Deepal S07 Australia Review 2026 – The New Tesla Model Y Competitor with Chinese Twist

The Deepal S07 electric SUV has landed in Australia. Here’s the full 2026 review—range, price, safety, performance, and why it may be the most underappreciated Tesla Model Y competitor Down Under.

A Changing of the Guard – The Story Behind the Deepal S07

Australia has always been a country of rivalries. Holden versus Ford.VB versus XXXX.Sydney versus Melbourne.And now?Tesla versus.everyone else.

Tesla had the EV market tied up tighter than a Bunnings snag in white bread for years. With came BYD, Hyundai, Kia, Volvo, Polestar—they making a charge with their own version of the electric SUV. Now, 2026 rolls out a brand most Aussies have hardly even heard of: Deepal.

Deepal is the high-end electric variant of Changan Automobile, China’s largest carmaker. It may be new here, but Changan sells millions of vehicles annually in its domestic market and already goes toe-to-toe with the world’s heavyweights. The S07 is its flagship for international markets, and Australia was selected as one of its launchpads.

Why Australia? Because our distance, roads, and SUV obsession make us the ideal stress test. If you can get Aussies to give up petrol for electrons, you’ve got it done.

First Impressions – A Car That Doesn’t Look “Budget EV”

Take a stroll around the Deepal S07 and you’ll immediately notice something: it doesn’t shriek “cheap Chinese import.” It appears shiny, far-out, and actually well thought out.

At 4.75m long and 1.93m wide, it’s essentially a clone of the Tesla Model Y in size—though more rounded in curves and gracile in stance. Its front is sleek and under-statement, with thin LED headlights that confer a sporting air. Side on, the flush-fit door handles and coupe roofline are tipping towards luxury, not an own-brand bargain-basement bin-filling attempt.

It feels like a car that belongs in a Westfield car park next to a BMW iX3 or Volvo XC40 Recharge, not out the back of an Aldi clearance bin.

The Interior – Lounge Room on Wheels

Climb inside and you’ll see where Deepal wants to impress. The S07’s cabin is futuristic but warm, like a Scandi lounge had a baby with a sci-fi spaceship.

Rotating 15.6-inch display: It’s not a gimmick. Portrait mode is great for maps, landscape better for films when charging. Think of an iPad on steroids.

AR Head-Up Display: Rather than looking down at the dash, speed and nav indicators hover on the windscreen like holograms. It’s driving in Forza Horizon in real life.

Sony 14-speaker surround system: Audio so crisp you’ll rediscover details in your playlists. (Yes, even in that Powderfinger song you’ve rinsed since 2003.)

Seats: Ventilated for summer, heated for winter, wrapped in synthetic leather that feels more “Audi” than “Aldi.”

Panoramic roof: Opens the cabin up beautifully—though yes, you’ll want good tint for the Aussie sun.

The build quality is no afterthought. The gaps on the panel are close, the plastics are substantial, and all of it moves with a premium weight. For a first-timer, Deepal has aced the initial impression.

Performance – The Sensible Sweet Spot

The thing about this is that the Deepal S07 doesn’t attempt to blow your socks off with hypercar pace. And that’s a good thing.

Beneath the bonnet (actually, beneath the floor) is a 79.97kWh battery powering a 160kW rear motor. The outcome:

0–100km/h in 7.9 seconds. Not Tesla Plaid fast, but plenty quick for passing a caravan on the Bruce Highway.

Top speed 160km/h (not that NSW police will allow you to get anywhere near it).

Range: 475km WLTP, which is more than enough for a Sydney-to-Canberra trip without charging.

Charging is middle-of-the-pack:

Fast DC (92kW): 30–80% in ~35 mins.

Home AC (11kW): Full overnight top-up.

Is it class-leading? No. But it’s realistic, reliable, and good enough for 95% of Aussie drivers.

Safety – Packed With Tech (and ANCAP Approved)

Aussies are naturally cautious about new brands. One thing gets asked first: “Is it safe?”

Deepal did the sensible thing—had it tested by ANCAP in 2024. That immediately dispels doubt.

Safety kit is generous:

AEB with pedal and bike detection.

Blind spot assist + rear cross traffic warning.

Lane keep assist & adaptive cruise on long highway excursions.

360-degree cameras on tricky shopping centre carparks.

Driver fatigue alert (useful on long trips to the Goldie).

Seven airbags with a mid-length one to prevent head impacts.

On paper and in reality, it’s along with Hyundai, Kia, and Tesla.

Everyday Capability – Built for Aussie Families

The S07 is not attempting to be an off-road battleship. It’s not designed for bashing Fraser Island or towing a horse float. What it is, is an urban-friendly, family-sized, weekend-capable electric SUV.

Boot space: Large enough for a Woolies trip or a road-trip requirement of bags.

Back seats: Ample space for teenagers (always the true test).

Ride comfort: Soft enough for highway driving, stable enough for city roads.

Warranty: 7 years/160,000km vehicle + 8 years/240,000km battery. Serious peace of mind.

Bonus: 12 months free public charging using Evie for first buyers.

It’s sensible, decent-sized, and obviously honed for the Aussie market.

Pricing and Availability – The Killing Blow

And here’s the trump card up Deepal’s sleeve: price.

The Deepal S07 starts at $53,900 before on-roads. That’s over $10k more affordable than the base Tesla Model Y and way under the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Kia EV6.

For families seeking a premium experience without the premium price, this is where Deepal delivers its best punch.

Available now in Sydney and Melbourne dealerships, with rollout across Australia through 2025 and 2026.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Beats Tesla and Korean competitors by thousands.

Luxurious interior design with innovative tech.

Impressive 475km real-world range.

Resale-assuring warranty and ANCAP rating.

New styling that doesn’t have a “cheap” look.

Cons:

Charging speeds are slower than Hyundai/Kia.

Brand recognition in Australia might impact resale.

Single powertrain option (for now).

Final Verdict – Should You Take the Leap?

The Deepal S07 isn’t a half-baked effort. It’s a serious, well thought-out, impressively specced electric SUV with a price that’ll leave you wondering whether you’ve read the spec sheet wrong.

It isn’t without faults. It won’t drag like a Tesla. It doesn’t charge quicker than a Kia EV6. And yeah, you’ll have to go through the brand explainer at every barbecue.

But for Australians who want style, range, safety, and value in one package, the S07 hits a sweet spot. It feels like the start of something bigger: the moment the EV market stops being Tesla-centric and starts opening to genuine, well-priced alternatives.

If you’re shopping for a 2026 electric SUV in Australia, the Deepal S07 belongs on your shortlist.