Tesla is the longstanding benchmark in the electric vehicle (EV) market, but there are loads of new competitors attempting to claim its crown.
Tesla Model Y 
Deepal S07
The Model Y mid-sized SUV, which launched locally in 2022, has become the world’s best-selling EV, closely followed by the Model 3 sedan. That’s also the case in Australia, even if the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid beat the Model Y to become the nation’s most popular privately purchased vehicle, mid-sized SUV, and SUV overall in 2024.
Tesla’s uninspiring exterior designs and minimalist interiors may not be to everyone’s liking, but that didn’t stop the Model Y and Model 3 winding up as the 11th and 18th best-selling cars in Australia last year, even as demand waned.
Being at the top gives something for rival brands to aim for, and there’s fierce competition coming out of China in particular. Once such brand is Deepal, owned by the state-owned Changan Automobile company.
The brand launched in Australia in late 2024, via Subaru and Peugeot importer Inchcape, and it brought with it only one model: the S07.
Tesla Model Y 
Deepal S07
Like the Model Y, the Deepal S07 is a mid-sized electric SUV, but it’s priced closer to $50,000 before on-road costs. It has a lot to prove, but if it’s successful it’ll pave the way for other Deepal models like the L07 electric sedan to also make their way Down Under.
There’s a catch though, because while the Model Y is currently only $2000 more expensive than the S07 at base level, the recently revealed 2025 Model Y facelift will come with sharp price increases along with updated looks and tech.
Deepal will therefore need to keep a close eye on the Model Y to ensure its S07 remains competitive. Both models will face off with similar range, powertrains, and standard tech, making electric SUV buyers more spoilt for choice than ever.
If you’re wondering how the new S07 stacks up against the segment leader, here’s how they compare on paper.
Interested in buying a Tesla Model Y or Deepal S07? Get in touch with a dealer by clicking the links
Pricing
The base price difference between the Deepal S07 and Tesla Model Y may only be $2000 at the moment, but once the updated MY25 Tesla arrives in the coming months that gap will grow to nearly $10,000.
Tesla Model Y 
Deepal S07
Tesla’s entry-level Model Y RWD Launch Series is slated to cost $63,400 before on-roads, while the Long Range AWD will be priced at $73,400 before on-roads. Those are increases of $7500 and $3500 respectively over the current model.
The S07 is only available here in one variant, and it costs $53,900 before on-roads.
Also in the mix price-wise is the Kia EV5, which slots in between them but close to the Deepal with a base price of $56,770 drive-away. All three models are made in China.
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
|---|---|
| 2025 Tesla Model Y RWD Launch Series | $63,400 |
| 2025 Deepal S07 | $53,900 |
Interested in buying a Tesla Model Y or Deepal S07? Get in touch with a dealer by clicking the links
Drivetrains and Efficiency
Both the S07 and Model Y are fully electric, but there are some key differences.
Tesla Model Y 
Deepal S07
The Model Y uses a smaller lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery than the Deepal’s ternary lithium unit, but only loses 466km of claimed WLTP range.
Tesla’s offering is also claimed to be a full two seconds faster in the 0-100km/h sprint, and weighs roughly 150kg less. Deepal specifically outlines tare mass for the S07 compared to Tesla’s reductive use of simply “weight”, but given no fuel is involved to differentiate kerb and tare weight, we feel their figures are comparable.
Tesla also hasn’t yet outlined an AC slow-charging time or for the updated Model Y, though it’s capable of DC fast-charging at up to 175kW, when it can add “up to 229km” in 15 minutes.
