Every so often, a car turns up that makes you pause, tilt your head, and go “Hang on… who invited the spaceship?”
The Changan Deepal S07 is exactly that, a fully electric family SUV that’s arrived quietly from China, rolled up its sleeves, and said: “Right then, let’s show the UK how this is done.”
And I’m impressed. Properly impressed.
The Basics: What You’re Getting for £39,990
There’s only one model of the S07, and thankfully, it’s the good one. Fully loaded. No “optional packs”, no “if you want heated seats, that’ll be extra”, no “Tech Pack Premium Ultra Elite+” nonsense.
Just… the car. And everything’s included.
Here’s what’s standard:
- Heated and ventilated seats
- A heated steering wheel
- Metallic paint
- Head-up display
- Pilot-assist ADAS
- A panoramic glass roof
- Soft-touch materials almost everywhere
- And the headline feature: a 15.6-inch rotating ‘sunflower’ screen
If you’re thinking, “That sounds very un-UK-spec for £39k”, you would be absolutely correct.
Design & Build: Global DNA, Premium Feel
What makes the S07 interesting is that it isn’t slapped together for a quick European cash-grab. This thing has been in development for years across multiple countries:
- Built in Nanjing, China
- Designed in Turin, Italy
- Engineered in Birmingham, where Changan has had an R&D hub for over 15 years
- Part of a company that’s been around nearly half a century
And the quality? Genuinely premium. Soft-touch materials and stitching that actually lines up, doors that thump shut instead of clanging. Even this early prototype felt more polished than some fully released cars I’ve sat in.
Space & Practicality: More Room Than a Model Y
Let’s talk family-friendly.
The rear seats are massive. Even the mighty Dean Hedger, who’s nearly seven feet tall, sat in the back and still had space to spare.
A few highlights:
- More rear space than a Tesla Model Y
- Huge panoramic roof (1.9 metres long)
- A sizeable front boot – Both my kids could and did sit in there, happily!
A deep rear boot with underfloor storage - 1,500kg towing capacity
- AC and DC charging
- 3D surround camera system
It’s ticking every single box for the school run, the IKEA run, and let’s not forget the holiday-with-a-million-bags run…
Performance & Charging: Family First, Still Fun
No, it’s not a drag-strip monster. But it’s no slouch.
- 0–60mph: 7.9 seconds
- 80kWh battery
- 10%–80% in around 40–45 minutes
- Smooth, quiet, effortless cruising
The whole vibe of the S07 is comfort-over-chaos. Basically it’s like a big electric sofa with torque.
Tech & Modes: This Is Where Things Get Fun
If you’ve watched any of my reviews, you’ll know I love a good EV gimmick.
And the S07? Boy, does it deliver.
🛏 Nap Mode
Seat reclines. Panoramic roof. Stargazing engaged.
Perfect for when the kids fall asleep… or you’re early for pickup.
🐶 Pet Mode
Monitors both humans and pets. Keeps the cabin safe, comfy and locked.
🔥 Bonfire Mode
Heated seats and warm air and crackling fire sound effects. Your car basically cosplays as a log cabin.
🎆 Firework Mode
Mostly for keeping kids entertained. Works perhaps too well.
🚬 Smoking Mode
Automatically drops the windows to ventilate. A strangely honest feature.
🎉 Lighting Show
Music, interior lights, exterior flashing lights, and a party vibe. You will not be subtle using this and your neighbours will have opinions.
🔊 External Speaker
Yes, you can play music outside the car. Is it necessary? No. Is it hilarious? Oh yeah!.
🌻 The Rotating 15.6″ Sunflower Screen
This is the star of the show. Rotate it towards you. Rotate it towards your passenger. Perfect for long trips, kid entertainment, or letting your partner DJ without lunging across you.
Driving Experience: EV Smooth, Family Friendly
On the road, the S07 is:
Quiet
- Comfortable
- Easy to drive
- Exactly what a family EV should be
There’s a sentiment shared in the conversations about this car: EVs have to offer value.And this one does.
Good range.
Good charging.
Good tech.
Good space.
Good price.
It doesn’t try to beat Europe on heritage, it competes on features and quality.
Final Thoughts: Should You Keep an Eye on It?
If they hit that £39,990 target with this exact spec… they’re going to turn some heads.
The ChangAn Deepal S07 is one of the most interesting family EVs I’ve seen in a long time. Not because it’s the fastest.
Not because it’s the cheapest.
But because it ticks every box normal families actually need… then chucks in enough fun features to keep the kids entertained.
This thing is basically the Swiss Army Knife of electric SUVs. Spacious, techy, surprisingly premium, and full of clever touches.
If you’re shopping for a family EV in 2025–2026… this should absolutely be on your radar.
Got a car you’d like reviewed? Drop me a line, follow on insta, TikTok etc and let me know.
Cheers, Ric Boullemier akaTheSustainableDad
