Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Deepal is launching in Australia, and its sales network will start small according to local distributor Inchcape.
Deepal will start sales of the S07 electric SUV, a rival to the upcoming Xpeng G6, BYD Sealion 7 and Leapmotor C10 and best-selling Tesla Model Y, in November 2024.
Distribution of the S07 will be managed by Inchcape, the same group responsible for Peugeot and Subaru in Australia. Citroen is also a member of that group until November 1, when orders will close permanently.
Entering the crowded mid-sized SUV segment with a single model from an unknown brand, Inchcape will initially only stock the Deepal S07 at showrooms located in Melbourne and Sydney.
100s of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
“The network will start in the key areas that focus on on EV sales, so we’ll start in Sydney and Melbourne,” said Deepal Australia general manager Cormac Cafolla.
“And of course, we’ll look to grow as the demand is there. We see ourselves moving into key metropolitan areas and then as the brand grows and new products arrive, we’ll grow as necessary.
Existing Inchcape dealers will make room for the new Deepal S07, while further information on the Deepal dealer network will be announced in addition to pricing at the Sydney International EV Show, scheduled for November 8-10.
The S07 will launch in Australia with a 160kW/320Nm single electric motor, and a 79.97kWh battery giving it 475km of claimed range. Power is sent to the rear wheels only.
Deepal’s debut model in Australia features sporty exterior lines and bright paint colour choices. Inside, the S07 blends the flowing design and unique materials of BYD with Tesla minimalism.
The Deepal S07 comes standard with a seven-year, 160,000-kilometre warranty, and an eight-year, 240,000-kilometre battery warranty.
MORE: Everything Deepal S07