Mid-size saloon for China: Changan launches pre-sales of the Deepal L06

In Europe, the Chinese automotive group Changan currently offers just two SUV models, the S05 and S07, under the Deepal brand. On its home market, however, the company’s portfolio is considerably broader. In addition to the two compact and mid-size SUVs, Deepal also offers the premium SUV S09, the off-road G318, and the SL03 saloon in China.

The new L06 now joins the line-up there. Following its presentation in early September, Deepal has now opened pre-sales for the new model. Four variants will be available, priced between 139,900 and 161,900 yuan, equivalent to roughly €17,000 to €20,000.

At launch, there will be only one drive option. The 4.83-metre-long, 1.91-metre-wide, and 1.48-metre-high saloon is similar in size to the Tesla Model 3 but visually closer to the Xiaomi SU7, though around 17 centimetres shorter. The wheelbase measures 2.90 metres. At the front are the familiar split headlights seen on other Deepal models, featuring the brand’s distinctive lighting signature. The rear is characterised by a continuous light bar, while a prominent spoiler deploys automatically at higher speeds.

For now, the L06 is available only with rear-wheel drive. The electric motor on the rear axle produces 200 kW (272 PS) and delivers 290 Nm of torque, allowing the saloon to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 5.9 seconds. Changan has not yet disclosed the top speed.

The underfloor houses an LFP battery supplied by CATL, offering either 56.1 or 68.8 kWh, depending on the version. According to the Chinese CLTC test cycle, this provides a range of 560 to 670 kilometres. Deepal has not specified the peak charging power, but says a charge from 30 to 80 per cent can be completed in 15 minutes at a suitable DC fast-charging station.

A range extender variant will be added later. It uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine with 72 kW output as a generator to supply power to a 175 kW electric motor driving the rear wheels. The smaller battery has a capacity of 28.4 kWh, allowing up to 180 kilometres of electric driving before the combustion engine starts.

A technical highlight of the Deepal L06 is its magnetorheological suspension system, which uses a magnetic fluid that changes to a semi-solid state under the influence of a magnetic field. The electronically controlled system adjusts the damping in real time according to driving conditions – a technology more commonly found in high-performance sports cars than in mid-size saloons.

Inside, the L06 features a large 50-inch head-up display with augmented reality functionality. The infotainment system is powered by an advanced 3-nanometre chip, which Changan claims is the first of its kind to be installed in a production passenger car. It remains unclear whether Changan plans to export its new fastback saloon to Europe at a later stage.

cnevpost.com, carnewschina.com

This article was first published by Elias Holdenried for electrive’s German edition.