Changan Deepal S05 Arrives in South Africa Priced at R699,000
The Changan Deepal S05 has officially arrived in South Africa, offering a range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) at a competitive price of R699,000, inclusive of VAT. Introduced Jameel Motors South Africa, the official importer and distributor of Changan, the S05 becomes the brand’s second range-extended electric vehicle to enter the local market.
Designed at Changan’s dedicated studio in Turin, Italy, the five-door Deepal S05 combines sporty styling with modern technology and everyday practicality. Its exterior features an athletic stance, slim LED headlamps, frameless door pillars and concealed rectangular door handles. Positioned below the larger Deepal S07, the S05 offers an accessible entry into the brand’s premium vehicle range.
Chelsy Pinto, General Manager: Marketing & Product at Jameel Motors, highlighted the model’s suitability for South African motorists.
“South Africans are increasingly interested in electric vehicles, but charging availability and long-distance travel remain important considerations. The Deepal S05 brings together the appeal of electric driving and the reassurance of a petrol-powered range extender, making it a practical proposition for our market.”
Powertrain and Range
The Deepal S05 is powered a rear-mounted electric motor producing 160 kW and 320 Nm of torque, delivering power exclusively to the rear wheels. Its 27.28 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery provides an electric-only driving range of up to 175 km.
For longer journeys, a 1.5-litre petrol engine generates 72 kW and 125 Nm, operating as a generator to supply electricity to the battery and electric motor. This range-extender system enables a claimed total driving range of more than 1,000 km.
Performance figures include acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in under eight seconds and a top speed of 175 km/h. The battery features a preheating function and supports both AC charging and DC fast charging, with a 30% to 80% charge achievable in approximately 20 minutes.
The S05 also features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, allowing its high-voltage battery to supply power to compatible external electrical devices.
Advanced Technology and Driving Experience
Inside, the Deepal S05 features a technology-focused cabin centred around a 15.4-inch rotating “Sunflower” touchscreen with navigation, intelligent voice interaction, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system is paired with a 14-speaker audio system.
A Snapdragon 8155-powered augmented-reality head-up display projects a 50-inch virtual image ahead of the driver, presenting essential driving information and controls.
Drivers can choose between Standard/Comfort, Sport, Eco and Custom driving modes. The suspension combines MacPherson struts at the front with a multi-link rear setup, designed to deliver responsive handling and a composed driving experience.
Comprehensive Safety Features
The Deepal S05 is equipped with a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) package designed to support driver awareness and enhance safety.
Features include Forward Collision Warning, Integrated Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centring, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Blind-Spot Detection. Face Recognition and Fatigue Detection systems provide additional driver monitoring.
The safety specification also includes front, side and curtain airbags, force-limiting and pre-tensioning seatbelts, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Traction Stability Control (TSC) and Dynamic Braking Function, as well as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).
Additional equipment includes ISOFIX child-seat anchorages, a 540-degree camera system and front and rear parking sensors.
Comfort and Interior Space
The cabin features microfiber leather upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats for enhanced comfort. The driver’s seat offers six-way electric adjustment and two-way electric lumbar support, while the front passenger seat features four-way adjustment and leg support.
A fixed 1.9-metre panoramic sunroof with an electric sunshade enhances the sense of space inside the cabin. Other convenience features include ambient lighting, front and rear reading lamps, automatic single-zone climate control and a 50 W wireless smartphone charging pad with a cooling function.
Connectivity is supported a front USB-A port, alongside rear USB-A and USB-C ports.
Measuring 4,620 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width and 1,600 mm in height, the S05 has a 2,880 mm wheelbase and a kerb weight of 1,847 kg. Luggage capacity stands at 464 litres, providing practical storage for everyday use and longer journeys.
Colours, Warranty and Ownership
The Changan Deepal S05 will be available in five exterior colours: Moonlight White, Ganymede Grey, Mercury Silver, Deep Space Black and Starry Blue. Buyers can choose between black and orange interior finishes.
For added ownership confidence, the vehicle comes with a five-year/90,000 km service plan, a five-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty and an eight-year/150,000 km battery warranty. An optional maintenance plan is also available.
Priced at R699,000, inclusive of VAT, the Changan Deepal S05 combines electric driving capability, extended long-distance range, advanced technology and comprehensive safety features in a competitively positioned package.
The Changan Deepal S05 is scheduled to become available through Changan dealerships across South Africa from the first week of November 2026.