The S07 instead takes eight hours to charge at an AC rate of 11kW, and can charge at a maximum DC rate of 92kW, for a 0-80 per cent charging time of 35 minutes.
| Specifications | Tesla Model Y RWD | Deepal S07 |
|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Single-motor electric | Single-motor electric |
| Battery capacity | 62.5kWh | 79.97kWh |
| Battery chemistry | Lithium iron phosphate | Ternary lithium |
| Power | 220kW | 160kW |
| Torque | – | 320Nm |
| Driven wheels | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1921kg | 2073kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 5.9 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Power consumption – claimed | – | 18.6kWh/100km |
| Claimed range (WLTP) | 466km | 475km |
| Max AC charge rate | – | 11kW |
| AC charging time | – | 8 hours (approx.) |
| Max DC charge rate | 175kW | 92kW |
| DC charge 30-80 per cent | 15 minutes (“up to 229km added”) | 35 minutes |
Interested in buying a Tesla Model Y or Deepal S07? Get in touch with a dealer by clicking the links
Dimensions
The incoming Model Y is marginally larger than the S07 in both length and width, but practically identical in height.
Tesla Model Y 
Deepal S07
For context, the current Model Y is much closer in size to the S07. Tesla hasn’t outlined a wheelbase measurement for the updated model, but the current version is listed at 2890mm.
Only a total combined storage capacity figure is listed for the incoming Model Y too. When the three quoted figures for the S07 are combined, the total is less than the Model Y’s at 1955 litres.
| Dimensions | Tesla Model Y RWD | Deepal S07 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4792mm | 4750mm |
| Width | 1982mm | 1930mm |
| Height | 1624mm | 1625mm |
| Wheelbase | – | 2900mm |
| Cargo capacity | 2138 litres – total | 445 litres – 5 seats 1385 litres – 2 seats 125 litres – under-bonnet storage |
Interested in buying a Tesla Model Y or Deepal S07? Get in touch with a dealer by clicking the links
Servicing and Warranty
The two cars differ greatly in servicing and warranty. For one, Tesla covers its vehicles with a unique four-year, 80,000km warranty, while Deepal provides a seven-year, 160,000km warranty instead.
Tesla Model Y 
Deepal S07
Both are covered by an eight-year battery warranty, though Deepal covers its vehicle for a longer distance of 240,000km compared to Tesla’s 160,000km.
There’s also some form of roadside assistance for each, but servicing reveals the largest discrepancies as Tesla doesn’t outline regular service intervals nor service prices for its cars.
The S07, meanwhile, requires servicing every 12 months or 10,000km, following the first service at six months or 5000km. Capped-price servicing is offered from the 15,000km/18-month mark for the subsequent seven services.
For an EV, the S07’s servicing is more expensive than may be expected, especially compared to other rivals like the Kia EV5 – for which a seven-year pre-paid service pack costs $2431.
| Servicing and Warranty | Tesla Model Y RWD | Deepal S07 |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty | 4 years, 80,000km | 7 years, 160,000km |
| Battery warranty | 8 years, 160,000km | 8 years, 240,000km |
| Roadside assistance | 4 years | 12 months complimentary |
| Service intervals | – | 12 months or 10,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | – | 7.5 years |
| Total capped-price service cost | – | $2981.43 |
Interested in buying a Tesla Model Y or Deepal S07? Get in touch with a dealer by clicking the links
Safety
The Tesla Model Y has a five-star ANCAP rating based on Euro NCAP testing conducted in 2022 with the original model.
Tesla Model Y 
Deepal S07
The Deepal S07 on the other hand doesn’t have an ANCAP safety rating just yet, though it received a five-star Euro NCAP rating in 2024. The two independent auto safety authorities have harmonised testing protocols.
| Assessment | Pre-facelift Tesla Model Y | Deepal S07 (Euro NCAP) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult occupant protection | 97 per cent | 95 per cent |
| Child occupant protection | 89 per cent | 87 per cent |
| Vulnerable road user protection | 82 per cent | 74 per cent |
| Safety assist | 98 per cent | 77 per cent |
| Overall rating | 5 stars | 5 stars |
Standard safety equipment for both models includes:
- Seven airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Front, rear
- Car, pedestrian, cyclist detection
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane keep assist
- Lane centring
- Traffic jam assist
- Reverse and side view cameras
- Front, rear parking sensors
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Intelligent speed limiter
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Traffic sign recognition
*More safety features are likely to be confirmed for the Model Y in due course.
