Vehicle Model Profile: Deepal SL03
Model highlights:
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Flexible range and energy replenishment: In extended-range mode, the pure electric range is 140km, and the comprehensive range exceeds 1200km, eliminating the range anxiety of pure electric models; the 85L front trunk can store charging equipment, with a storage layout suitable for daily life and high practicality.
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Impressive power and handling: Adopting a rear-mounted rear-drive layout, the range extender has a displacement of 0.8 - 1.1L, with a maximum power of 175kW (238Ps) and a maximum torque of 320N·m. The power response during starting and lane changing is sensitive, providing a good driving experience.
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Convenient space loading: The body size is 4820×1890×1480mm, with a wheelbase of 2900mm, and the rear legroom is ample; the trunk opening height is 30% higher than that of traditional sedans, allowing large items to be placed upright, which is convenient for loading and suitable for family travel.
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High cost-performance configuration: Standard 10.25-inch full LCD instrument + 14.6-inch central control screen, plus an intelligent in-vehicle system that supports voice interaction and remote control; it also has practical configurations such as automatic parking and 360° panoramic image. The pricing of $17,985 has a price advantage among models in the same price range.
You need to pay attention to the following situations:
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Shortcomings in space: The sloped-back design results in cramped headroom in the rear row. Passengers over 178cm in height tend to have their heads touching the ceiling, and the space comfort is weaker than that of some competitors.
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Insufficient comfort details: The shock absorption performance is mediocre, and the comfort is weaker than that of competitor models focused on family use; the door panel storage compartments are shallow. Compared with the multi-compartment designs of some competitors, the riding comfort is relatively poor.
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Some feedback needs optimization: Some car owners report that there is abnormal noise after using the vehicle for a period of time. The chassis' vibration filtering performance is average on bumpy roads, and the actual range performance differs from the official indication. Turning on the air conditioner will further reduce the range.
Overview
Deepal SL03 is the first strategic model launched by Changan Deep Blue, positioned as a mid-size electric sedan.
Since its launch in July 2022, the cumulative sales of Deepal SL03 have exceeded 170,000 units by August 2025. The model showed strong performance in the initial stage of its launch and once set a record for the fastest delivery of 100,000 units of a single model in the new energy market.
Deepal SL03 is available in two energy configurations: extended-range and pure electric. The pure electric range is 140km, 220km, 530km and 530km respectively. The four models differ only in the motor configuration, and the interior equipment and other configurations are basically the same, with the price ranging from $17,985 to $19,785.
You can get a comprehensive understanding of the exterior and interior design of this model through the following video:
Basic Information
Configuration
Model: Deepal SL03
Driving Range (km) (CLTC): The pure electric driving range is 140 km and the comprehensive driving range is 1140 km.
Driving Range (km) (WLTP): 131 (Reference: EV Range Converter)
Charging Time (hours): Fast charge 0.5 hours
100km Power Consumption (kWh/100km): 13.8
Battery Capacity (kWh): 18.99
Maximum Speed (km/h): 170
Vehicle Dimensions (mm): 4820x1890x1480
Maintenance Costs and Manufacturer Services
Charging Cost
Based on the global average residential electricity price of USD 0.17/kWh (Global Petrol Prices, 2025), the SL03 consumes approximately 14 kWh per 100 km, resulting in a charging cost of about $2.37 per 100 km.
Maintenance Cost
The average annual maintenance cost for an electric vehicle is approximately 30%–40% that of a fuel-powered vehicle.
Manufacturer Services
The vehicle warranty period is 3 years or 120,000 km (DCAR, 2025).
