Deepal E07 Multitruck Review 2026: The Strangest Electric Vehicle in Years – But Is It Actually Good?

Picture this: You’re at a design meeting in China, someone types “create the perfect adventure-ready SUV-ute hybrid with Tesla Cybertruck vibes” into an AI generator, and out pops… the Deepal E07 Multitruck. That’s genuinely what this vehicle feels like—a fascinating, bewildering, occasionally brilliant mashup of SUV comfort, ute utility, and coupe styling that defies every conventional automotive category.

After spending a full week living with the Deepal E07 AWD Performance, including multiple outfit changes and extended testing sessions, I can tell you this: it’s one of the most interesting vehicles launched in Australia in 2025, but “interesting” doesn’t automatically mean “good.” Here’s everything you need to know about this wacky electric multitruck before you consider spending $73,900+ on one.

🎯 QUICK VERDICT

Price: A$64,900 (RWD) | A$73,900 (AWD Performance)
On-Road Price: ~A$80,000+ (with extras)
Rating: ★★★★☆ 3.8/5
Best For: Adventure enthusiasts wanting something genuinely different
Skip If: You value refined driving dynamics over novelty

✅ WHAT WORKS

• Genuinely unique transforming rear cargo system (nothing else like it)
• Extremely well-equipped for the price (heated/ventilated/massage seats front AND rear)
• Impressive 440kW/645Nm performance (AWD) – faster than HSV Maloo
• Real 500km range in daily driving
• Excellent safety assist systems that aren’t annoying
• Strong 7-year/160,000km warranty with capped servicing
• Vehicle-to-Load capability (power your camping setup)

❌ WHAT DOESN’T

• Too much power for the chassis to handle (AWD variant)
• Excessive touchscreen dependency (almost zero physical buttons)
• Multiple electric motors raise long-term reliability concerns
• Proximity unlock system unlocks from across the street (security issue)
• Massive turning circle (terrible in tight spaces)
• Heavy (2,440kg AWD) with resulting ride quality compromises
• Polarizing “Oompa Loompa” orange interior option
• No ANCAP safety rating (yet)

What Exactly IS the Deepal E07?

The Deepal E07 Multitruck is the automotive equivalent of asking “why not?” instead of “why?” It’s simultaneously:

• A 5-seat electric SUV
• A pickup truck (sort of)
• A fastback coupe (visually)
• A mobile camping platform
• A statement piece that screams, “I’m different.”

Brand Context:
Deepal is Changan Automobile’s “new energy vehicle” sub-brand—think of Changan as one of China’s “Big Four” automakers (alongside SAIC, FAW, and Dongfeng). The E07 is Deepal’s second model in Australia, following the more conventional S07 mid-size SUV.

Market Positioning:
At A$73,900 for the AWD Performance variant (A$80,000+ on-road), it’s priced like a Subaru Forester or Hyundai Santa Fe alternative, but it’s actually quite a bit more expensive than those mainstream options. This isn’t competing with Cybertruck (which isn’t even sold in Australia)—it’s targeting buyers who want electric SUV practicality with a heavy dose of uniqueness.

Design & First Impressions

Love It or Hate It Styling

Let’s address the elephant (or should I say Pontiac Aztec) in the room: this thing looks WEIRD. But weird in a way that’s actually more sophisticated than initial pictures suggest.

Front End:
The front is genuinely cool with intricate details. The headlights and badging are encircled in a single piece of glass with integrated indicators—a design touch you don’t see often. It looks modern and tech-forward without trying too hard to be Cybertruck-aggressive.

Side Profile – Where Things Get Interesting:
This is where the E07 departs from conventional SUVs. You see fastback coupe-style lines, but that sloping glass section actually opens to reveal the cargo bay beneath. In profile, it looks deceptively low-slung until you walk around to the rear.

Rear View – Pickup Truck Reality:
Come around back and suddenly you realize this thing is TALL. Much more pickup truck than the front and pictures suggest. The vehicle measures:

• Length: 5,045mm (over 5 meters!)
• Width: 1,996mm (nearly 2 meters wide)
• Height: 1,680mm
• Wheelbase: 3,120mm

This is a BIG vehicle—closer in size to a Ford Ranger than a Mazda CX-5.

