The 2024 year all-electric version of the Deepal SL03 sedan launched in China on February 20. Chinese media claim the starting price is now 27,000 yuan (3,750 USD) cheaper than for the 2023 models – we however are not so sure a check on the cheapest 2023 EV version on comparison site Dongchedi suggests it is actually 3,000 yuan less. Key differences are not only with price but range as well. The price cuts come hot on the heels of discounts on Deepal’s other model the S7 SUV.
At launch three versions are available starting at 156,900 yuan (21,800 USD) for the 530 Plus, with the 530 Max version at 163,900 yuan (22,800 USD) and the range topper 610 Max at 173,900 yuan(24,200 USD). The numbers 530 and 610 stand for the CLTC ranges and replace outgoing models with ranges of 515 km and 705 km.
Deepal was originally referred to as Shenlan in English before gaining an official English name. The brand is majority owned by Chang’an and currently sells new energy cars in China and Thailand. Originally launched in 2022 the SL03 was the brand’s first car.
It is quite surprising that Deepal has chosen to reduce the range with the top spec SL03. Battery size is down considerably at 66.8 kWh versus 80.0 kWh in the former 705 model but it remains NCM chemistry. However that has likely helped the brand reduce the price by 23,000 yuan (3,200 USD) from the old model (196,900 yuan, 27,400 USD). In contrast the 530 model gets a 58.9 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack versus a marginally smaller 58.1 kWh unit in the old 515.
Power for the 530 versions comes from a 160 kW motor whereas the 610 gets 190 kW. Both are permanent magnet synchronous drive motors mounted on the rear axle and both produce the same torque, 320 Nm. The 610 has a slightly faster acceleration time at 6.2 seconds compared to 6.9 for the 530.
More competitive pricing is likely to help sales as China rushes to the bottom with EV prices. Dimension remain unchanged with length, width and height of the vehicle at 4820/1890/1480 mm, and the wheelbase is 2900 mm.
Interior design is quite simple with an LCD instrument display and a two-spoke steering wheel. One interesting aspect is that the 14.6-inch floating central screen can by rotated toward either the driver or passenger by 15°. Max versions come with an augmented reality head up display and all versions have a built-in dashcam.
Other features include 40W wireless mobile phone charging, Bluetooth NFC key, transparent chassis and Max versions get a 64 color ambient lighting and anti-glare mirrors.
Currently no updates for the range extended version (EREV) SL03 have been announced.
