You could see it as an insult, or as a compliment, you can decide if Temu Tesla is a good label or bad, but I’ll tell you this – I’d take the Deepal S07 over the Tesla Model Y on design alone , but that’s utterly subjective of course.
Anyone considering a new Electric Car will most likely stumble across all these new brands from China, Deepal included.
Deepal has some interesting cars to come, but they’ve kicked it off with the S07, likely because of it’s market position – it’s a medium sized SUV and that’s a big selling category in Australia.
With 475km range, it sits well in the family category accounting for some good road tripping if needed, but this thing will spend most of it’s time around town for most owners.
At $58,500 or so, it’s priced spot on with the Tesla Model Y rear wheel drive. That’s just not good enough in my mind, despite preferring the look of the Deepal, you’ve got to give Tesla huge points for their longevity and network. Longevity in that we’re not hearing major issues from owners, and network in that they own the concept of charging anywhere any time.
Thie Deepal S07 would rush out the door if it was $5-8,000 cheaper.
The noises – those darn noises!
Like every new car, the Deepal S07 loves to beep and chime at you for any number of things. All to gain a five star safety rating letting you know you’re speeding, or out of lane or not paying attention.
But it’s that last one i hate the most. The beeping is not just alarming it’s annoying. Glance at your infotainment screen for too long – and by too long I mean long enough to change radio stations, and it beeps – baap baap baap baap baap, dear god, let me be.
You have to go into vehicle settings, cabin camera and then find the toggle for driver attention to turn it off.
Be warned on a test drive, if the dealer turned it off before you, you might not notice – so turn the car off, get out , lock it, walk around, check it out, then get back in and you’re all reset. Because like all cars, any setting related to driver safety that can be turned off – will turn itself back on when you restart.
Then go for a drive and see how you find it, and importantly, how well you can find the “turn it off” settings.
There’s some word that Deepal will do a software update to reduce the annoyance, but given they ran a full page newspaper ad with “Australia’s most annoying car?” in the headline, perhaps they are leaning into it.
Deepal S07 Ride and Handling
This isn’t a car I enjoy driving, because I like a tight and direct steering feel. Like im turning the tyre direction with my bare hands. This is loose, casual, but that’s a nice ride around town.
It’s suspension gives me a sense they’ve gone for a soft feel to work on all surfaces, but I felt like there was more than usual movement on bumps and wavey roads. Vertical movement more than any issues with how it handled in a corner.
There are drive modes, like Sport, but if you’re going to bury them in a computer menu on a touchscreen then you’ve lost me – that should be a button, within easy reach.
I feel like this is all just too much software. Tesla get away with it because frankly, they just get it. They know software. Deepal appear to have just taken every feature and thrown it “somewhere” in the menu system.
I’d suggest though that the Deepal will find homes in an older demographic, looking to go electric, wanting to avoid Tesla and try something new. For them, the ride and handling is probably spot on.
Emulating Design for sales.
You can’t get past how this is just a better looking mid-sized SUV with similar dimensions to the Tesla Model Y.
Sharper lines, gives a sleeker more modern look. They’ve done a great job here.
I think on looks, Deepal will win many votes.
The Deepal S07 Key
Dear god, what were they thinking?
I can’t put a keyring on this?
What kind of stupidity is that?
Plus, good luck working out what button does what in the dark.
I just don’t get it.
Cool yes – practical – no.
Wrapping it up, should you buy the Deepal S07?
Honestly, I’d take a Kia EV5 every day of the week.
But perhaps you’re looking for something more minimalist, but don’t have great feelings for Elon, Deepal will swoop in and take your money!
Trev is a Technology Commentator, Dad, Speaker and Rev Head.
He produces and hosts two popular podcasts, EFTM and Two Blokes Talking Tech. He also appears on over 50 radio stations across Australia weekly, and is the resident Tech Expert on Channel 9’s Today Show each day and appears regularly on A Current Affair.
Father of three, he is often found down in his Man Cave.
