Get ready for another player in the Malaysian automotive scene as Chinese marque Deepal is set to make its local debut in mid-2025. Deepal is a subsidiary of Changan Automobile, one of China’s largest state-owned carmaker.
Deepal will be represented locally by Bermaz Changan Sdn Bhd (BCSB), a newly incorporated subsidiary of Bermaz Auto (BAuto) which holds an 85% stake in the company. The new subsidiary, BCSB, will be responsible for all aspects of Deepal’s operations in Malaysia, including distributorship, sales, spare parts, and aftersales services.
The first Deepal models to debut in Malaysia are the Deepal S05 and Deepal S07, as revealed by Changan Auto Southeast Asia President, Shen Xing Hua, in the press release. The two SUVs are expected to be imported (CBU) from Rayong, Thailand, where Changan Automobile is currently constructing its first overseas production facility. Production at the new plant is expected to begin in early 2025.
With an annual production capacity of up to 100,000 vehicles in “Phase 1” of the project, the plant in Rayong will act as Changan Automobile’s right-hand drive hub. It will produce battery electric vehicles (BEV), plug-in hybrids (PHEV), and extended-range EVs (EREV) for brands under its ownership, to be sold in Thailand as well as other export markets, including Malaysia.
Both the Deepal S05 and Deepal S07 are available as either a BEV or an EREV. In BEV guise, the Deepal S07 is equipped with a 66.8 kWh battery pack for a NEDC-rated range of 485 km.
In EREV guise, the Deepal S07 is equipped with either an 18.99 kWh, 31.73 kWh or 39.05 kWh battery pack and a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine to only recharge the battery for a range of 1,045 km, 1,130 km or 1,200 km.
Currently exclusive to the Chinese market, the Deepal S05 features a 56.12 kWh battery pack, providing a CLTC-rated range of 510 km. A rear-mounted electric motor delivers 238 hp and 320 Nm.
With a launch slated for mid-2025, it remains to be seen whether Deepal will launch the S05 and S07 in both BEV and EREV guise to compete with the growing list of Chinese hybrid electric models, such as the GWM Haval H6 HEV and the upcoming Jaecoo J7 PHEV.