Lighting: The same encircled-in-glass design philosophy continues at the rear with distinctive signature lighting that looks premium.

Pontiac Aztec Vibes: Yes, there are unavoidable Aztec comparisons, which is NOT a compliment to those of a certain age. But at least it stands out.

Paint & Wheel Options

Standard Colors:

• Quartz White
• Obsidian Black
• Jade Green
• Hematite Grey (standard on RWD)

AWD Performance Exclusives:

• Matte Hematite Grey (+A$1,800) – This is what our test car wore, and it looks sophisticated
• Spessartite Orange (+A$1,800) – For those wanting MAXIMUM attention

Wheels:
21-inch alloy wheels come standard on AWD Performance, wrapped in quality Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires. These are proper performance rubber, which is great for grip but terrible for ride quality (more on that later).

The Party Piece: Transforming Cargo System

This is what sells the E07. No other vehicle on sale does anything quite like this transformation from enclosed SUV to open pickup bed.

How It Works (Prepare for Electric Motor Overload)

Press the button and watch the mechanical ballet unfold:

Electric Motor #1: Glass roof panel begins retracting
Electric Motor #2: Rear seats start folding forward
Electric Motor #3: Tailgate begins to drop
Electric Motor #4: The Glass partition behind the rear seats moves
Electric Motor #5: Additional adjustments

Yes, MULTIPLE electric motors are working in concert to transform this vehicle. It’s impressive engineering, but also a potential reliability concern—more on that shortly.

Cargo Capacity & Practicality

With Rear Seats Up (SUV Mode):

• 524 liters of cargo space
• Covered and weather-protected
• Suitable for daily shopping, luggage, gear

With Rear Seats Folded:

• 1,654 liters total storage
• Completely flat load floor
• Queen-size mattress fits perfectly (Deepal sells one specifically for this)
• Little cutouts for mattress positioning

Open Pickup Mode:

• Over 500 liters in the pickup bed
• Dynamic payload: 300kg in the cargo bay
• Total payload: 610kg
• Four sturdy tie-down points
• Metal shopping bag hooks
• Maximum towing: 1,500kg (braked)

The Genius Features

You Can Drive With It Open:
This is genuinely cool—you can drive with the glass partition open and tailgate dropped. Perfect for:

• Dogs who want their heads out in the breeze
• Transporting items slightly too tall for enclosed mode
• Ultimate ventilation on hot days

Vehicle-to-Load (V2L):
6.6kW power output at 220V means you can:

• Run a tent with air conditioning in Australian summer heat
• Power tools at work sites
• Camp with electric cooking equipment
• Essentially use the car as a mobile power station

The 3-pin socket is located in the cargo area, making it perfect for outdoor adventures.

The Reliability Concern

Here’s my biggest worry after a week with this car: ALL THOSE ELECTRIC MOTORS.

During testing, I encountered occasional hiccups:

• Rear seats didn’t fold as smoothly as expected a few times
• The glass partition weighs a LOT (very heavy piece)
• Multiple motors = multiple potential failure points

The system worked consistently, but I question longevity. What happens in 5-7 years when one motor starts failing? What’s the replacement cost? These are expensive, complex components.

No Full-Size Spare:
Under the floor, there’s minimal storage but no full-size spare wheel. For a vehicle positioning itself as adventure-capable, this is disappointing if you plan serious bush exploration.

Interior & Technology: Place of Extremes

The E07’s cabin is paradoxical: an extreme amount of equipment, an extreme lack of physical buttons.

Tesla-Style Minimalism (For Better or Worse)

We’ve really gone full Tesla here with almost zero physical controls. However, there ARE some compromises:

• Gear selector stalk (thank goodness—it’s on a stalk)
• Manual door releases in addition to electronic buttons
• Mysterious button on steering wheel (can be customized for drive modes)

But the frunk? You access it via an awkward lever under the dashboard, not through the touchscreen. Even the Chasing Cars team couldn’t find it in the menus if it exists.

