As a member of the post-90s generation with over a decade in the workforce, the time had come for a vehicle upgrade. My aging gasoline car had nearly 100,000 kilometers on the odometer, with noticeably diminished comfort and fuel efficiency. As electric vehicles become an increasingly common sight on the roads, I felt my own car was falling behind—the moment to embrace new energy had arrived. After comparing several models, I ultimately chose the Deepal S07 215 Max Extended-Range version. Now, one month and over 1,300 kilometers later, I'm sharing my genuine ownership experience.

The Decision: From Hesitation to Resolution

My initial focus was on BYD, given its impressive sales figures. However, being accustomed to the driving position of an SUV, that remained my preferred body style. Upon inspecting the Song L, I found its interior too reminiscent of traditional fuel vehicles—simply outdated—and promptly ruled it out. Walking into a Deepal showroom, the Deepal S07  immediately caught my eye. I had previously thought the Deepal S07  looked somewhat compact, but sitting inside revealed how deceptive its exterior was—the cabin space is remarkably generous, truly befitting its midsize SUV classification. I opted for the external grey and internal orange color scheme: the grey exterior is sophisticated and steady, while the orange interior delivers a vibrant, sporty feel, creating an excellent overall impression.

During an auto exhibition period, the pricing was quite favorable, coupled with a national subsidy. My transition from hesitation to placing an order took less than five minutes—a decision that felt like kismet.

Design & Interior: Substance Meets Style

The grey exterior perfectly aligns with the aesthetic preferences of many in my demographic—dignified and solid. I've added no modifications or accessories; its stock appearance is already highly compelling. Inside, the expansive 10.7㎡ of soft-touch materials ensures nearly every surface your hand contacts is pleasantly soft. More impressively, certain areas utilize 100% suede-like Alcantara—the same material found in the Aito M9—offering a refined, plush texture that feels unexpected for this price point.

My choice of the vibrant orange interior is youthful and stylish, instantly energizing the cabin atmosphere. Its only drawback is a tendency to show dirt, requiring regular upkeep; thus, it might not suit those averse to frequent cleaning. The centerpiece sunflower infotainment screen adds a touch of ceremonial elegance. The combination of the "Starry Sky Rhythm" ambient lighting and "Floating Light Rhythm" speaker lighting creates a travel ambiance filled with romantic interplay of light and shadow, transforming night drives into a moving, intimate lounge experience.

Driving & Comfort: A Chassis with Pleasant Surprises and Minor Letdowns

Compared to my previous gasoline-powered CS75, the Deepal S07  feels noticeably more agile, with responsive acceleration and precise, direct steering. Its rear-wheel-drive configuration provides confident cornering and acceleration, allowing smooth turns with just a slight lift off the throttle instead of heavy braking. That said, the suspension leans toward the firm side. Larger potholes produce a distinct "thud," though speed bumps are handled more gracefully. Versus my old vehicle, its composure on rough roads is significantly improved, minimizing lateral sway and keeping vertical movements well controlled.

The standard adaptive suspension—comparable to systems in premium-class vehicles—integrates FSD variable damping shock absorbers and HRS hydraulic rebound stoppers. Its millisecond-level frequency-based vibration filtration effectively absorbs minor road imperfections, while maintaining stability and composure over larger bumps. A slight drawback emerges at high speeds (above 120 km/h), where a faint "floating" sensation can be detected.

Tech & Intelligence: A Leap from Feature Phone to Smartphone

Coming from a basic, noisy gasoline car, the Deepal's intelligent system represents a quantum leap—like upgrading from a feature phone to a smartphone. The standard inclusion of Huawei's Qiankun ADS SE intelligent driving system is a standout feature. On highways, it capably handles routine lane changes, adhering to speed limits. It even demonstrates a degree of situational awareness, accelerating to keep pace with faster adjacent traffic and shifting away from large trucks when overtaking—mirroring the habits of an experienced driver.

The Smart Parking system supports over 160 scenarios, achieving true "see-it, park-it" capability—a godsend for parking-challenged drivers like myself. However, during urban driving tests, its tendency to brake abruptly for pedestrians or motorcycles can be disconcerting—an area ripe for optimization.

Range & Charging: Erasing Anxiety

My 215-km range version shows 190 km of indicated range when fully charged. With a daily commute of around 55 km—while consistently using climate control, seat ventilation, and audio—the system still displays over 40 km remaining after three days, demonstrating no exaggerated range claims. The 3C fast-charging capability is more than adequate for an extended-range vehicle, typically achieving a full charge in just over ten minutes, eliminating any waiting anxiety. In charge-sustaining mode, fuel consumption is equally satisfying, as low as 4.9L/100km (CLTC). With 92-octane gasoline at approximately 8 RMB/L, the cost per kilometer is merely 0.3 RMB.

Room for Improvement

Naturally, the Deepal S07 isn't without its flaws. Beyond the firm suspension and occasionally jarring urban driving assists, I've encountered minor issues: the AR-HUD occasionally malfunctions (some owners report needing entire instrument panel removal for repairs), the infotainment system sometimes experiences slight lag, the automatic wipers' sensitivity could be improved, and the aforementioned high-speed "boat-like" sensation persists.

Conclusion: A Worthwhile Intelligent Companion

Overall, with its four core values—"Ultimate Luxury, Ultimate Comfort, Ultimate Intelligence, and Ultimate Efficiency & Capability"—the Deepal S07 genuinely redefines the benchmark for intelligent SUVs in the 200,000 RMB category. It's more than mere transportation; it's a smart companion. Transitioning from gasoline to new energy has left me deeply impressed by the rapid, formidable advancement of Chinese automotive technology. If you're seeking a smart SUV around 200,000 RMB that delivers on both style and substance, capable of handling all commuting scenarios, the Deepal S07 is a choice you won't regret.

Frequently Asked Questions :

1.What is the Deepal S07?

The Deepal S07 is a mid-size new-energy SUV under the Deepal brand, a subsidiary of Changan Automobile. It is available in both all-electric and extended-range electric (EREV) variants.

2.What type of battery does the Deepal S07 use?

The vehicle primarily uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. The latest long-range 630 variant is equipped with a 77.94 kWh battery pack, while the extended-range models offer battery capacities of 31.73 kWh and 39.05 kWh, among others.

3.What is the Deepal brand?

Deepal is a new-energy vehicle brand launched by Changan Automobile Group, specializing in battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs).

Note: This account is based on the owner's personal experience one month into ownership. Specific features, performance, and software behaviors may vary and are subject to continuous updates and improvements by the manufacturer.