Changan Autos has become one of the fastest-growing automotive manufacturers in the world, with a reputation for producing innovative, affordable, and reliable vehicles. Based in China, Changan Automobile is one of the country’s largest and oldest automobile manufacturers, with a history dating back over 150 years. Today, Changan produces a wide range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, electric vehicles (EVs), and commercial vehicles, making it a global player in the automotive industry.
In recent years, Changan has made significant strides in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, capitalizing on the global shift towards cleaner and more sustainable mobility solutions. With an expanding portfolio of EVs, including the recent launch of the Changan Deepal S05, the company is pushing the boundaries of innovation while maintaining a focus on quality and affordability. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into Changan’s history, its latest developments, and the future direction of the brand, especially in the realm of electric vehicles.
A Brief History of Changan Autos
Founded in 1862, Changan started as a military supply company before transitioning into automobile manufacturing in the 1950s. Over the decades, Changan grew from a domestic manufacturer into a global automaker, producing millions of vehicles for markets worldwide. By the early 2000s, Changan had established joint ventures with major global brands like Ford, Mazda, and Suzuki, helping the company expand its product offerings and improve its technological capabilities.
Today, Changan is known for producing high-quality vehicles that cater to a wide range of consumers, from affordable compact cars to luxury SUVs. The company has a strong presence in China and is actively expanding into international markets, particularly in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Its vision is to become a global leader in the automotive industry, particularly in the electric vehicle sector, which is a central focus of its long-term growth strategy.
Changan’s Expansion into Electric Vehicles
As the world moves towards more sustainable transportation, Changan has embraced the electric vehicle revolution. The company has invested heavily in research and development, leading to the creation of its Deepal sub-brand, which focuses exclusively on EVs. This sub-brand is part of Changan’s broader plan to become a leading player in the global electric vehicle market.
The Changan Deepal S05: A Game Changer
The Changan Deepal S05, launched in October 2024, represents the company’s most ambitious electric vehicle to date. The Deepal S05 is designed to compete with other electric sedans in the compact segment, offering advanced technology, impressive range, and a sleek, futuristic design. With the launch of the S05, Changan aims to challenge established players in the EV market, such as Tesla, NIO, and BYD.
Let’s take a closer look at what the Changan Deepal S05 brings to the table:
Design and Styling: Sleek and Futuristic
The Changan Deepal S05 stands out with its modern, sleek design that is both aerodynamic and visually appealing. The exterior features sharp lines, a bold front fascia, and slim LED headlights that give the car a futuristic look. The absence of a traditional grille, common among electric vehicles, further accentuates its electric nature. The smooth, flowing contours help reduce drag, enhancing the vehicle’s overall efficiency.
User Feedback on Design
- “The Deepal S05 looks like something out of a science fiction movie. It’s sleek and modern, with a futuristic design that makes it stand out on the road.”
- “I love how the S05 has such clean lines. It’s an electric car, but it doesn’t scream ‘EV’—it just looks sophisticated and stylish.”
The minimalist design approach continues in the rear, with a full-width LED taillight bar that adds to the car’s high-tech appearance. Overall, the S05 is designed to appeal to younger, tech-savvy consumers who are drawn to modern aesthetics and innovative features.
Interior: Tech-Driven and Comfortable
Inside the Changan Deepal S05, the cabin is a blend of advanced technology and comfort, making it ideal for daily commuting as well as long-distance travel. The dashboard is dominated by a large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which integrates all of the car’s controls, including navigation, media, and climate control. The interface is sleek and user-friendly, with high-definition graphics and responsive touch controls.
Technology and Connectivity
The S05 is packed with advanced technology features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, ensuring that drivers stay connected at all times. The infotainment system also includes voice command features, allowing drivers to control various aspects of the car using voice commands. The system is also equipped with over-the-air (OTA) updates, ensuring that the vehicle’s software remains up to date with the latest features and improvements.
In terms of connectivity, the S05 comes with 5G network compatibility, allowing for faster data transmission, improved navigation, and enhanced infotainment options. Additionally, the S05 includes a 360-degree camera system, which provides a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle to assist with parking and tight maneuvers.