Interior Design & Materials

The Optional Orange Interior (+A$500):
I’m going to be brutally honest: this looks like someone got too many coats of spray tan. “Oompa Loompa” orange is the kindest description. It brings color, which I appreciate, but I wish that color was more sophisticated and grown-up.

Your mileage may vary—some might love the bold statement. But for A$73,900, I expected something more premium-looking.

Material Quality:
Deepal claims “Nappa leather,” but I’m skeptical it’s the same Nappa found in premium German vehicles. It feels squishy and slightly cheap in areas, especially not on the primary seating surfaces. Think “Nappa-inspired” rather than genuine luxury leather.

That said, the materials are perfectly adequate for the price point—just don’t expect BMW-grade quality.

The 15.4-Inch Touchscreen: Powerful But Overwhelming

This massive screen is your gateway to EVERYTHING, and therein lies the problem.

What You CAN Do:

• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto (finally enabled in production cars)
• Built-in dashcam (records automatically)
• Interior camera for photos/videos
• View your album of recorded content
• Sentry Mode (Tesla-style)
• Musical light show (you’ll use once, I promise)
• Control virtually every car function
• Adjust 256-color ambient lighting
• Customize everything

VIP Passenger Mode (Seriously):
Three settings for the front passenger seat:

1. Daily: Normal, comfortable position
2. Relax: Reclines almost flat like a dentist’s chair
3. Makeup Space: Raises seat HIGH for mirror access with a light

Yes, there’s a dedicated makeup mode. It’s… interesting.

The Problem: Too Much Through Touchscreen

Want to adjust seats, mirrors, or steering wheel? You must:

1. Navigate to vehicle settings in the touchscreen
2. Select which adjustment you want
3. Use physical buttons down low to make adjustments

There ARE customizable shortcut screens, including:

• Wiper settings
• Trunk opening
• Drive mode
• Mirror adjustment

But fundamentally, doing basic car functions through a touchscreen is frustrating. I know Tesla does it. I know it’s trendy. I know it saves manufacturing costs. But from reading comments, most people (including me) dislike excessive touchscreen dependency.

Practicality & Storage

Cup Holders & Storage:

• Door bins accommodate 600ml bottles easily
• Cup holders sized right
• Single wireless charging pad
• Two suede-lined phone spots
• USB-A and USB-C ports (front and rear)
• Nice space below for small bags
• Covered center storage with removable pocket (perfect for snacks/rubbish)
• Deep center bin (no transmission tunnel in EVs!)

Seats & Comfort

Front Seats:

• Relatively comfortable
• Massive range of adjustment
• 8-way power adjustment
• 4-way lumbar support
• Heating, ventilation, AND massage
• Zero-gravity design (floaty feeling)
• Leg rest adjustment

Driving position is relatively natural, though the steering wheel feels a bit oversized. Those two dials on the wheel look like… eyeballs? Something else? They’re distinctive, that’s for sure.

Sound System

18-speaker system that’s improved since launch. It now sounds:

• Richer than initial reviews suggested
• Warmer with better clarity
• More powerful

Still not the best I’ve experienced in a car, but certainly not bad and genuinely impressive for the price point.

Rear Seat Experience: VIP Treatment

If I had to choose where to sit in the E07, it wouldn’t be the driver’s seat or passenger seat—it would be here in the back.

Why the Rear Seat is the Best

This reflects how Chinese cars are engineered for their home market, where rear passengers are often prioritized (chauffeur culture).

