabin quality is excellent for the segment, with a premium feel that should resonate well with user-choosers. The large panoramic sunroof enhances the sense of space, while the infotainment system stands out for its intuitive operation and high level of customisation. Everyday usability is clearly a focus too, with simple touches like an easy-to-reset trip computer making a difference in daily driving.

Seat comfort is good too, but there are, however, a couple of ergonomic compromises. The relatively large A-pillar slightly restricts forward visibility at junctions, and the steering wheel could offer a greater range of reach adjustment to better suit taller drivers.

Overall ride quality is generally very good, with a smooth, composed feel over most surfaces, and a level of isolation that gives the car an upmarket edge in this class.

Performance is another highlight. Even in Eco mode, the S05 delivers brisk acceleration, avoiding the dulled throttle response that often frustrates drivers in efficiency-focused settings. It feels responsive and eager.

That said, the driving experience isn’t without its quirks. In rear-wheel-drive form, steering feel is notably limited. Over larger undulations on a swifter A- and B-roads the rear of the car feels light too. While the car remains fundamentally stable, which Changan proved on a test of the stability systems on a private test track, it lacks engagement and doesn’t encourage enthusiastic driving. There’s a sense that the all-wheel-drive version could address some of this, potentially adding weight and balance to the front axle.

The S05 offers four driving modes – Eco, Comfort, Sport and Custom – which can be cycled through via a steering wheel button. However, it’s not always obvious which mode is active at a glance, which can be frustrating. Changes between modes are relatively subtle, although the steering becomes noticeably lighter in Eco.

Driver assistance systems are comprehensive and well tuned for UK roads plus they are also easily deactivated to eliminate most of the beeps and bongs.

Overall, the Deepal S05 delivers where it matters most for fleet use: comfort, refinement and ease of use. However, some dynamic inconsistencies suggest there is still room for fine-tuning, particularly for drivers seeking a more confidence-inspiring experience.

FleetandLeasing.com Verdict On The Changan Deepal S05

Impressive capability against rivals, but this comes at a price.