Subsidies and Policies
| Examples | |
| Germany | Motor tax exemption for EVs with less than 50g CO2/km emissions or at least 60km range (80km from 2025) until 2030. Privileges for electric cars on German roads, e.g. car parking and bus lane use. (Government of Germany, 2012) |
| Switzerland | Legislative revision including support for recharging stations, an extension of tax exemptions for electric and hydrogen trucks until 2030. (Swiss Federal Government, 2023) |
| Thailand | Tax reductions and exemptions for EVs to promote their deployment (Government of Thailand, 2022) |
| United Kingdom | ZEV mandate: 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans sold in Great Britain will be zero emission by 2030, increasing to 100% by 2035. Around 300 000 public chargers expected as a minimum by 2030 (Government of the United Kingdom, 2023) |
| United States | Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit offers tax credits up to 30% (up to USD 1 000 for residences or up to USD 100 000 for business) for the installation of alternative fuelling equipment in low-income communities or non-urban areas (Government of the United States, 2023) |
| Mexico | Signatory to COP26 ZEV Declaration to work towards all sales of new cars and vans being zero emission globally by 2040. (Government of Mexico, 2022) |
| United Arab Emirates | Increase EV charging stations to 10 000 in 2030 and 30 000 by 2050. (Government of Dubai, 2023) |
| Brazil | National Green Mobility and Innovation Program ("MOVER") (Government of Brazil, 2024) |
For more, please refer to Global EV Policy Explorer to check the EV policies in your location (Global EV Policy Explorer, 2025)
Competitive Comparison
We selected three new energy sedans in the same price range, namely Mazda EZ-6 2024 Extended Range 130, Leapmotor C01 2024 Pure Electric Version 525 Comfort Edition, and Changan Qiyuan A07 2026 Long-range Blue Whale Extended Range 310 Luxury Edition, to compare with Deepal SL03 2025 Facelift 140 Extended Range Elite Edition. According to data analysis, Deepal SL03 has distinct characteristics in the following aspects:
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Range and Energy Replenishment: In extended-range mode, the pure electric range is 140km, which is better than the 130km of Mazda EZ-6 extended-range version but lower than the 310km of Changan Qiyuan A07 extended-range version. However, the comprehensive range can reach more than 1200km, eliminating range anxiety. It is equipped with an 85L front trunk that can store charging equipment, with a reasonable storage layout.
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2. Power Performance: Like the three competitors, this model adopts a rear-mounted rear-drive layout, which has sporty genes, and its driving smoothness is better than that of traditional front-wheel-drive models. The range extender displacement is 0.8-1.1L, and the power output focuses more on power generation efficiency. The handling experience brought by the rear-mounted rear-drive architecture is better than that of Changan Qiyuan A07, which focuses on home comfort.
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Space Practicality: With a body size of 4820×1890×1480mm and a wheelbase of 2900mm, it belongs to the mid-size sedan class, with ample rear legroom. The trunk opening height is 30% higher than that of traditional sedans, allowing large items to be placed upright, which is more convenient for loading compared to the narrow fastback opening of Leapmotor C01 (which requires a 28-inch suitcase to be placed sideways). However, the rear headroom is cramped, and passengers over 178cm in height tend to hit their heads, so the space comfort is weaker than the flat floor design of Leapmotor C01.
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Technological configurations: It comes standard with a 10.25-inch full LCD instrument panel + a 14.6-inch central control screen, and is equipped with an intelligent in-vehicle system that supports voice interaction and remote control. It also has upgraded configurations such as electric seat adjustment for the main and co-pilot seats and a sunroof, but there is a gap compared with the luxury configurations of Changan Qiyuan A07.
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Comfort configurations: It has basic configurations such as imitation leather seats, automatic air conditioning, and rear air vents. The shock filtering performance is mediocre, and the comfort is weaker than that of competing models focusing on daily life and family use. Compared with the 21 storage compartments of Leapmotor C01, the door panel storage compartments of Deepal SL03 are shallow, which is relatively inconvenient.
Summary: The Deepal SL03 2025 Facelift 140 Extended Range Elite Edition excels in terms of extended-range flexibility, hatchback loading convenience, and rear-mounted rear-drive handling genes. With a price of $17,985, it has a price advantage. Although it has some shortcomings in rear headroom and the richness of comfort configurations, it accurately meets the needs of urban commuting and short trips. It is a cost-effective choice among mid-size new energy sedans in the same price range, suitable for family users who value energy replenishment flexibility and loading needs.
