S05 REEV

Driving Experience

The car drives very smoothly with soft suspension and light steering that prioritizes ride comfort over sportiness. It's clearly designed for relaxed daily driving rather than spirited handling, though rear-wheel drive does allow for a bit of playful oversteer if you want it.

Pros

• Extensive storage and clever compartments throughout the cabin
• Clean, modern exterior design with hidden door handles
• Touchscreen tilts toward driver for better visibility
• Full ADAS suite as standard
• Range extended engine eliminates charging anxiety
• Panoramic glass roof with powered shade
• Smooth, soft ride quality

Cons

• Steering and suspension tuned too soft for track driving
• Track performance is noticeably compromised by extra weight from engine
• Window controls are reversed from typical orientation
• AC charging at 7 kW is not very quick
• Track handling shows weight transfer issues in corners

Value for Money

You get a genuinely impressive package of technology, comfort, and features without paying premium money. The REEV concept gives you practical range flexibility while the car delivers quality materials, full safety systems, and real usable space for family trips. For what's available in Thailand right now, this represents solid value.

Verdict

If you're shopping in Thailand's B+ SUV EV segment, the Deepal S05 deserves serious consideration. It won't set your heart racing on a track, but as a comfortable, practical, well-equipped daily driver with no range anxiety, it's genuinely worth a test drive.

Driving Experience

The S05 REEV feels more like an electric car than a traditional hybrid when the battery is charged, delivering responsive acceleration and smooth power delivery. Once the battery depletes to around 20%, the engine kicks in seamlessly to charge the battery and power the motor, maintaining that electric feel rather than switching to engine-drive mode like other hybrids.

Pros

• Achieves 1,000+ km range with one tank and one charge in real-world driving
• Smooth acceleration with 320 Nm torque available instantly from the motor
• Operates on electricity alone for city driving, saving fuel significantly
• Quieter than competing Japanese hybrids when the engine does run
• Much better value than equivalent Toyota or Honda models
• Spacious interior with quality materials throughout
• Can handle highway driving without range anxiety

Cons

• Lacks engine braking on steep descents, requiring brake work instead of motor regeneration
• Handling is competent but body roll is noticeable in hard cornering for an SUV of this size
• Rear air conditioning flow isn't as effective as the front
• Adaptive cruise control still feels less refined than some competitors
• No transmission modes for the driver to engage, limiting engagement on fun roads
• Tire pressure felt a bit firm out of the box, affecting ride comfort initially

Value for Money

You're getting a well-equipped REEV with full tech features, comfortable seating for five, and proven range capability at a price well under 1 million baht. Compared to Toyota Corolla Cross and Honda HRV, this offers more technology and practicality for the money, though you'll need to accept a newer brand's service network.

Verdict

The Deepal S05 REEV is a smart choice for Thai drivers who want real-world efficiency without the charging anxiety of a pure EV. It's not the last word in driving dynamics, but the technology works and it delivers exceptional value.