Deepal S05 REEV
2026 Suv · ฿919,000 – ฿969,000 · 7.5/10 avg from 2 reviews
autolifethailand official
1.2M subscribers·1 year ago·
TH
Deepal S05 REEV Proves Chinese Hybrid Technology Can Match Japanese Rivals
Hybrid ญี่ปุ่นเหนื่อย!!พิสูจน์ Deepal S05 REEV ได้แรง ได้ประหยัด ได้วิ่งไฟฟ้าล้วน แถมราคาได้
After driving the Deepal S05 REEV from Bangkok to Phuket and back, I'm genuinely impressed. This car delivered over 1,000 km on a single tank and charge—something I didn't think possible. It's smoother and more responsive than comparable Japanese hybrids, though the chassis needs a bit more refinement for hard cornering.
The 1,000 Km Challenge
I set out to prove whether the Deepal S05 REEV could truly deliver its promised range on a single tank and single charge. Starting from Bangkok with a full battery (207 km range) and full fuel tank (45 liters), I drove to Phuket and back to Phang Nga, covering 970 km. With 60 liters of fuel remaining in the tank and 40 km of battery reserve left, I'd effectively proven the car could exceed 1,000 km. In real-world highway driving at 110-120 km/h with mixed city sections, fuel consumption averaged around 4.8 liters per 100 km. That's legitimate efficiency for a vehicle with both an engine and motor driving a 2,000 kg SUV.
How The REEV System Actually Works
Unlike traditional hybrids where the engine can directly drive the wheels, the S05 REEV only uses its 1.5-liter petrol engine to generate electricity. In the first 160-180 km, the system forces you to use electricity only, then switches to a parallel hybrid mode once the battery drops to around 20%. Even then, the engine only charges the battery and powers the motor—it never engages the wheels directly. This approach feels fundamentally different from a Toyota Corolla Cross or Honda HRV. When accelerating hard, you get instant electric torque (320 Nm total) with no delay. The transition between modes is seamless, with no audible gear hunting or hesitation.
Real-World Driving Impressions
The steering is direct and responsive, though not as sharp as an MG4. In normal mode, acceleration feels almost as eager as a pure EV—press the throttle and it responds immediately. The chassis is competent rather than sporty; body roll is noticeable in tight corners, and there's no engine braking on descents, so you need to modulate the brake pedal yourself. Cornering confidence is adequate for everyday driving at legal speeds, but push harder and you'll feel the SUV's mass working against you. In city traffic, a major advantage emerges: when you're stuck in bumper-to-bumper congestion, the engine stays off entirely, using only battery power. This is where REEV technology genuinely beats traditional hybrids. The longer you sit in traffic, the more fuel you save.
Interior, Tech, and Practicality
The cabin is spacious with comfortable seating for five and a large touchscreen offering familiar smartphone integration via wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, and ambient lighting give it a premium feel. Rear air conditioning could be stronger during the hot Thai climate, and tire pressures arrived set quite firm at 38 psi, making the ride feel taut. After adjusting to 36-37 psi, comfort improved noticeably. The adaptive cruise control works adequately on straight stretches but feels cautious in complex traffic scenarios with tighter margins—it occasionally disengages when another vehicle drifts too close, placing the burden back on the driver.
Compared to Japanese Rivals
Against the Toyota Corolla Cross, the S05 REEV delivers better acceleration, quieter operation, and superior efficiency at highway speeds where the Corolla's engine stays engaged. Compared to the Honda HRV, the Deepal offers more interior space, more equipment, better throttle response, and similar handling manners, though the HRV has a more composed chassis setup. Where the HRV gains an advantage is engine braking on descents thanks to its traditional gearbox—the REEV's lack of this capability on long downhill sections means more brake wear and requires more driver skill to manage safely.
Final Verdict
The Deepal S05 REEV is a clever machine that genuinely works in real-world conditions. It's not a sports car, and the chassis isn't groundbreaking, but the powertrain technology proves capable and the value proposition is compelling. For Thai buyers who value efficiency, practicality, and proven technology at a competitive price, this is a credible alternative to established Japanese competition. Just don't expect it to match the long-term service infrastructure or chassis refinement of Toyota or Honda—yet.
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
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.”
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