mReview: Deepal S05 REEV Max – feature-packed from every angle, exceptional value under 1 Million Baht

Deepal S05 REEV Review: Transitioning from a stylish pure EV SUV to unlocking a range of over 1,000 km.

What’s Great?

• The REEV system battery delivers up to 170 km of pure EV range (NEDC), more than enough for realistic daily commutes.
• The top-spec is so loaded with features it feels like driving a car in the 1.5 million segment.
• Remarkably impressive overall energy efficiency.

What’s Good?

• The engine runs so quietly you barely even notice it working.
• A genuinely practical and versatile SUV in every sense.
• Hands down one of the best-looking designs relative to its price and feature list.

What’s Not Great?

• The absence of a driver instrument cluster behind the steering wheel takes some getting used to.
• The central "Sunflower" screen looks sharp, but front passengers might find it slightly awkward.

The REEV variant of the Deepal S05 uses a motor with slightly lower output than its pure EV counterpart, yet shines with surprisingly pleasant handling. It handles daily office commutes with ease while making weekend family road trips feel effortlessly smooth.

It seems the REEV setup expands more than just driving range, it expands the vehicle's overall versatility. Instead of stressing over range calculations (even if the top BEV trim offers up to 560 km NEDC), you can drive this S05 REEV Max anywhere across Thailand with an impressive energy consumption rate of around 11.4 kWh/100 km... "Remarkably economical given the car's size and whatever cargo you throw at it."

While cornering through twisty roads or making quick steering inputs isn't razor-sharp like a sports car, it still inspires plenty of confidence when needed. Body roll is kept surprisingly minimal, allowing drivers to enjoy a spirited drive every now and then.

P.S. Rear passengers gave a unanimous thumbs-up on this trip, super comfortable, no motion sickness, and ultra-plush seating (though the seatbacks aren't reclinable yet).

Under the bonnet lies a 1.5-litre engine (neatly hidden under a full cover) that acts purely as a generator. It continuously recharges the 27.28 kWh battery pack, which powers the electric motor producing 218 hp and 320 Nm of torque.

That said, you can fast-charge this LFP battery from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes, a quick 30-minute stop at a charging station gets it nearly full. Plus, you get up to 170 km of pure electric range! As a bonus, you can select between EV, Combined, or a "forced-engine" mode to charge the battery on the go and save 100% EV power for your destination.

Sized as a BC-segment SUV, it measures 4,620 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, 1,600 mm tall, with a generous 2,880 mm wheelbase and a ground clearance of 169 mm... offering a very spacious cabin layout.

A quick note on the rear seating area: it is genuinely comfortable. Legroom, knee room, and headroom are plentiful. Even though the seatbacks don't recline, the padding is soft, plush, and supportive, though it remains to be seen whether heavier passengers might experience fatigue on extended long trips.

It's worth noting that its ground clearance sits at a moderate height, enough to negotiate flooded patches or steep speed bumps with ease. While many competitors in this class push towards 190 mm ±, this setup gives the S05 a lower centre of gravity, translating to noticeably greater confidence at highway speeds.

The standard suspension features MacPherson Struts with an anti-roll bar up front and a Multi-Link system at the rear. Riding on 225/60 R18 tyres across all trims (with optional 20-inch wheels available at purchase), it offers a pleasantly supple yet stable ride.

While it can react slightly over sharp bridge joints, it handles impacts admirably compared to many rival Chinese offerings. NVH insulation is well implemented, effectively isolating cabin occupants from road noise and tyre hum.

Looking almost like a twin to its larger S07 sibling (which sits in a higher price tier), the family-focused S05 retains many signature design elements, including full-width light bar taillights, a rear spoiler, and a standard rear window wiper!

For those who love a power tailgate, you'll need to opt for the REEV Max trim, as the entry REEV Plus comes with a standard manual tailgate.

Boot capacity stands at 464 litres, slightly shallower than the pure EV version but still plenty spacious and expands to 1,250 litres with the seats folded down. Naturally, there is no front boot (frunk) since that space houses the generator engine.

The interior of the S05 REEV Max is identical to the BEV model. The top-spec Max includes a Head-Up Display (HUD) for essential driving info, whereas other trims require glancing over at the central display, a minor trade-off in convenience for a clean, sleek dashboard.

Furthermore, the cabin makes extensive use of soft-touch materials throughout (save for a few hidden crevices), strikingly highlighted with orange synthetic leather trim that adds a premium touch.

When it comes to interior equipment, the gap between trims is night and day compared to the base REEV Plus. The Max adds heated and ventilated front seats, memory settings, a front passenger "Queen Seat," a 14-speaker sound system (up from 8), a 50W high-speed wireless phone charger, a panoramic glass roof with an electric shade, and a 15.4-inch "Sunflower" central display that swivels towards the driver.

The front passenger "Queen Seat" comes complete with an electric leg rest, heating, and ventilation, delivering royal-level comfort for your co-driver.

Although it falls under a different tax rate than pure EVs (resulting in a slightly higher starting price), the range starting from 949,000 THB up to 999,000 THB for the REEV Max offers an exceptionally complete package of performance, options, value, and design.

Author’s Note – The Deepal S05 REEV is an impressive extended-range EV capable of over 170 km on pure electric power alone. Offering the versatility to plug in, self-generate power on the move, or simply fill up at petrol stations, paired with commendable efficiency, it delivers outstanding value in its class.

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