Deepal S05 Expert Review: Pakistan’s First Range-Extended SUV
This past year, Deepal has been one of the most talked-about names in Pakistan’s electric vehicle space.
With global acclaim for its design and an innovative powertrain designed to reduce range anxiety, the Deepal S05 arrives in Pakistan as a range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) that promises long-distance capability without sacrificing an EV-like driving experience.
In this expert review, we dissect the most important aspects of the Deepal S05, from design and interior tech to real-world performance and ownership cost.
Deepal S05 Overview
Unlike traditional hybrids or retrofitted EVs, the Deepal S05 is engineered on a pure EV architecture with a range-extender engine that acts as a generator. This lets the vehicle primarily run on battery power, with the petrol unit charging the battery as needed. This setup aims to deliver a smooth, efficient and refined experience that bridges electric driving with the flexibility of conventional fueling.
Key Specs at a Glance
- Powertrain: REEV (battery + generator petrol engine)
- Horsepower: 204 hp
- Torque: 340 Nm
- Pure Electric Range: 170 km (claimed)
- Combined Range: 1,000+ km (claimed)
- Fuel Tank: 45 L
- Seating Capacity: 5 passengers
- Boot Space: 492 L
Exterior: Futuristic Design
The Deepal S05’s design language leans heavily into a futuristic, spacecraft-inspired aesthetic; a standout trait rarely seen in its segment. With clean lines, frameless windows, hidden door handles, and bold LED lighting elements, the S05 immediately attracts attention on the road.
Its wide stance and long wheelbase not only make for a commanding presence but also translate into tangible benefits inside the cabin.
Interior & Tech Highlights
With a minimalist yet premium layout, the S05 uses large screens and digital interfaces rather than traditional buttons.
Key interior highlights include:
- 15.4-inch Sunflower touchscreen with adaptive orientation.
- Heads-Up Display with AR navigation for key driving info.
- 14-speaker premium audio system, perfect for music lovers.
- 64-color ambient lighting, which can be static or dynamic based on mood.
- 50W wireless mobile charging for device convenience.
The cabin is spacious thanks to the longest wheelbase in its class, and the sophisticated digital layout helps create a premium “cockpit feel” that’s a step ahead of many competitors.
Powertrain & Real-World Driving
The Deepal S05’s unique selling point is its range-extended propulsion system. Instead of relying solely on a battery charged from an outlet, the car uses a petrol engine as a generator that replenishes the battery as needed, meaning you don’t have to constantly hunt for charging stations.
This setup provides:
- A battery-first driving experience in cities.
- Continuous range for long trips without range anxiety.
- Quiet, EV-like acceleration and smoother power delivery.
In real-world testing across city and highway use, the S05 covered over 1,000 km on just about 45 litres of petrol and some electricity, translating to an approximate cost of around PKR 13 per km in city conditions, remarkably efficient compared to many petrol SUVs.
If you’re considering an SUV that blends technology, economy, and real-world usability, the Deepal S05 deserves a spot on your test-drive list.
