Deepal E07

First Impressions

Walking around the Deepal E07 for the first time, it's immediately clear this isn't just another Chinese electric crossover. The design language is intentionally dramatic, with an exceptionally low drag coefficient of 0.237 Cd that shapes every curve and surface. What strikes me most is the rear end — when you open it, the entire cargo area transforms into something resembling a truck bed rather than a traditional SUV boot. This convertible functionality is the E07's signature move, and it completely changes how you think about the vehicle's practicality.

Design and Exterior

The styling is bold without being gimmicky. Up front, the elongated headlight strip runs the full width, and there's an active air intake that closes when unnecessary to aid aerodynamics and keep the battery cool. The 21-inch wheels fill the arches nicely, wearing Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV rubber in 265/45 R21 specification.

It's the rear that makes you do a double-take, though. The clever truck-bed conversion uses a small rear side window that slides forward, and a large main glass panel that lifts up and slides forward, creating an open cargo area that functions exactly like a pickup truck. You lose the sunroof because of this mechanism, but the trade-off is genuinely smart engineering. The third brake light sits up high like a traditional truck, and the whole system feels rugged and weatherproof.

Interior and Technology

Step inside and the cabin feels decidedly premium for an EV in this segment. The 15.4-inch central touchscreen is the first thing you notice — it automatically rotates toward the driver when you open the door, which is a charming detail even if it's more theatrical than essential. Soft-touch materials cover almost every surface you can reach, including the door cards and dashboard trim, though the optional orange Thai silk steering wheel wrap attempts to add flair but feels more generic than special.

The Wireless charging pad is quick, there are two storage cubbies in the console, and the panoramic sunroof opens via a motorized shade. The 18-speaker audio system delivers genuinely impressive sound quality. The ambient lighting offers 256 color options across the cabin, though I miss a conventional instrument cluster — instead, a head-up display shows speed and drive mode, requiring you to constantly glance upward rather than down, which isn't ergonomically ideal.

Powertrain and Performance

The Performance variant tested here runs dual motors producing 598 horsepower and 690 Nm of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 3.96 seconds. That's genuinely quick. The base rear-wheel-drive version uses a single 342 horsepower motor and manages 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds — still respectable for a family SUV.

All variants share an 89.96 kWh battery, with claimed range reaching 640 km on the rear-wheel-drive version and 590 km on the Performance model using the NEDC cycle. Real-world testing suggests you'll see roughly 400 km of actual range, so budget accordingly. DC fast charging maxes out at 240 kW, which is reasonably quick if not class-leading. Battery management appears solid, with active cooling via the intake system.

Driving Experience

Here's where my enthusiasm becomes complicated. On smooth roads at steady speeds, the E07 is genuinely comfortable. The cabin is quiet, the ride is forgiving, and it feels like a proper family cruiser. But as soon as you explore the chassis harder, problems emerge.

The Performance variant uses air suspension that feels excessively soft and floaty. Pitch into a corner and the nose rises visibly while the rear stays planted in the classic Chinese air suspension manner. It's like driving a speedboat — you feel completely detached from the road. Sport mode stiffens things up but merely adds harshness without adding composure. The double-wishbone front and multilink rear setup is sound, but the suspension tuning prioritizes comfort to a fault. The base model uses conventional springs and should handle better, but I haven't tested that yet. For daily driving at moderate speeds, it's perfectly adequate. Push harder and it becomes a compromise.

Value for Money

Priced competitively against Japanese hybrid SUVs and Chinese EV rivals, the E07 genuinely offers more versatility than any direct competitor. The dual-purpose design — functioning as both a conventional SUV and a practical truck — is unique in this segment. Build quality throughout is surprisingly solid, with materials that feel more premium than the price suggests. You get a massive touchscreen, dual motors on the Performance variant, decent range, and a cabin that doesn't feel cost-cut. The question is whether that truck bed functionality appeals to your real-world needs.

Final Verdict

The Deepal E07 is a genuine alternative if you want something genuinely different from the conventional SUV formula. Its transformative rear end, attractive design, and versatile interior make it compelling for families, campers, and anyone who occasionally needs pickup truck practicality.

My only real reservation is the suspension tuning on the Performance variant, which prioritizes comfort to the point of wallowing. If you don't drive aggressively and value that truck bed functionality, the E07 delivers impressive value. It's not perfect, but it's definitely interesting — and in a segment drowning in look-alike competitors, that matters.