Deepal S05 revealed ahead of Australian launch, will target BYD Atto 3

The Deepal S05 has been unveiled in China with a raft of technology and cabin upgrades, plus an exterior refresh, ahead of the mid-size electric SUV's Australian debut later this year.

The S05 has been confirmed as the third Deepal model for Australian showrooms, joining the larger S07 electric SUV and the E07 'Multitruck', although exact launch timing, local equipment levels and pricing are yet to be announced.

Key rivals include the BYD Atto 3, priced from $39,990 before on-road costs, the Geely EX5 from $41,990 plus on-roads, and the MG S5 EV from $42,990 plus ORCs.

Originally launched in China in 2024, the S05 now adopts a new 'Flying Shadow' front-end design with 'Deepal Eye' headlights, matching the version already shown on the automaker's Australian website.

Previously announced for a mid-2025 local launch, the S05 is now expected to arrive in Australia by the end of 2026, with Deepal confirming the electric SUV is currently undergoing local testing.

In China, the S05 is priced from ¥129,900 ($27,340), which is slightly more than the Atto 3 – sold there as the Yuan Plus – that starts at ¥119,900 ($25,235).

Under the skin, the updated S05 is powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 200kW and 320Nm, comfortably outgunning the Australian-market S07's 160kW output. Available in China in six model grades, it claims a best 0-100km/h time of 6.3 seconds.

The same powertrain is available with either a 56.12kWh lithium iron phosphate battery offering a claimed 520km CLTC driving range, or a larger 68.82kWh pack extending that figure to 620km on the CLTC test cycle.

The S05 is also offered as an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV), pairing a 175kW electric motor with a 72kW/125Nm 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine.

Inside, frameless doors open to a cabin featuring a 'floating starship' design with leather and woodgrain finishes, a panoramic glass roof, a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, and a column-mounted gear selector.

New LiDAR hardware also joins the technology list, with 26 sensors supporting its advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), including parking assistance and autonomous driving functions.

By comparison, the current Australian-market Deepal S07 relies on cameras and radar for its ADAS suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist and Traffic Jam Assist.

In China, the S05 also comes standard with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist and traffic sign recognition.

Boot capacity has increased from 445 litres to 492L, while the front boot has grown from 125L to 159L.

Additional interior storage has also been added, while the chassis now features adaptive suspension as standard, along with a five-link independent rear suspension.

The S05 is expected to become Deepal Australia's best-selling model. The larger S07 accounted for 522 of the brand's 737 Australian deliveries in the first six months of the year, with the E07 Multitruck making up the remainder.

MORE: Explore the Deepal showroom