Changan Deepal S07: Chinese Electric SUV Giant Launches in the UK

Changan Deepal S07: A New Electric SUV Contender Arrives in the UK

The UK automotive landscape is about to welcome a significant new player. Changan, one of China’s oldest and largest car manufacturers, is launching its Deepal S07 electric SUV in the UK this September. With a competitive price tag, premium features, and a robust dealer network, Changan aims to challenge established electric vehicle (EV) rivals such as the Tesla Model Y, Volkswagen ID.4, and Skoda Enyaq. This launch marks not only the debut of a new vehicle but also the beginning of Changan’s ambitious growth story in the UK and Europe.

Who Is Changan? Understanding the Brand’s Heritage and Ambitions

Founded in 1862 as an armaments manufacturer, Changan has evolved over more than 160 years into a global automotive powerhouse. The company began producing motor vehicles in 1959 and has since become one of China’s largest carmakers, selling 2.7 million vehicles worldwide in 2023 alone. Changan operates several brands—including Deepal and Avatr—and maintains joint ventures with international giants like Ford and Mazda. Its global reach extends across Asia, the Middle East, Russia, and now, Europe.

Changan’s entry into the UK is part of a broader European expansion strategy. The company has established a European headquarters in Munich and a major research and development (R&D) center in Birmingham, UK, which has been operational for over a decade. This R&D hub employs more than 100 engineers focused on technology advancement and powertrain optimization, ensuring that vehicles like the Deepal S07 are tailored to European tastes and standards.

What Is the Deepal S07? Design, Technology, and Performance

The Deepal S07 is a mid-sized, Italian-designed electric SUV that blends European styling with cutting-edge Chinese technology. Priced from £39,990, it is positioned as a premium yet affordable alternative to established EVs. The S07’s sleek exterior and minimalist interior reflect its design origins in Changan’s Turin studio, aiming to appeal to discerning European drivers.

Under the hood, the Deepal S07 features an 80kWh battery pack paired with a rear-mounted 215bhp electric motor. This setup delivers a WLTP-rated range of up to 295 miles on a single charge and a 0-62mph acceleration time of 7.9 seconds. While its range is slightly less than the Tesla Model Y’s 311–387 miles, the S07’s price undercuts its American rival by over £5,000, making it an attractive proposition for value-conscious buyers.

Charging performance is competitive, with a 10–80% charge taking 48 minutes at a maximum speed of 92kW. Although this is slower than some rivals, it remains practical for most daily needs. The S07’s battery is backed by an eight-year, 120,000-mile warranty, while the car itself comes with a seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty—both strong assurances for new customers.

Inside, the Deepal S07 is packed with high-end features as standard. These include:

• 15.6-inch rotating infotainment touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless charging pad
• Head-up display with augmented reality navigation
• 14-speaker premium sound system with headrest speakers
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Panoramic glass roof
• Powered tailgate
• 360-degree surround-view camera
• Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control, driver fatigue monitoring, and automatic emergency braking

The S07 has also achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, underscoring its commitment to occupant protection and advanced safety technology.

How Is Changan Entering the UK Market?

Changan’s UK launch is distinguished by its focus on accessibility and customer support. The company is partnering with some of the UK’s largest and most reputable dealer groups—including Lookers, Ancaster, Parks, DM Keith, and Stoneacre—to establish a robust retail and aftersales network. At launch, 20 dealerships will be operational, with plans to expand to 50 by the end of 2025. The flagship dealership will be Lookers Star City in Birmingham, reflecting the city’s importance as Changan’s UK R&D base.

Nic Thomas, Changan UK Managing Director, emphasized the company’s commitment to the market:

“The UK is a primary market for Changan. We are not just launching a new car, but a fully capable ecosystem to support it, along with future models for the UK. Having some of the UK’s largest and most reputable dealer groups within the network from the start is a vote of confidence in Changan’s plans for the UK market.”

Changan’s approach includes comprehensive aftersales support, with a European spare parts hub in the Netherlands to ensure efficient service and repairs. The company is also building infrastructure for finance, insurance, and bodyshop repairs, aiming to deliver a seamless ownership experience from day one.

How Does the Deepal S07 Compare to Its Rivals?

The Deepal S07 enters a crowded and competitive segment, going head-to-head with models like the Tesla Model Y, Skoda Enyaq, Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Explorer, and Renault Scenic. Here’s how it stacks up:

• Price: At £39,990, the S07 is more affordable than the Tesla Model Y and XPeng G6, and is priced similarly to the Skoda Enyaq and Hyundai Ioniq 5. The Renault Scenic remains cheaper, but with fewer premium features as standard.
• Range: The S07’s 295-mile range is competitive, though it falls short of the Tesla Model Y’s maximum range. For most UK drivers, this range is more than sufficient for daily use and longer journeys with planned charging stops.
• Charging: The S07’s 48-minute 10–80% charging time is slower than some rivals, but still practical for most users. The charging speed reflects a balance between battery longevity and convenience.
• Features: The S07 stands out with its high level of standard equipment, including luxury touches like a panoramic roof, advanced infotainment, and comprehensive ADAS.
• Warranty: Changan offers generous warranties on both the vehicle and battery, providing peace of mind for early adopters.