Comfort Level:

• MORE under-thigh support than the front seats (!!)
• Really soft and squishy cushioning
• Power recline for each seat
• Heated AND ventilated
• Massage function (same as front)
• Excellent visibility (better than most dual-cab utes)
• Decent-sized windows
• Can see over the low dashboard quite nicely

The Control Center:
Down low, you find your own command center:

• Ventilation controls
• Heating controls
• Powered vent that swings left-to-right AND up-down (more electric motors!)
• Sunshade control (adjust how far open/closed)
• Glass partition control (seal yourself off for quiet)
• Device holders (for tablet/phone mounting accessories)

Practicalities:

• Center armrest (tricky to pull down—requires tab pull)
• Cup holders
• Door bins for 600ml bottles
• Piano black plastic (fingerprint magnet)

Space:
Genuinely spacious. With the front seat set for a 6-foot driver, I still have excellent knee room in the back. And if I want to lounge? I can power-recline MY seat, push the front seat forward, and have a first-class airline experience.

The Intended Use Case

You’re meant to sit HERE in luxury while putting the front passenger seat all the way forward. This is the VIP seat. This is where the boss sits while the driver chauffeurs them around.

For Australian buyers, this translates to: kids will be VERY happy on long road trips with their own climate controls and powered adjustability.

Driving Experience & Performance

Here’s the thing: the Deepal E07 doesn’t need to be a dynamic masterpiece. The concept sells the car. It just needs to back up that interesting concept with a decent driving experience.

And in many ways, it succeeds. It’s not amazing, but it’s also not horrendous. There are significant caveats, though.

Performance: Too Much Power (Yes, Really)

AWD Performance Specifications:

• Power: 440kW (590 PS)
• Torque: 645Nm
• 0-100km/h: 3.96 seconds
• Faster than old-school HSV Maloo performance utes

My Recommendation: Don’t Buy the AWD Performance

I would NOT recommend the twin-motor variant we tested. It’s just too fast for the chassis to handle properly. The 440kW overwhelms the suspension and chassis setup.

The Better Choice: RWD Variant

• Power: 252kW (338 PS)
• Torque: 365Nm
• 0-100km/h: 6.7 seconds

Under 7 seconds to 100km/h is still properly quick—about 2 seconds slower than AWD, but it feels like a MUCH better match for the chassis sophistication available here.

Chassis & Suspension Setup

On Paper, It’s Impressive:

• Active air suspension
• Independent suspension all four corners
• Adaptive dampers
• All the clever technology

In Reality: Not European-Level Sophistication

The technology is there, but the execution doesn’t match European vehicles with similar hardware. It lacks:

• Roll-canceling capabilities of German air suspension
• Well-rounded feel of premium competitors
• Confidence-inspiring dynamics

But then again, it’s SO MUCH CHEAPER than European alternatives, so expectations need adjustment.

The Grip vs. Power Mismatch

Michelin Pilot Sport tires provide excellent grip. The motors provide massive power. But there’s a fundamental mismatch:

The body rolls and wallows around corners despite the quality rubber. Electronic steering feels woolly. It’s not a car you want to push hard, and it doesn’t inspire that desire.

Sometimes you go around a corner and just want a little bit more confidence than the E07 provides. I’d love to see improvements here.

Ride Quality: Tale of Two Speeds

Under 80km/h (Urban Driving): Really quite nice. The air suspension delivers:

• Floaty, wafty character
• Speed humps absorbed well
• Sharp-edged bumps dispatched without fuss
• Comfortable cruising

Above 80km/h (Highway/Country Roads): This is where issues appear:

• Rocks and rolls considerably on undulating roads
• Suspension can’t hide the 2,440kg bulk
• Heavy 21-inch wheel/tire package contributes to harshness
• Sometimes you get a metallic “clang” on bumps
• Lack of chassis stiffness prevents true magic-carpet ride

The complexity of all those moving parts seems to compromise structural rigidity.

Motion Sickness Warning:
After looking at my phone for just 20 seconds as a passenger on country roads, I started feeling car sick. The constant rolling motion is real.

Drive Modes & Controls

You access drive modes through the touchscreen (sigh):

• Eco
• Comfort
• Sport
• Custom
• Vehicle stability control
• Off-road assist

Saving Grace:
You CAN tether drive mode to that mysterious steering wheel button, so you can cycle through Eco → Comfort → Sport without touching the screen. Each mode has little sounds that play (cute, but you’ll probably turn off).

