Changan Deepal S05 review

Simple run-down this. The rear-wheel drive car costs £37,990 and the all-wheel drive one costs £39,990. That’s it. There’s one trim level, and it gets everything.

Everything?

Everything. Well, everything that Changan offers. You’re going to ask us for a list now aren’t you?

Yup.

Right, deep breath. The S05 comes with 20in wheels, LED daytime running lights, the trick, 2.5k resolution touchscreen and HUD setup, voice and gesture control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android auto (and a 50W wireless charging pad), heated and vented front seats (with the passenger’s chaise lounge gizmo), ambient lighting, 14-speaker sound system, keyless entry and intelligent cruise control.

Changan also prides itself on the breakneck rollout of its over-the-air support. A bug reported on Monday can be fixed and circulated to customers by Friday. They call it ‘Chinaspeed’. Sounds like a Grand National winner.

Then there’s the active safety tech. There are 17 systems that fall under Changan’s FutureSense 2.0 umbrella, including all the usual suspects and an armada of cameras that give you a transparent view of the car to help with parking or mild off-roading.

Sweet. Any options?

There are precisely two: the panoramic roof (£1,000) and towbar (£600). Bosh. And if you’re reading this in March 2026, Changan is giving early customers the former free of charge. You get a choice of five exterior colours (silver, grey, white, black and blue), and two interiors — black or orange. All are included in the price, so no having to fork out extra for Anything But The Dullest One.

What should I get, RWD or AWD?

We’ve only driven the former, but can’t imagine a scenario in which you’d need the extra power or speed. Unless you have a caravan addiction, go rear-wheel drive.