Changan’s strategy is to offer a premium, technology-focused experience at a competitive price, targeting both retail and fleet customers. The company expects around 40–50% of sales to come from fleet buyers, reflecting the growing demand for electric company cars in the UK.

Dealer Network: Building Trust and Accessibility

One of the key challenges for new automotive entrants is building customer trust and ensuring nationwide accessibility. Changan is addressing this by partnering with established dealer groups and rapidly expanding its network. By the end of 2025, 50 dealerships will be operational, with ambitions to reach 100 by 2028. The company’s goal is to achieve a 5% UK market share and 100,000 registrations, placing it among the top 10 brands in the country.

Showrooms will initially display three cars, increasing to five or six as the model range expands. Most sites will be multi-franchise locations with clear Changan branding, ensuring visibility and convenience for customers. The company is also investing in training centers and parts warehouses to support its dealer partners and customers.

Changan’s Broader European and Global Strategy

The UK launch is part of Changan’s wider European expansion, which includes operations in Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Denmark. The company’s European headquarters in the Netherlands oversees business operations, while a sales headquarters in Munich supports regional growth. Changan employs around 500 professionals across Europe, including engineers and designers from Italy and the UK.

Changan’s “Vast Ocean Plan” aims to establish a comprehensive European ecosystem encompassing research, production, supply chain, sales, and operations. The company is targeting three million global sales in 2024, with one million being electrified vehicles. By 2030, Changan aims to deliver five million vehicles annually, with three million electrified units.

Leevon Tian, Deputy General Manager of Changan Automobile Europe Holding B.V., highlighted the company’s commitment to aftersales service:

“We are launching a European spare parts hub in the Netherlands to support the dealer network, ensuring efficient after-sales service from the outset.”

Changan’s Deepal brand has seen rapid growth, selling 400,000 battery electric vehicles in just 29 months. In 2024 alone, Deepal sold 240,000 units, reflecting the company’s accelerating transition from internal combustion engines to battery electric vehicles.

What’s Next? Future Models and Expansion Plans

The Deepal S07 is just the beginning of Changan’s UK and European journey. The company plans to introduce the smaller Deepal S05 SUV—available as a fully electric or plug-in hybrid model—later in the year, priced in the mid-£30,000s. A mid-size SUV and the E07 electrified pick-up truck are also in the pipeline. From 2026, the Changan badge will appear on affordable SUVs, initially as plug-in hybrids and hybrids, with battery electric versions to follow. The Avatr brand, focusing on high-end saloon sports cars and luxury SUVs, will join the UK lineup by the end of next year.

Changan is developing a full range of battery electric, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid vehicles within two years, focusing on the popular B to D SUV segments. Globally, the company has 80 products in development, underscoring its commitment to innovation and market responsiveness.

Why Does Changan’s Arrival Matter?

The arrival of Changan and the Deepal S07 in the UK signals a new phase in the country’s electric vehicle market. Chinese manufacturers are increasingly making their presence felt in Europe, bringing competitive pricing, advanced technology, and ambitious growth plans. Changan’s entry follows other Chinese brands like BYD, GWM, Jaecoo, Leapmotor, Maxus, MG, Omoda, Skywell, and Xpeng, all vying for a share of the rapidly expanding EV market.

For UK consumers, this means greater choice, improved value, and accelerated innovation. The Deepal S07’s combination of premium features, competitive pricing, and strong warranties sets a new benchmark for what buyers can expect from electric SUVs. Changan’s focus on building a comprehensive support ecosystem—from dealer networks to aftersales service—aims to address common concerns about reliability and support for new brands.

As the UK moves towards its goal of ending sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035, the influx of new EV brands like Changan is likely to accelerate the transition to electric mobility, benefiting consumers and the environment alike.

In Summary

• Changan, one of China’s largest and oldest carmakers, is launching its Deepal S07 electric SUV in the UK in September 2025.
• The Deepal S07 is priced from £39,990, offering a 295-mile range, premium features, and a strong warranty package.
• Changan is partnering with major UK dealer groups to open 20 dealerships at launch, expanding to 50 by the end of 2025.
• The S07 competes with established EVs like the Tesla Model Y, Skoda Enyaq, and Volkswagen ID.4, offering strong value and technology.
• Changan’s UK launch is part of a broader European expansion, with ambitious plans for future models and market share growth.
• The company’s arrival brings increased competition, choice, and innovation to the UK electric vehicle market.