Additional Deepal S07 safety features:
- Overspeed warning
- Hill-descent control
- Surround-view camera
Interested in buying a Tesla Model Y or Deepal S07? Get in touch with a dealer by clicking the links
Standard Equipment
At the moment, the S07 has a respectable list of standard gear compared to what we know about the MY25 Model Y so far. Indeed, it should be very similar since Deepal has specced its debut model in a similar fashion to the segment benchmark.
Tesla Model Y 
Deepal S07 
Although 19-inch wheels are standard for the S07, you can option 20-inch alloys that bring it in like with the Model Y. Both feature a glass roof too, as well as power-folding, heated side mirrors.
LED lighting features on both cars, though the incoming Tesla will now integrate full-width front and rear light bars compared to the Deepal’s more traditional setup. That said, you do get a light bar on the rear of the S07, which incorporates the tailgate’s Deepal badge.
Inside, there’s power adjustment for the front seats of both cars, but the Tesla will add power-reclining rear seats as well. You’ll also find leather upholstery in the Model Y, while the S07 comes with synthetic leather – both black, though you can option different colours in each.
Tesla offers black and white upholstery for an additional $1500, while buyers can also choose an orange interior in the S07.
Tesla Model Y Deepal S07 
The two cars are mostly similar in terms of standard tech. The Tesla will come with a 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system while Deepal offers a 15.6-inch alternative, the latter of which features a ‘sunflower tilt’ function to point it in the direction of the driver or front passenger.
There’s no instrument cluster in either, though the S07 makes up for that with the inclusion of an augmented reality head-up display.
In the rear of the MY25 Model Y will be an 8.0-inch touchscreen with climate and entertainment controls. Deepal has included a similar display in the S07, though it’s only used for climate and for closing the glass roof shade.
Finally, initial MY25 Model Y vehicles will feature Launch Series-specific bits and pieces, including a rear badge, puddle lighting, and vegan suede trim.
View full breakdowns of standard features for the Tesla Model Y here and the Deepal S07 here
Interested in buying a Tesla Model Y or Deepal S07? Get in touch with a dealer by clicking the links
CarExpert’s Pick: Tesla Model Y
Jack Quick: While I appreciate there are a bunch of new brands going after Tesla’s piece of the EV pie in Australia, the model that Deepal has launched itself with here feels inferior in a number of ways.
Sure, the S07 is a decent car to drive as it’s quiet, efficient and has a plush interior, but its tech feels derivative of what Tesla offers. The way you interact with the touchscreen in particular feels very reminiscent of a Tesla, though the ‘sunflower tilt’ feature is an interesting touch.
My experiences with Tesla’s AutoPilot have never been perfect, but the driver assist functions in the Deepal S07 left a lot to be desired. The driver attention monitor specifically is the most annoying feature as it beeps louder and louder the longer you don’t look straight ahead at the road.
Then there’s the asking price and aftersales costs. The Deepal S07 is now technically cheaper than the updated Model Y, but from a servicing standpoint it’s considerably more expensive.
We haven’t had the chance to drive the updated Tesla Model Y just yet, but it’s likely to bring a range of tweaks that’ll notably improve it. If the Model 3 update is anything to go by, I can’t wait to see how much better the suspension tune is, and how much quieter it is.
All-in-all, if you’re looking at buying a mid-sized electric SUV that’s not a Tesla, the Deepal S07 is well worth looking at. But as it stands, even in pre-update form, the Model Y remains the benchmark.
Interested in buying a Tesla Model Y or Deepal S07? Get in touch with a dealer by clicking the links
MORE: Everything Tesla Model Y • Deepal S07
