2025 Deepal S05: The feature-heavy SUV with affordable AIT
The S05 looks more refined than its bigger sibling, the S07. The larger car looks blocky and upright, while the S05 is rounder, smoother, and more cohesive
Chinese vehicles are no longer just testing the waters in Bangladesh, they're taking over. Where reconditioned Toyotas and Hondas once ruled the roads, names like MG, BYD and now Deepal are filling the space with aggressive pricing, feature-heavy cabins and cars that feel far more modern than the old guard. The latest to arrive is the Deepal S05, a compact SUV that hides some very clever engineering beneath a surprisingly polished body.
The S05 looks more refined than its bigger sibling, the S07. The larger car looks blocky and upright, while the S05 is rounder, smoother, and more cohesive. Think of it as a baby Toyota Harrier, but with a cleaner face and less fuss at the back. The LED headlights integrate neatly into the front, the rear design keeps things uncluttered, and the proportions do the heavy lifting.
Details like flush door handles, subtle chrome trims and a tidy roofline give it a premium edge without drifting into the flashy over-designed territory that so many Chinese EVs fall into. The 18-inch alloys sit just right in the arches, filling them out without looking oversized. It's balanced, confident and actually quite handsome in person.
Step inside and the first impression is quality. The orange-brown trim feels genuinely premium, paired with perforated leather seats that are firm enough for support yet comfortable enough for long trips. Both front seats are powered, heated, ventilated and feature adjustable leg rests, something you don't usually see in this segment. Rear passengers get decent space, proper AC vents and that huge glass roof overhead.
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Then comes the theatre. A 15.4-inch sunflower display dominates the centre, tilting towards the driver or passenger as needed. It's crisp, fast, and loaded with toys: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, customisable wallpapers, and even a horn that doubles as a microphone. Add a 14-speaker sound system, ambient lighting, built-in dashcam, pet and car wash modes, plus a 50-watt wireless charger in the centre console, and the S05 quickly feels like one of the most feature-rich cabins in the class.
But not everything is straightforward. Like other Deepal models, there's no traditional gauge cluster. All the essentials are projected through a head-up display. It's bright, clear and customisable, but a little basic in design. The reliance on the central screen can also be frustrating. From using the screen for climate controls to adjusting the mirrors with steering wheel buttons and using the traditional headlight knob for gear lever — all these take some getting used to and there's definitely a learning curve.
The drivetrain is where things get interesting. The S05 uses a range-extended setup with a 1500cc petrol engine producing 98 hp, but it never drives the wheels. Its only job is to feed power to the 160 kW motor at the rear axle. With a 27.28 kWh LFP battery, you get around 200 km of electric range, while combined range stretches to an impressive 1,234 km.
And the car drives like a proper EV. Power is instant, smooth and addictive, with the S05 feeling planted through corners despite its size. Zero to hundred takes 7.9 seconds, which is quick enough to embarrass most hot hatches, let alone crossovers.
Ground clearance is adequate for Bangladesh's roads too. The weak point is the braking. The pedal feels mushy and never really inspires confidence, especially when paired with such strong acceleration.
Where the S05 really scores in Bangladesh is tax. Unlike EVs, which require absurd advance income tax (AIT) due to their high power output, the S05 falls into the lowest bracket due to its tiny 1500cc engine. That means an AIT of just Tk 25,000, the same as a Toyota Premio and half of what you'd pay for a Corolla Cross. When rivals like the BYD Seal get taxed as if they're 5.0-litre V8s, that single fact makes the S05 far more appealing than it might first appear.
Throw in an eight-year bumper-to-bumper warranty for both the engine and battery and the Deepal S05 starts to make a lot of sense. It isn't perfect. The screen-heavy controls won't suit everyone. But in a market full of safe, predictable choices, this one feels genuinely different.
It looks good, drives like a real EV, and offers more features than anything else at this price. For buyers tired of the same old options, it's worth a serious look.
Specifications
Engine: 1500cc hybrid
Motor: 160 kW (215 hp) electric motor
Battery: 27.28 kWh LFP
Combined Range (CLTC): 1,234 km
Price: Tk51 Lakh
