Deepal S05

First Impressions

Walking up to the Deepal S05, I was immediately struck by the bold design language. The large triangular logo up front has a shark-like aggressiveness to it, and the overall proportions feel right—compact enough to be nimble, yet substantial enough to work as a family hauler. Compared to something like the BYD Seagull, this feels like a proper little SUV rather than a city runabout. The dual-tone paint options (especially the blue on the top model) give it presence, and the build quality feels solid throughout. Opening the doors reveals a hefty, well-damped action that speaks to attention to detail.

Design and Practicality

Inside, the first thing that strikes you is how thoughtfully the cabin is laid out. The 15.4-inch central screen dominates, but it doesn't feel gimmicky—it serves real functions and handles Apple CarPlay and Android Auto without fuss. The air vents are positioned perfectly for both driver and passenger, and you can independently direct each side's airflow. What impressed me most was the front storage compartment: genuinely large and accessible, with a clever design that's actually useful rather than decorative.

The cup holder testing was genuinely amusing, but it revealed something serious—the designers clearly thought about real-world usage. The back seat is where things get really interesting. I can fit comfortably at 160cm with leg room to spare, and there's a subtle contour to the backrest that actually supports you rather than just existing. The dual-mode seat folding is clever, allowing either standard configuration or a fully flat bed-like setup for camping or loading large items. Storage cubbies flank both back doors, and the overall cabin width feels generous without being cavernous.