Sport Mode:
Yeah, it’s properly quick. Hit the accelerator and the E07 launches hard. But again, it’s overwhelming to the chassis—you feel the limits immediately.

Turning Circle: Absolutely Terrible

One of my biggest complaints: the turning circle is MASSIVE. I don’t know why exactly—yes, the car is over 5 meters long, but it feels like there isn’t quite enough steering lock engineered in.

This makes urban environments painful. Tight parking garages? Nightmare. Three-point turns become five-point turns. It’s genuinely frustrating for a vehicle marketed partly for urban use.

Visibility Issues

• A-pillars are really thick and fat (blind spots)
• Rear three-quarter visibility is compromised
• Rear-view mirror sightlines are challenging

Saving Grace:
Sharp 360-degree camera system shows everything you need. You’ll rely on it constantly.

Safety & Driver Assistance

No ANCAP Rating (Yet)

The E07 hasn’t been tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP. Given its niche appeal, Deepal may never pursue formal testing—they probably won’t sell enough units to justify the cost.

The Pleasant Surprise: Well-Tuned Assist Systems

I was genuinely impressed by how the safety systems are configured. This is rare in Chinese vehicles.

Available Systems:

• Speed limit assist
• Lane keep assist
• Driver attention monitoring
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Blind spot detection
• Cross-traffic alert
• 360-degree camera
• Automated parking assistance

What Makes Them Good:

1. You can turn them off and many can be permanently disabled
2. The lane keep assist isn’t even that annoying when active
3. Speed limit beeping can be permanently disabled
4. Settings stick between drives

Korean manufacturers (Kia, Hyundai): GET ONE OF THESE AND STUDY IT. The balance of helpful-when-wanted and unobtrusive-when-not is excellent.

The Not-So-Good: Adaptive Cruise & Lane Trace

While basic safety systems excel, the adaptive cruise control and lane-tracing assist leave much to be desired:

• Not smooth in operation
• Reliability is questionable
• Gets the job “roughly” done
• Falls short of European/Japanese standards

Safety Equipment:

• 8 airbags
• Vehicle stability control
• Traction control
• Hill start assist
• Hill descent control
• Front and rear parking sensors

The Proximity Lock Fiasco

I need to address a serious concern that developed during my week-long test.

The Problem: It Unlocks from WAY Too Far

The proximity key is a cool-looking item, but it seems to unlock the car from all the way across the street. Not exaggerating:

Real Incident:
I was getting gelato at night. Standing across the road at a pedestrian crossing waiting for the green light. Before I even pressed the key button, the car unlocked itself from the other side of the road—easily 20-30 meters away.

This makes me uncomfortable from a security perspective.

Additional Issues:

• Sometimes I’d return to the car thinking I’d locked it
• Instead, it was unlocked with battery draining
• Anyone could have opened the door and entered

Now, I assume you can’t drive away without the key. However, someone could hide in the back seat, and that’s a legitimate safety concern.

Settings Labyrinth

There are myriad settings in the touchscreen, but in my searching, I couldn’t find specific locking/unlocking range configuration. Maybe I missed it? If you own one of these, please comment if there’s a solution.

This weird niggle with unlocking from a distance, combined with annoying touchscreen dependencies, is enough to turn me off purchasing, even though I genuinely love the concept.

Range, Charging & Efficiency

Battery & Range Specifications

Battery: 90kWh lithium-ion (NMC chemistry)
Architecture: 800-volt system

Official WLTP Range:

• RWD: 550km
• AWD: 510km

NMC Battery Consideration:
It’s a ternary pack (Nickel Manganese Cobalt), so best practice is charging to 80-90% for daily use, not 100%. Full charges should be reserved for long trips.

Real-World Testing

City/Commuting (Sydney Traffic):

• Consumption: ~18 kWh/100km
• Real-world range: ~500km
• Very close to official claims

This is impressive efficiency for a 2,440kg vehicle with 440kW of power. The RWD variant should achieve even better figures.

Charging Performance

DC Fast Charging:

• Maximum: 240kW
• 30-80%: 15 minutes (official)
• 10-80%: ~20-25 minutes (realistic)

This is competitive with premium EVs. You’ll spend less time charging than many rivals.

