Changan Deepal S07 arrives in the UK as latest Chinese EV entrant

The UK is set to welcome the Deepal S07, the latest Chinese electric vehicle, with Changan saying the SUV will go on sale by the end of the year. The price starts at £39,990 and the car is rated at 295 miles on a full charge. The S07 is powered by a 160 kW motor delivering 215 bhp and 320 Nm of torque in a rear-wheel-drive layout. DC fast charging can top up from 10% to 80% in about 48 minutes.

Changan designed the S07 in Turin at its European centre and will have the vehicle engineered for the UK at its Birmingham R&D base after production in China. It will be sold through 20 Changan UK dealerships initially, with plans to expand to 50 dealer sites by the end of 2025, supported by a UK parts hub and a dedicated aftersales network to ensure prompt service. The company notes the S07 has been tested and calibrated for UK conditions more than 150 times to reflect local driving styles and road surfaces.

Inside, the S07 offers a panoramic sunroof, wraparound yacht-inspired detailing, heated and ventilated vegan seats, and a heated steering wheel, along with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. A 14-speaker premium sound system includes a driver’s speaker in the headrest. The interior also centers on an eye-catching 15.6-inch sunflower rotating touchscreen that tilts toward the driver, complemented by gesture recognition and a head-up display with augmented reality navigation. LED ambient lighting adds to the interior ambience.

Changan emphasizes safety and practicality. The S07 carries a five-star Euro NCAP rating and a seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty. The company notes that although the model is Chinese, it has been tested and calibrated in the UK and adapted more than 150 times for local conditions. Nic Thomas, managing director of Changan UK, said: 'The Changan Deepal S07 is designed to make electric driving accessible, enjoyable, and practical for UK consumers. It combines sleek design, intuitive technology designed around the customer, and real-world range with a price point that makes sense. We believe it will truly resonate with British drivers looking for a high-quality EV without compromise.'

Outside styling cues have drawn occasional comparisons to Polestar 4 up front and MG4 at the rear, though Changan promotes the S07 as a distinct design that blends European sensibilities with Chinese engineering. The car’s exterior highlights hidden door handles, a full-width LED light bar, and a bold profile intended to stand out in a crowded EV segment. The S07 is powered by an 80 kWh battery and is positioned as a practical family SUV with a focus on comfort and technology.

Price positioning puts the S07 above some rivals. Its starting price of £39,990 is higher than the Kia EV3 at £32,940 and the Skoda Elroq at £31,710, though Changan points to the S07’s technology load, warranty, and European calibration as differentiators. The company notes its long-standing presence in Europe, spanning more than two decades, and frames the S07 as part of its broader effort to bring reliable, well-supported EVs to the market.

Changan says the S07 reflects a broader strategy of integrating 'seamless innovation' with four decades of manufacturing expertise, and the UK operation points to a two-pronged approach: leveraging European design input while tailoring the vehicle to UK roads and fuels. The rollout underscores a broader push by Chinese automakers to expand beyond price competition into areas such as user experience, software, and aftersales support in Europe.

As Chinese brands increase their footprint in the UK, the S07 adds a new option for buyers seeking a high-tech EV with a substantial warranty and a growing dealer network. The car will be available through 20 Changan UK dealers at launch, with a plan to add more sites later in 2025. For UK buyers, the S07 represents a blend of Chinese manufacturing strength, European adaptation, and a focus on real-world usability in an emerging electric-vehicle market.