Data source:DCAR
| Model / Parameter | Deepal SL03 2025 Facelift 140 Extended Range Elite Edition | Mazda EZ-6 2024 Extended Range 130 | Leapmotor C01 2024 Pure Electric 525 Comfort Edition | Changan Qiyuan A07 2026 Ultra-long Blue Whale Extended Range 310 Luxury Edition |
| Basic information | ||||
| Driving Range (km) (CLTC) | The pure electric driving range is 140 km and the comprehensive driving range is 1140 km. | The pure electric driving range is 130 km. | The pure electric driving range is 535 km. | The pure electric driving range is 310 km. |
| Charging Time (hours) | The fast charging time is 0.5 hour. | The fast charging time is 0.33 hour. | The fast charging time is 0.67 hour and the slow charging time is 7 hours. | The fast charging time is 0.25 hour. |
| Maximum Power (kW) | 175(238Ps) | 160(218Ps) | 200(272Ps) | 200(272Ps) |
| Maximum Torque (N・m) | 320 | 320 | 360 | 290 |
| Top Speed (km/h) | 170 | 170 | 180 | 172 |
| Vehicle body | ||||
| Body Dimensions (mm) | 4820x1890x1480 | 4921x1890x1485 | 5050x1902x1509 | 4905x1910x1480 |
| Number of Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Luggage Compartment Volume (L) | 473-1180 | 479-1174 | 465 | 450-1100 |
| cell | ||||
| Electricity Consumption per 100 Kilometers (kWh/100km) | 13.8 | 14.7 | 13.5 | 15.8 |
| Battery Capacity (kWh) | 18.99 | 18.9 | 62.8 | 35.07 |
| configuration | ||||
| Automatic parking | standard configuration | standard configuration | standard configuration | standard configuration |
| Driving assistance image/video | ●Vehicle backup camera●360° panoramic image/video ●Transparent image/video | ●Vehicle backup camera●360° panoramic image/video ●Transparent image/video | ●Vehicle backup camera●360° panoramic image/video ●Transparent image/video | ●Vehicle backup camera●360° panoramic image/video ●Transparent image/video |
| Types of sunroofs | ●Non-openable panoramic sunroof | ●Non-openable panoramic sunroof | ●Non-openable panoramic sunroof(300dollars) | ●Non-openable panoramic sunroof |
| Electric seat | ●Driver's seat ● Passenger seat | ●Driver's seat ● Passenger seat | ●Driver's seat ● Passenger seat | ●Driver's seat ● Passenger seat |
| Driving mode selection | ● Sport ● Personalization ● Standard Comfort ● ECO/Economy | ● Sport ● Personalization ● Standard Comfort ● ECO/Economy | ● Sport ● Personalization ● Standard Comfort ● ECO/Economy | ● Sport ● Personalization ● Standard Comfort ● ECO/Economy |
| Electric window | ● Front row ● Rear row | ● Front row ● Rear row | ● Front row ● Rear row | ● Front row ● Rear row |
| The number of USB/Type-C interfaces | ● 1 in the front row● 1 in the back row | ● 1 in the front row● 1 in the back row | ● 2 in the front row | ● 2 in the front row● 1 in the back row |
Data Source: (DCAR, 2025)
Real-world Review
Advantages:
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The pure electric version has a CLTC range of 515km/705km, and the extended-range version has an all-electric range of 121km. The range is reliable and energy replenishment is flexible, meeting the needs of daily commuting and short-to-medium distance travel.
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The frameless doors + liftback tailgate design boast an outstanding appearance. The rear-wheel drive architecture delivers precise steering, ensuring excellent driving comfort.
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The 14.6-inch central control screen can rotate left and right. The infotainment system operates smoothly, supporting voice interaction and multi-scenario intelligent services, providing a strong sense of technological experience.
Areas for Improvement:
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Wind and tire noise control is average when driving at high speeds. When the speed exceeds 100km/h, there is room for optimization in in-car quietness.
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The rear seat backrest angle is relatively steep, which may easily cause fatigue during long rides.
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The chassis shock absorption effect is not ideal, and the jolt feeling is obvious on bumpy roads.
Test review from internal and third-party testing:
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1. A comprehensive road test was conducted on the extended-range version of the Deepal SL03. With a full tank of fuel and full charge, 60% of the driving was on urban roads and 40% on highways. Finally, a comprehensive range of 1280km was achieved, with an average fuel consumption as low as 4.3L/100km, showing outstanding fuel economy.
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The pure electric version was tested in a northern city at -15℃ in winter. With the air conditioning turned on to 24℃ and seat heating in use, the actual range achievement rate was approximately 72%. Compared with some models of the same level, the low-temperature range attenuation is better controlled, ensuring high reliability for winter travel.
