One of the standout electric vehicles in Spain continues to improve: here’s how the Deepal S05 evolves.

The Deepal S05 has become one of the surprises in the Spanish market. In just a few months, it has gone from being completely unknown to ranking among the most popular electric cars, making it part of the Top 10 in annual registrations. This positive reception highlights what is happening in China, where the model continues to receive improvements that will make it even more attractive in Europe.

The latest update addresses a very specific issue: having an instrument panel that allows drivers to access driving information without relying on projections on the windshield, which bothers many drivers more than it helps. Deepal has announced the installation of a small screen mounted on the steering wheel, a solution that builds upon the updates introduced in its home market in August, including changes to design, equipment, and driving assistants.

The new device features a 4.39-inch OLED display that shows the essential information we typically find on a dashboard. This element complements the augmented reality information projection system, known as AR-HUD.

This is a small but significant change for many drivers who had requested its inclusion. Until now, the Chinese S05 relied on a system that projected images onto the windshield. Now, the new screen offers an alternative for those who prefer to have their data on a physical display, however small.

A refresh that goes far beyond just the new screen

This addition comes after a more extensive update. Externally, the Deepal S05 features a revised front end, new lighting units, and redesigned bumpers, along with changes to the trim elements and new 18-inch tires. It retains features such as frameless doors and semi-hidden handles, maintaining a recognizable appearance without limiting the refresh to just an upgrade in accessories.

The interior also evolves with wood-inspired trim and panels, a revised layout for the dashboard, and the return of mechanical door handles. The ambient lighting offers 256 colors, while the adjustable central screen remains 15.6 inches in size with a 2.5K resolution. Next to it, the AR-HUD projects an image equivalent to 50 inches, now enhanced by the new dashboard instrumentation.

The improvements announced for the Chinese version also include an upgraded multimedia system, featuring Deepal OS and integration of the DeepSeek R1 artificial intelligence model. The navigation system includes a lane-precise guidance function. These are features developed specifically for that market, so their presence and functionality in a future European version will depend on the adjustments made by the manufacturer.

The most notable technological change in this refresh is the inclusion of a LiDAR sensor in certain versions. The assistance system uses two Horizon J6M processors, offering a combined computing power of 256 TOPS, and expands its functions to cover urban driving, highway driving, and parking. The brand claims over 90 features, though these are driving aids that require driver supervision.

There are also changes under the hood. The Chinese version comes standard with the FSD+HRS variable damping suspension, designed to improve the balance between comfort and control of the vehicle’s body movements. In terms of practicality, the refresh includes 37 cup holders, along with a 492-liter rear trunk and a 159-liter front trunk.

The electric version features a rear motor with 200 kW (272 HP) of power, offering acceleration times from 0 to 100 km/h of either 6.28 or 6.48 seconds depending on the variant. These specifications apply to the model sold in China and should not be directly applied to the Spanish version, which has its own configuration and homologation requirements.

The power comes from a CATL battery pack, though the provided details do not specify its capacity. The two variants claim 520 and 620 km of CLTC range, respectively; based on our estimates, this would correspond to approximately 452 and 539 km under the WLTP cycle. These are approximate figures, pending European homologation that would allow for fair comparison with competitors’ models under identical conditions.

Regarding charging, the manufacturer advertises a 3C fast-charging system capable of reaching 30% to 80% charge in 15 minutes. It’s important to note this timeframe, as it starts with the battery already at a higher charge level than the typical 10-80% range used in many comparisons. Therefore, this time should be evaluated within the specific conditions outlined by Deepal.

All of this creates a S05 that is more complete than what we initially saw, with improvements in both visible elements and aspects that affect daily use. For Spanish buyers, the question is when they will arrive and which models will be retained. As of now, there is no confirmed date for this update to reach Europe, though it may be in mid-2027, bringing an increasingly competitive S05 amid growing competition.