Changan Deepal S07 vs Tesla Model Y: The Smarter Choice for UK Drivers?

As the UK electric SUV market heats up, buyers are faced with a growing number of choices. Two standout contenders are the Changan Deepal S07, a new arrival from China’s oldest car manufacturer, and the well-established Tesla Model Y. While Tesla has long been the benchmark, the Deepal S07 offers a fresh alternative that’s not only competitively priced but also packed with premium features. Here's why the Deepal S07 might just be the smarter choice for UK drivers.

1. Price Advantage Without Compromise

The Changan Deepal S07 starts at £39,990, undercutting the Tesla Model Y’s base price of £44,990 by a significant margin. Despite the lower cost, the S07 comes generously equipped with:

  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Panoramic glass roof
  • 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Head-up display with augmented reality navigation
  • 360-degree camera system

Tesla’s Model Y offers many of these features, but often as paid upgrades, making the Deepal S07 a better value proposition.

2. Interior Quality and Comfort

Reviewers consistently praise the Deepal S07’s classy, European-inspired interior, which includes vegan leather, tactile materials, and a minimalist design that feels upscale. In contrast, the Model Y’s interior, while functional, is often described as overly minimalist and lacking in warmth.

The S07 also offers more rear passenger space and a quieter cabin, making it ideal for families and long-distance travel.

3. Standard Equipment That Shames Rivals

Unlike Tesla, which segments features across different trims, the Deepal S07 offers a single, fully-loaded specification. This simplifies the buying process and ensures every customer gets the full suite of features without hidden costs or confusing options.

4. Safety and UK-Specific Engineering

The Deepal S07 has earned a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, and its suspension has been tuned specifically for UK roads, offering a more comfortable and controlled ride than many rivals, including the Model Y.

5. Design That Stands Out

Styled in Italy, the Deepal S07 brings a fresh aesthetic to the electric SUV segment. With frameless windows, sleek LED lighting, and a full-width rear light bar, it offers a more distinctive look compared to the Model Y’s utilitarian design.


Verdict: Deepal S07 – The Smarter, More Stylish Alternative

For UK buyers seeking a premium electric SUV without the premium price, the Changan Deepal S07 is a compelling alternative to the Tesla Model Y. With its lavish standard equipment, refined interior, and UK-tailored driving dynamics, it’s not just a budget-friendly option—it’s a smart, stylish, and well-rounded choice, contact Haynes in Canterbury or Maidstone to see it for yourself.