Changan Deepal S05 Ultra plug-in hybrid now on sale
Chinese car brand Changan has introduced the Deepal S05 Ultra, a plug-in hybrid SUV that uses its petrol engine primarily to generate electricity rather than drive the wheels.
The system is similar in principle to the e-Power technology used in the Nissan Qashqai, where an electric motor drives the wheels and a petrol engine generates electricity. However, unlike the Nissan, the Changan can be plugged in to recharge its larger battery, allowing it to cover longer distances on electric power alone.
The S05 Ultra is Changan’s first plug-in hybrid model in the UK, joining the all-electric Deepal S05 and larger S07 in the brand’s line-up.
A 172kW electric motor drives the front wheels in almost all situations, while a 1.5-litre petrol engine generates electricity to power the motor or recharge the battery. Unlike the Qashqai e-Power, the Changan’s petrol engine can also connect directly to the wheels when additional performance is required at higher speeds.
Together, the two power sources produce 255hp, allowing the S05 Ultra to accelerate from 0–62mph in 7.9 seconds.
Electric range and charging
The S05 Ultra uses an 18kWh battery, providing up to 62 miles of electric-only driving. With a full battery and a full petrol tank, Changan quotes a combined driving range of up to 648 miles.
Drivers can choose between several energy management settings, including an electric mode, an automatic hybrid mode and a setting that preserves battery charge for later in the journey.
Unlike many plug-in hybrids, the S05 Ultra also supports DC rapid charging. Its maximum charging rate of 55kW allows the battery to be replenished from 30% to 80% in approximately 15 minutes. It can also charge at up to 11kW using an AC charger.
Changan quotes combined fuel economy of 139mpg, although this figure assumes regular charging and a significant proportion of driving on electric power. With the battery depleted, the official figure falls to 52mpg.
Equipment and practicality
The S05 Ultra shares its exterior design and much of its interior with the all-electric S05, including frameless doors, flush door handles and a 15-inch central touchscreen.
Boot capacity stands at 552 litres, with an additional 60 litres of underfloor storage. The rear seats fold flat to increase luggage space to 1,310 litres, while maximum braked towing capacity is 1,600kg.
Two trim levels are available. The entry-level ‘Pro’ includes synthetic leather upholstery, electrically adjustable front seats, a 360-degree parking camera, adaptive cruise control and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The more expensive ‘Max’ adds heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, wireless phone charging and an upgraded 14-speaker sound system. Its central touchscreen can also tilt towards the driver or front passenger.
Changan says the S05 Ultra comes with 17 driver assistance systems and has achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
UK pricing and availability
The Deepal S05 Ultra is available through Changan’s UK dealer network, with prices starting at £33k for the Pro and £35k for the Max.
Optional extras include a panoramic glass roof, larger alloy wheels and a detachable tow bar. All models come with a seven-year/100,000-mile vehicle warranty and an eight-year/124,000-mile battery warranty.
Related posts
Latest Post
No Comments