From Turin to the UK: the Changan Deepal S07’s European design edge

Lighting is an important part of the character of modern cars, and the Deepal S07 uses it to full effect. A sharp, sculptural front end is framed by ultra-slim LED daytime running lights, while a clean lightbar signature across the tail makes the car instantly recognisable after dark. Subtle welcome sequences add theatre when you walk up with the key in your pocket, and the crisp white tone of the LEDs gives the whole car a high-tech clarity at night. The result is lighting that does more than illuminate the road; it emphasises the purity of the Deepal S07’s shapes with an attention to detail that helps it to stand out.

A calming and feature rich interiorOpen the door and the pace of the design story changes from extrovert to effortlessly calm. The dashboard flows in horizontal layers, with slim air vents and a minimalist instrument cowl keeping things visually clean. Your eye is drawn to warm, textured trim pieces that bring a tactile richness you don’t always find at this price point. That includes tasteful wood-effect detailing that softens the modernist forms and makes the cabin feel more like a beautifully considered living space than a gadget-laden control room. The materials feel consistent and well-judged, with a pleasing weight to the switchgear and a quietly premium sheen to the fabrics.

Of course, good design is about personal expression as much as pure aesthetics, and the Deepal S07 lets you tailor the mood. Interior colourways offer distinct personalities, from lighter, lounge-like schemes that make the cabin feel airy and expansive, to darker, more focused combinations that channel a sporting vibe. The wood-effect elements and metallic highlights are carefully tuned to each palette, so nothing feels like an afterthought. Whether you’re heading out for a family weekend away or gliding to a client meeting, the ambience can be as relaxed or as business-like as you prefer.

Glance forward and you’ll spot one of the Deepal S07’s star turns: an augmented-reality head-up display that projects key information into your line of sight. It’s the kind of tech that feels instantly natural on first use, helping you keep your eyes on the road while still getting clear guidance on speed limits, navigation prompts and driver-assist status.

Centre-stage sits a tilting infotainment screen that can subtly angle towards the driver when you’re flying solo, then share itself equally when there’s a co-pilot on board. It’s a simple, human-centred solution that makes daily life easier, whether you’re scrolling a playlist while parked or checking a detour on the move. Overhead, a panoramic glass roof floods the cabin with light on grey British mornings, enhancing that open, airy feel and giving passengers a view that makes even short hops feel a touch more special.

Design that works as hard as it wowsThe most successful automotive design doesn’t just look great in photos; it earns its keep on the daily grind. The Deepal S07’s clean lines and carefully managed airflow help to reduce noise on the motorway, while the tucked-away handles and gently tapered tail minimise turbulence as speed rises. The high beltline and generously raked windscreen contribute to a feeling of calm at the wheel, giving you a panoramic view out. Inside, the largely button-free architecture is supported by clear on-screen logic and natural voice control, so you can make quick adjustments without digging three menus deep. Generous storage makes daily family life simpler, and the wide-opening doors and sensibly shaped seats make climbing in and out feel effortless.

Spend a few minutes with the Deepal S07 on a typical British B-road and that European design influence keeps shining through. The steering wheel sits just right in your hands, with a rim that’s neither too skinny nor too chunky. The seats are shaped to support rather than simply cushion, so you feel held in place on longer runs. Even the way the light plays across the dashboard, landing softly on the wood-effect trim, reflects a sensibility more often found in well-designed furniture than in mainstream cars. It’s all intentional, and all tied back to a design process that draws on Changan’s UK R&D presence and its Turin design studio.

Thoughtful details that make ownership easierLive with a car and it’s the small touches you come to value. The Deepal S07 is full of those. The flush-fit handles pop out cleanly and feel satisfyingly solid in the hand. The charging port sits exactly where you expect it, making plugging in less of a faff on a rainy night. The boot lip is low and the opening broad, so heaving in a folded buggy or a set of golf clubs won’t leave you twisting like a gymnast. Inside, the wireless charging pad is easy to reach and deep enough to stop your phone sliding across the cabin, and the cupholders hold a takeaway latte just as securely as a refillable bottle.