Deepal, a car sub-brand co-created between Changan, Huawei and CATL in China and known domestically as Shenlan, has announced a new, more affordable version of its S7 electric SUV. It is already available for ordering with the same motor power for 179,900 Yuan (U.S. $24,500) – 10,000 Yuan or $1,400 less than the standard version.
The new S7 is 4,750 mm long, 1,930 mm wide and 1,625 mm tall with 2.9 meters of wheelbase. It has five seats inside with no other options and comes equipped with a single electric motor rated at 258 PS (254 hp / 190 kW). The torque peaks at 320 Nm (236 lb-ft), letting the car sprint 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 6.7 seconds. A 66.8-kWh battery lets it cover 520 km (323 miles) on a charge.
To make the new base trim level so affordable, Changan has removed a number of features and options included in the standard trim. The cheapest S7 on the market lacks a wireless phone charger pad, has non-ventilated seats and doesn’t track the driver’s drowsiness. It also has 8 audio speakers instead of 14. On the upside, the 15.6-inch infotainment display stays in place, and so does a 53-inch (projected) heads-up display. The full assist package is still included, too.
The Shenlan/Deepal S7 can be obtained in China with an option petrol engine acting as a range extender. It has 20 horsepower (15 kilowatts) less than the pure EV variant, but gets 1,120 km (696 miles) from a full gas tank. Going forward, Changan plans to release a hydrogen fuel cell version as well.