Changan's Deepal has officially launched its highly anticipated flagship EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle) crossover, the S09, in China, positioning it as a direct competitor to established models like the Li Auto L9 and the Aito M9. Set to hit the domestic market in the first quarter of 2025, the S09 boasts a competitive starting price of 350,000 yuan ($48,025), potentially undercutting its rivals while offering a generous 3105-mm wheelbase, a powerful 485-hp powertrain, and a sophisticated Huawei-powered operating system.
The Deepal S09 showcases the brand's latest design language, characterized by a sleek, closed-off front fascia, a slim taillight strip, headlights integrated seamlessly into the front bumper, and a distinctive trapeze-shaped air intake. Other notable exterior features include retractable door handles, a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor for advanced driver-assistance systems, and a single, continuous taillight unit. Following the release of official photos, the S09's design drew comparisons to the Li Auto L9, a similarity acknowledged by Deepal officials, who pointed out that both vehicles occupy the same market segment. Deepal, a relatively young middle-to-high-end NEV (New Energy Vehicle) brand under the Changan Group, launched in 2022, has rapidly expanded its portfolio. In just three years, its lineup has grown to include five models: the L07 and SL03 sedans, the S05 and S07 crossovers, the G318 off-road SUV, and now the flagship S09.
The Deepal S09 is a large SUV, measuring 5205 mm in length, 1996 mm in width, and 1800 mm in height, with the aforementioned 3105-mm wheelbase. Deepal representatives have emphasized the spaciousness of the S09's interior, highlighting its 3.7-meter interior length and 4.3-square-meter cabin area. The interior offers a six-seat configuration with a 2+2+2 layout, catering to families and larger groups.
Deepal has partnered with Huawei to integrate advanced infotainment technology into the S09. The centerpiece of the interior is a massive 43-inch augmented reality head-up display powered by Huawei. The center console features two 15.6-inch OLED screens with a brightness of 1,000 nits, providing crisp and clear visuals. Both the front and second-row seats offer heating, ventilation, and 8-point massage functions for enhanced comfort. Adding to the premium feel, a 21.4-inch 3K screen is mounted on the ceiling for second-row passengers.
Further enhancing the technological sophistication, the S09 incorporates Huawei's Harmony Space system and the Qiankun 3.0 intelligent driving system. Practicality is also a key consideration, with a 10-liter storage box featuring heating and cooling functions, maintaining temperatures between -6 and 50 degrees Celsius. The center tunnel is movable, allowing second-row passengers to adjust its position. A folding table for the right second-row passenger adds to the convenience and versatility of the cabin.
The Deepal S09's powertrain is built around the brand's second-generation range extender, utilizing a 1.5-liter turbocharged JL469ZQ1 BlueCore generator producing 147 hp. This same internal combustion engine is also found in the Deepal G318 and the Avatr 07. The entry-level S09 features a single electric motor on the rear axle, generating 310 hp. The all-wheel-drive variant adds a front axle electric motor with 175 hp, bringing the combined power output to an impressive 485 hp. The S09 is equipped with a 40.18 kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery from CATL, offering an electric range of 180 km. The battery supports 3C charging, enabling fast charging at up to 120 kW. The S09 rides on front and rear independent suspension and is available with a combination of CDC (Continuously Damping Control) and air suspension systems for a refined ride.
With its Q1 2025 market launch, the Deepal S09, particularly in its rear-wheel-drive configuration, appears poised to offer a compelling value proposition compared to its competitors. For reference, the Li Auto L9 starts at $56,230, and the Aito M9 begins at $64,460, making the S09's potential price advantage a significant factor in the competitive EREV market.