Deepal S07

First Impressions

I've been waiting for this moment. The Deepal S07 launched with a lot of promise but stumbled out of the gate with one critical flaw: the suspension was bouncy, unsettled, and left buyers either tolerating a compromised ride or spending another 50,000-60,000 baht on aftermarket dampers. That bothered me then, and it should have bothered the manufacturer. You don't sell a finished car that needs fixing before it's worth living with.

So when I heard the 2025 model year got a complete suspension retune, I had to see it for myself. The price also dropped by 300,000 baht, landing at 1,990,000 baht. On paper, that's compelling. In person? Even better.

Design and Exterior

The styling is unchanged—and honestly, it doesn't need to be. The S07's proportions are well-balanced for a compact family SUV: muscular shoulders, clean surfacing, and a modern face. The design department did add a few tweaks to the rear light cluster and adjusted the wheel design, but these are minor refreshes.

What matters more is the overall stance. The suspension tuning brought the car lower and firmer, so it looks more planted and less jittery than the model I tested before. The 255/45 R20 tires in their new design also contribute to that purposeful presence.

Interior and Technology

Step inside and nothing has fundamentally changed—which is fine, because the original layout is spacious and thoughtful. The cabin still wears that warm orange-brown trim that some will love and others won't. Build quality feels solid throughout: soft-touch plastics, proper stitching, and switches that don't feel cheap.

The eight-inch touchscreen is responsive and intuitive, with smartphone integration and an AI assistant that actually works. The "Sunflower" dashboard tilts toward the driver—a small touch that makes sense. You get wireless charging, two cup holders (though they're a bit shallow), and a panoramic sunroof with a powered sunshade. The rear passengers appreciate the climate zone dedicated to them and the ability to open the shade from the back seats.

One real frustration: USB-C charging on the rear center armrest comes with only one port. In 2025, that's not enough for most families.

Driving Experience

This is where the 2025 model proves the brand was listening. The new suspension geometry and damper tuning have transformed the driving character completely. Where the old car wallowed and pitched, this one sits flat and composed. Corners are handled with real precision; there's no more headtossing or unsettling movements.

In Comfort mode at normal speeds—0-110 km/h, which covers 99 percent of Thai driving—the car feels like a refined family hauler. The electric motor delivers 258 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque instantly, and acceleration is predictable and smooth. There's no drama, just competent forward momentum.

Switch to Sport mode and the response gets sharper, the steering firms up slightly, and the whole car feels tighter. But let's be clear: this isn't a sports car. The suspension is tuned for comfort and control, not lap times. Push it hard beyond 130 km/h and you'll feel the rear stepping out—understeer and oversteer are both in the mix. But for real-world driving? It's lively enough and never unsettling. The steering weight is just right, not heavy, not feather-light. Braking is decisive; the regenerative system works smoothly and doesn't feel abrupt.

Battery, Charging, and Range

The battery swap from NMC to LFP chemistry is the headline upgrade. Capacity stays roughly the same—68.8 kWh versus the old 66.8 kWh—so range doesn't change much (still around 400 km per charge). But the charging speed jumped dramatically from 87 kW to 167 kW, which is genuinely useful on longer trips.

LFP chemistry also brings durability benefits: these cells are more resistant to degradation and thermal stress, so they'll hold up better in Thailand's heat. The trade-off is the warranty got trimmed—from 8 years/200,000 km to 8 years/160,000 km. That's less appealing, but the tech itself is sound.

Value and Competition

At 1,990,000 baht with a freshly tuned chassis, this S07 is now genuinely competitive in the compact electric SUV space. It competes against vehicles like the MG5 (which is a sedan), the Li Auto C10 (larger and pricier), and imported rivals that cost considerably more.

Yes, the warranty was cut. Yes, some equipment budgets were trimmed. But the core product—a spacious, well-equipped family SUV that now drives competently—has been sharpened, not compromised. For value-conscious buyers who care about interior space, tech, and real-world comfort over track-day credentials, it's genuinely hard to dismiss.

Final Verdict

The Deepal S07 2025 is the car this nameplate should have been from day one. The suspension tuning alone justifies the model year designation; it transforms the driving experience from frustrating to genuinely enjoyable for family use. Throw in the 300,000 baht price cut, the faster charging, and the fact that this brand is now demonstrably listening to market feedback, and you've got a compelling argument.

Should you buy it? If you want a spacious, practical electric SUV with good tech, quick charging, and real-world composure—and you don't need the ultimate in dynamic handling or the longest warranty—then yes. This is a serious option that deserves test drive attention. Chinese automotive brands are adapting fast, and this is evidence they understand what Thai buyers actually need.