AC Home Charging:

• Maximum: 7kW (disappointing—many EVs do 11kW)
• 0-100%: ~16 hours
• Overnight charging from empty to full easily achieved

Charging Port Location:
Left rear quarter, power-operated flap (press firmly at the bottom). Separate covers for AC and DC prevent water ingress.

Ownership Costs & Warranty

Why You Might Trust Deepal More Than Random Chinese Brands

Importer: Inchcape Australia

• Well-known, established importer
• Also handles Subaru, Peugeot, formerly Citroen
• Australian market understanding
• Established service network

This provides more confidence than a brand importing directly with no local infrastructure.

Warranty Coverage

Vehicle: 7 years / 160,000km
Battery: 8 years / 240,000km

Both are competitive, though not quite matching some Korean brands’ offerings (Kia/Hyundai do 7-year unlimited-kilometer warranties).

Servicing Costs

Service Intervals: Every 12 months or 20,000km (whichever first)

Capped Price Servicing (7 years/140,000km):

• RWD: A$2,954.59 total
• AWD: A$3,143.90 total

This works out to:

• ~A$422/year (RWD)
• ~A$449/year (AWD)

Very competitive for an EV with this level of equipment.

Included: 12 months of roadside assistance

Should You Buy the Deepal E07?

The Final Verdict: Approach With Caution (But Do Approach)

This is possibly the strangest car I’ve ever driven. That doesn’t mean it’s bad—in fact, difference should be celebrated, and I love seeing manufacturers take chances.

The Big Question:
Will this sell in large numbers, or does it exist primarily as a halo vehicle to get people into Deepal showrooms to buy the more conventional S07 SUV and S05 small SUV?

I think it’s the latter. As interesting, novel, and conceptually good as the E07 is, the execution leaves quite a lot to be desired:

What’s Good:

• Genuinely unique and conversation-starting
• Well-priced for equipment level
• Potent performance (if you want it)
• Real-world practicality in that transforming rear
• Long warranty and capped servicing reduce risk

What Needs Work:

• Ride quality comfortable but AWD has more power/weight than chassis handles
• Feels like it lacks stiffness due to complexity
• All those electric motors are potential failure points
• Touchscreen-everything is infuriating
• Safety systems mostly good but adaptive cruise needs work
• Locking/unlocking issues concerning

The Two Things I’d Love to See

1. Plug-in Hybrid Powertrain: More range flexibility, less weight, potentially better dynamics
2. More Finesse: Just a bit more polish in controls, weights, and functionality

Who Should Consider the E07?

Perfect For:

• Subaru Forester/Outback owners wanting something different
• Adventure enthusiasts who camp regularly
• People who value uniqueness over refinement
• Those comfortable with new Chinese brands
• Buyers wanting massive equipment for the money

Buy the RWD Instead of AWD If:

• You don’t need 440kW (you really don’t)
• You value better chassis balance
• 6.7-second 0-100 is quick enough (it is)
• You want slightly better range
• You’ll save A$9,000

Skip the E07 If:

• You prioritize driving dynamics
• You need proven long-term reliability
• You hate touchscreen-everything interfaces
• You want something conventional
• Resale value matters significantly

AI-Generated Slop or Genuine Game-Changer?

Neither. It’s a genuinely interesting vehicle with legitimate strengths and real weaknesses. It’s a challenging (in a good way) halo product that many new brands would kill to have in showrooms.

The E07 isn’t trying to be a Tesla Model Y. It’s not trying to be a Ford Ranger. It’s carving its own bizarre niche, and I respect that enormously—even if I wouldn’t personally spend A$80,000 on one.

My Rating: ★★★★☆ 3.8/5

• Concept: 5/5
• Execution: 3.5/5
• Value: 4/5
• Driving Dynamics: 3/5
• Practicality: 4.5/5

Recommendation: Test drive one. You’ll either love the weirdness or hate it, but you won’t be indifferent. And in a world of boring crossover SUVs, that counts for something.