Deepal E07 review: is this the EV to take on the Toyota Prado and Ford Ranger in one high-tech electric hit?

March 1, 2025February 28, 2025 Toby Hagon 135 Views 0 Comments Deepal, Deepal E07, E07

Look out Toyota and Ford! Newcomer Deepal has a radical take on the ute that infuses plenty of SUV thinking – and it’s coming to Australia in the second half of 2025.

The radical Deepal E07 is heading Down Under, bringing a bold take on an SUV that cleverly packages in elements of a load-hauling ute.

Arriving in Australia under the Deepal brand (overseas it wears Nevo badges, each part of the massive Changan Automobile group), it’s clear this anything-but-conventional five-seater is aiming to blur the lines between an SUV and a ute.

The E07 is available as a pure battery electric vehicle (BEV), which is what’s initially heading our way sometime in the second half of 2025.

But there’s also a range extender hybrid – or extended range EV (EREV) – that packages a 1.5-litre four-cylinder under the bonnet. That engine never powers the wheels, instead only supplying electricity so drivers can travel up to 1000km between refills.

Deepal Australia importer Inchcape says it would like to add the EREV to the E07 mix, providing a point of difference to anything currently on the market.

Deepal E07: price and equipment

There are a lot more details to learn about the Deepal E07, early evaluation versions of which have already lobbed Down Under.

But it’s clear the E07 is about a lot more than just features and tech.

So much of its X-factor comes down to its design, particularly the back-end (we’ll get to that!).

Aussie pricing hasn’t been announced yet but overseas pricing suggests it could land at around $80,000 – although hopefully it’ll come in a bit less. The sweet spot of the EV market is very much south of $70K.

Whatever the price tag expect a high-tech cabin boasting a 15.4-inch central infotainment screen, a digital instrument cluster, electric seats, and over-the-air updates, not to mention a panoramic sunroof that’s part of a clever rear transformation mechanism.

While it packs a generous amount of kit, there’s a catch: like most EVs the underfloor battery means no spare wheel.

Deepal E07: what we think

It’s all about the back end for the Deepal E07.

That said, it’s something of a puzzle getting it to perform its transformation trick.

With a series of button presses and a bit of manual finesse the rump reveals a load area that’s both innovative and quirky.

Press the button at the rear and the small vertical glass panel retracts into the tailgate.

The heavily raked back window then slides up to sit on top of the panoramic sunroof.

You can then extend the rear windscreen to make the rear cargo area fully accessible from the outside.

Behind the folding rear seats is a luggage separator with a built in retracting glass screen.

It allows you to have your load area in the open air while keeping wind and the elements out of the cabin.

Or you can fold that down and let the air in to extend the load area up to the backs of the front seats.

The load space is nowhere near as big as a standard ute, but for functionality and space it beats most SUVs.

We didn’t spend long behind the wheel of the E07 but it was long enough to learn it drives better than your average load lugger..

It’s more SUV-like in the way it steers and goes thanks to independent suspension (most utes have a live axle) and adjustable air springs.

You can raise or lower the ride height and the planted feel with its low centre of gravity – it’s also heavy – aids with stability.

The E07’s dual motor setup, delivering a combined 440kW and 645Nm, provides a lusty surge of energy that belies the vehicle’s weight.

It’d claimed to hit 100km/h in as little as 3.96 seconds and even if it’s a tad slower (which it felt to me) it’ll still destroy most utes and plenty of fancy SUVs.

However, practicality is somewhat compromised by a load space that isn’t quite as robust as a traditional ute and a conversion process that demands a bit of patience.

leaves us wondering if its compromises might limit its appeal to those in need of hardcore utility.

Deepal E07: the verdict

The Deepal E07 is a head-turner with a distinct personality, offering a fresh perspective in a market where tradition and conservative choices dominate.

Yet, its multifaceted design – straddling the line between SUV and ute – means it doesn’t quite nail the strengths of either.

That said, on looks and innovation alone it deserves consideration. And with plenty of tech and above average driving manners it continues to tick boxes.

But a lot of its appeal could come down to its price tag. Too expensive and it could price itself out of a market that is eager for value.

Score: 4/5

2025 Deepal E07 price and specifications
Price: from about $80,000 (estimated)
Basics: EV, 5 seats, 4 doors, crossover/SUV with ute-inspired load space, available in RWD or AWD
Range: Approximately 520km (WLTP; dual motor) / 560km (WLTP; single motor)
Battery capacity: 89.98kWh
Battery warranty: NA
Energy consumption: NA
Motors: choice of a single motor RWD or dual motor AWD delivering 440kW and 645Nm combined
AC charging: NA
DC charging: NA
0-100km/h: 3.96 seconds