Changan Deepal S05 2026 Review

Introduction

If you've been keeping an eye on the developments in the UK automotive landscape over the past year or so, you may have noticed an increasing influx of Chinese brands making their mark in the market.

Some of the newer names include BYD, Jaecoo, and Omoda, all of which have made a promising start. However, other players are in the mix, such as GWM Ora, Xpeng, Leapmotor, and Chery. The latter, which is the parent company of both Jaecoo and Omoda, is also marketing vehicles under its own name – though this is far from an exhaustive list.

One name that might still be unfamiliar to many is Changan. Relatively new to our shores, having launched in September 2025, the company boasts a long history, pre-dating the automobile itself by over 160 years.

Initially, it focused on supplying arms to the military, but later shifted to vehicles. Changan has formed partnerships with manufacturers such as Suzuki, Ford, and Mazda over the years and has also absorbed several smaller Chinese brands in the process. Notably, it established a research and development centre in Birmingham a few years back.

Last year, the S07, a mid-sized all-electric SUV, made its debut, and now it's welcoming a new, smaller counterpart, the compact crossover S05. But does it have what it takes to compete with established brands?

Price and Options

The Deepal S05 is available in a single trim level.

The model features striking 20-inch alloy wheels and a 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, digital radio, augmented-reality satellite navigation, and a 14-speaker audio system. It also offers voice control, 64-colour ambient lighting, and a wireless phone charging pad.

Inside, you'll find vegan-friendly faux-leather upholstery, along with a heated and ventilated steering wheel. The front seats are both heated and ventilated with electric adjustments, and the vehicle is fitted with sleek, flush door handles, a powered tailgate, and a head-up display. Keyless entry and a comprehensive 360-degree surround-view camera come standard.

Regarding performance, buyers can choose either a rear-wheel-drive model priced at £37,990 or an all-wheel-drive variant priced at £39,990. The rear-wheel-drive version, driven for this review, produces 272PS from its single motor, while the all-wheel-drive version utilises dual motors to deliver an impressive 435PS.

There aren't many optional extras available, and while changing the wheel size isn't a possibility, you can select a different body colour without incurring a hefty fee. Choices include light blue, dark grey, silver, black, or white.

For those looking to stand out from the crowd, there's an option for eye-catching orange upholstery, also at no additional cost.

If you're keen to spend a bit more, the only additional paid extras available are a detachable tow bar or a panoramic sunroof, which includes an electric sunshade.