Picture this: 60 football fields of exhibition space in Shanghai’s financial district, thrumming with bass-heavy soundtracks as armies of live streamers broadcast specifications to millions across China. Curtains drop to reveal flying vehicles and batteries that charge in five minutes. But here’s the thing—it’s not GM, Volkswagen, or Tesla commanding the spotlight anymore. China’s electric vehicle vanguard has claimed centre stage, and the rest of the automotive world is scrambling to keep up. This Deepal S07 test drive review emerges from precisely this seismic shift in automotive power—a moment when Singapore’s luxury EV landscape demands closer examination of what China’s latest contender truly offers beyond the marketing spectacle.
This spectacle at Shanghai’s auto show wasn’t just theatre; it was a declaration. China isn’t merely participating in the electric revolution—it’s orchestrating it. And nowhere is this shift more evident than in Singapore, where BYD, Zeekr, and Xpeng have already carved out substantial territory in the luxury EV segment. Into this increasingly crowded field comes another formidable player, and this Deepal S07 test drive review reveals why this particular entry deserves attention beyond the marketing fanfare.
At S$220,999, the S07 doesn’t arrive as a disruptor but as a consolidator—taking the lessons learned from its Chinese siblings’ Singapore successes and refining them into something more nuanced. Built on Changan’s all-electric EPA1 platform yet designed in Turin (a detail that speaks to China’s growing confidence in claiming European design heritage), this mid-sized SUV represents the maturation of China’s automotive ambitions.
Italian Sophistication Meets Chinese Pragmatism
The S07’s proportions immediately signal its intentions. That 4,750mm length and 2,900mm wheelbase achieve what designers call the golden ratio—mathematical harmony that translates into visual satisfaction. More importantly, the 0.258Cd drag coefficient isn’t just impressive on paper; it’s the kind of aerodynamic achievement that matters during Singapore’s daily urban marathons.
Those frameless doors open to reveal what Deepal terms a “yacht-inspired” cabin, and for once, the description isn’t pure marketing hyperbole. Polished wood veneer trims, exquisite leather seats, and 64-colour ambient lighting create an environment that genuinely feels more like a premium lounge than an automotive interior. The panoramic sunroof with electric sunshade counters that claustrophobic sensation common to many SUVs navigating Singapore’s urban canyons.
The 125-litre frunk proves particularly thoughtful for city living—premium storage for items you’d rather not have rattling around during those inevitable Marina Bay traffic crawls. It’s the kind of practical luxury that distinguishes genuine sophistication from mere ornamentation.
Performance Calibrated for Reality
Our Deepal S07 test drive review also underscores its performance credentials that prioritise substance over spectacle. The 160kW peak power and 320Nm torque deliver 0-100km/h acceleration in 7.9 seconds—brisk enough to satisfy, sensible enough to avoid unwanted attention from Singapore’s vigilant traffic enforcement.
That 5.75-metre turning radius transforms urban manoeuvrability from chore to pleasure. Anyone who’s attempted a U-turn on Orchard Road will appreciate engineering that prioritises practical city navigation over straight-line bragging rights. The maximum 180km/h top speed acknowledges Singapore’s reality—sufficient for expressway merging without encouraging recklessness.
The 79.97kWh NMC lithium battery promises 475km WLTP range—more than adequate for Singapore’s geography with buffer for weekend Johor escapes. The 30-80% charge time of 35 minutes using DC fast charging aligns perfectly with Singapore’s expanding charging infrastructure, making range anxiety largely theoretical.
Where China’s Tech Superiority Becomes Obvious
This is where things get genuinely interesting, and where our Deepal S07 test drive review uncovers China’s quiet technological supremacy. While European manufacturers still require touchscreen menu navigation for basic functions, the S07 responds to voice commands with sophisticated understanding. Drive mode selection, mirror folding, climate adjustment—all managed through natural speech.
This isn’t merely convenience; it’s a fundamental rethinking of human-vehicle interaction. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155-powered DEEPAL OS recognises context and intent in ways that make traditional infotainment systems feel antiquated. The 15.6-inch voice-tracking “Sunflower” touchscreen physically follows your voice, creating interaction that feels conversational rather than commanding.
The AR Head-up Display overlays real-time navigation guidance onto actual road conditions. In Singapore’s labyrinthine interchange system, this translates to genuinely helpful rather than merely flashy technology. It’s the difference between innovation for its own sake and innovation that solves actual problems.
Safety Engineering Without the Sales Pitch
Six airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control System—standard premium SUV specifications. What distinguishes the S07 is thoughtful implementation: automatic door unlocking during accidents, 360-degree camera system with transparent chassis imagery, and Level 2 ADAS that works intuitively rather than fighting the driver.
The patented intelligent Battery Control system monitoring battery health represents long-term thinking often overlooked in initial reviews but crucial for Singapore’s tropical climate challenges. It’s the kind of engineering depth that separates serious manufacturers from opportunistic market entries.
Market Context: Beyond the Hype Cycle
The Deepal S07 enters Singapore’s EV landscape not as revolutionary but as evolutionary—the next iteration of China’s automotive confidence. At S$220,999, it positions itself firmly in established luxury territory while offering technology that often surpasses European equivalents.
For Singapore’s affluent EV buyers, previously choosing between Tesla’s tech-forward approach and European traditional luxury, the S07 offers a compelling middle ground: sophisticated technology wrapped in genuine design confidence, priced with the assurance of a brand that understands its worth.
This isn’t the old narrative of Chinese manufacturing copying Western design. This is Chinese innovation setting new benchmarks, then refining them based on real-world market feedback. The S07 benefits from its siblings’ Singapore experiences—BYD’s build quality lessons, Zeekr’s premium positioning insights, and Xpeng’s technology integration successes.
As that bass-thumping Shanghai exhibition demonstrated, the automotive future is being written with Chinese characters. The Deepal S07 suggests that the future is arriving not with revolutionary fanfare, but with the quiet confidence of companies that no longer need to prove themselves—they simply need to deliver.
Ready to experience what automotive maturity looks like when Eastern innovation meets Italian design sensibility? The S07 proves this conversation has moved well beyond its opening act.