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A test drive was simulated on mountainous roads with many bends. Thanks to the rear-wheel drive layout and precise steering tuning, the vehicle's roll control is in place when cornering, and the body follows well in continuous bends. Even in non-sport mode, it can give the driver sufficient confidence in handling.
Real User Reviews
We conducted a questionnaire survey among real car owners through the DACR Auto Forum, collecting a total of 1,738 user feedbacks. Among them, positive feedbacks involve 13 types, totaling 1,271; negative feedbacks also involve 13 types, totaling 467. (DCAR, 2025)
Positive Feedback
Powerful Performance
Summary: Equipped with the 8155 chip, it accelerates well with a noticeable push-back feeling. While its power isn't on par with sport-oriented cars, it's more than sufficient for daily use.
"The infotainment system uses the 8155 chip. Even though the one I test-drove was still a prototype, I could already tell it's responsive, and the logic is pretty clear." "Body roll is controlled decently. After all, it's a rear-wheel-drive car. flooring the accelerator doesn't cause slipping, and the start and brake postures are good. The acceleration feels linear. The main thing is that the extended-range version's torque and power are just so-so—there's a push-back feeling, but not as strong as I imagined."
Excellent Overall Space
Summary: The rear row space is comfortable, and the trunk is large, making it suitable for big families with lots of luggage.
"The width and length of the rear seat cushions are good, but the height is a bit low. You need to adjust your sitting posture to get better leg support. I'm 175cm tall, and the space isn't cramped at all. The trunk performance is pretty good too, and there are plenty of storage spaces inside the car." "The space is spacious. I'm 183cm and 80kg, and both the front and rear rows feel roomy. The trunk is big too—the hatchback design can easily fit large items."
Good Driving Experience
Summary: The rear-wheel-drive handling is excellent, with smooth acceleration and lane changes. The three modes cater to most driving habits. However, you need to decelerate in advance when encountering obstacles, and the bumpiness is a bit noticeable.
"The car is a rear-wheel-drive car, and its handling is really great—changing lanes and overtaking are effortless. The chassis isn't very rigid; when going over speed bumps or potholes, sitting in the car feels like being on a boat. It doesn't support well, and there's quite a bit of shaking. Overall, though, the flaws don't overshadow the virtues. As long as you pay more attention to the road conditions while driving and decelerate in time to avoid obstacles, there won't be much of a problem." "The handling is very user-friendly. The three modes suit your driving habits. Small bumps are fine, but big ones do make it bounce a bit."
Negative Feedback
Abnormal Noises
Summary: After using the car for a period of time, some owners have reported abnormal noises.
"Lots of abnormal noises! When the temperature is above minus ten degrees, the front windshield and sunroof make severe noises on rough roads. But the after-sales service is okay—they fixed all the noises in half an hour!" "Sometimes when I'm resting in the car with the P gear engaged, there's a sound similar to a stapler working. I'm not sure if it's coming from the air conditioner."
Unsatisfactory Chassis Performance
Summary: The chassis's shock absorption effect is unsatisfactory, and it's quite bumpy on rough roads.
"The chassis is really bad on rough roads. But since I haven't driven other cars, I can't make a comparison." "The chassis and shock absorption are really underwhelming—the shock absorbers are too stiff."
Poor Range Performance
Summary: The range is less than the official claim, and using the air conditioner, etc., will further reduce it.
"The range is a bit disappointing. I've had the car for 10 days and driven 1,000 kilometers, including highways, expressways, and congested commuting roads." "The range is just not good. When I got the new car, I fully charged it, drove 110 kilometers, and only 24% of the battery was left. I'm writing this car purchase post while charging at the 4S store."
References
DCAR (2025). DCAR. Retrieved from https://www.dongchedi.com/auto/series/20041
EV Range converter (2025). EV Range converter. Retrieved from https://ev-range-standard-converter.web.app/
Global EV Policy Explorer (2025). Explore key policies and measures for EV deployment. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/data-tools/global-ev-policy-explorer?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Global Petrol Prices (2025). World Average Electricity Prices, USD / kWh. Retrieved from https://www.globalpetrolprices.com/electricity_prices/