Spacious and Comfortable Cabin
Despite being a compact sedan, the Changan Deepal S05 offers a surprisingly spacious interior. The seats are upholstered in high-quality materials, and both the front and rear seats provide ample legroom and headroom, making it comfortable for long drives. The panoramic sunroof further enhances the sense of space and openness inside the cabin, providing a premium feel.
User feedback on the interior has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the high level of comfort and the tech-forward cabin layout.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
The Changan Deepal S05 is powered by an advanced electric drivetrain that offers impressive performance while maintaining high levels of efficiency. The S05 is available in two variants: a standard version with a single electric motor and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant with dual motors for enhanced performance.
Electric Powertrain and Range
The standard version of the Deepal S05 is powered by a 150 kW electric motor, which delivers swift acceleration and a smooth driving experience. The AWD variant, which features dual motors, produces a combined output of 250 kW, offering quicker acceleration and enhanced handling, making it ideal for those who prioritize performance.
One of the standout features of the Changan Deepal S05 is its impressive range. The vehicle is equipped with a high-capacity 80 kWh lithium-ion battery, which provides a range of up to 550 kilometers on a single charge, making it one of the longest-range electric sedans in its class. This makes the S05 ideal for both city driving and long-distance road trips.
Fast Charging and Battery Technology
The Deepal S05 supports DC fast charging, allowing the battery to be charged from 20% to 80% in just 30 minutes. For those using standard home chargers, the S05 can be fully charged overnight, making it convenient for daily use.
In terms of battery technology, Changan has incorporated advanced thermal management systems to ensure that the battery operates efficiently in all weather conditions. This helps to prolong the battery’s lifespan while ensuring consistent performance even in extreme temperatures.
Safety Features: Comprehensive Protection
Changan places a strong emphasis on safety, and the Deepal S05 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. The vehicle is built on Changan’s latest electric vehicle platform, which has been designed to offer maximum crash protection.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
The Changan Deepal S05 features a full range of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), including:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Blind Spot Detection (BSD)
- Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
These systems work together to provide a safe and stress-free driving experience, particularly on highways and in congested traffic conditions. The automatic emergency braking system is particularly useful in preventing collisions, as it can detect both vehicles and pedestrians and apply the brakes if necessary.
User Reviews: What Do Owners Think of the Deepal S05?
Initial user feedback for the Changan Deepal S05 has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly in terms of design, technology, and driving performance. Many owners have expressed satisfaction with the vehicle’s sleek design, long electric range, and high-tech interior.
Positive Reviews
- “The Deepal S05 has exceeded my expectations. It’s not only stylish but also incredibly smooth to drive. The range is fantastic, and the fast charging feature is a game-changer.”
- “I’m very impressed with the cabin layout and the quality of the materials used. The infotainment system is intuitive, and I love that it gets over-the-air updates.”
Areas for Improvement
Some users have mentioned that while the Deepal S05 offers excellent features for the price, there is room for improvement in certain areas, such as ride comfort on rough roads and the availability of service centers in certain regions. However, most agree that these issues are minor compared to the overall value the S05 offers.
Changan’s Vision for the Future: Electrification and Global Expansion
Changan’s vision for the future is centered around electrification and global expansion. The company has set ambitious goals to electrify its entire lineup, with plans to introduce more electric vehicles (EVs) under the Deepal sub-brand in the coming years. Changan also aims to strengthen its global presence by entering new markets, particularly in Europe and North America, where demand for electric vehicles is growing rapidly.
Changan is also investing in autonomous driving technology and aims to launch vehicles with Level 3 autonomy by 2025. This will further enhance the brand’s reputation as a leader in automotive innovation.
Final Thoughts: Is Changan Autos a Brand to Watch?
With its focus on innovation, electrification, and global expansion, Changan Autos is undoubtedly a brand to watch in the coming years. The launch of the Changan Deepal S05 demonstrates the company’s commitment to producing high-quality electric vehicles that cater to modern consumer demands for sustainability, technology, and performance. Whether you’re in the market for an affordable electric vehicle or looking for a reliable family car, Changan offers a wide range of options that are set to make a mark on the global automotive industry.