Changan‘s Deepal S09 (see specs) enters China’s crowded large SUV market as a well-rounded contender aimed at families who value space, practicality, and technology. The company announced on May 22 that the model had received 21,168 confirmed orders, roughly one month after pre-sales began. With a spacious three-row layout, Huawei-powered infotainment and driver assistance, and a refined extended-range electric powertrain, the S09 is a do-it-all family haulier. Let’s check out the Deepal S09 on this week’s Sunday Drive China and see how it excels where it counts —everyday usability and family-oriented features.

Exterior

At first glance, the S09 might remind some of the Li Auto L9, but it quickly sets itself apart with a design that prioritises function over flash. Stretching over 5.2 meters, its forward-leaning stance and smooth, uncluttered lines keep drag down to just 0.28 Cd. Details like flush bodywork, hidden door handles, and a simple rear bumper show that every element serves a purpose.

The S09’s lighting strikes a balance between character and function. Up front, petal-shaped daytime running lights tucked into the light strip add a subtle touch of personality. At the rear, a segmented light bar boosts turn signal visibility — a practical nod to real-world driving. It’s a design that plays cool rather than flashy, prioritising clarity and efficiency over dramatic flair.

Interior

Step inside the S09, and you’re greeted by a clean, tech-focused cabin built around a 15.6-inch touchscreen running Huawei’s HarmonyOS 5.0. Instead of a traditional instrument cluster, a head-up display keeps key info in the driver’s line of sight. In the back, passengers get their screens. Huawei’s AI assistant brings thoughtful touches—like voice controls and interactive storytelling—that make longer drives a bit easier on everyone.

The materials inside the S09 are a bit of a compromise—there are soft-touch surfaces where it counts, but details like the woodgrain trim and plain door handles feel more budget than the flagship. Still, the S09 makes up for it with clever use of space. The second-row “zero-gravity” seats are highly adjustable, complete with leg rests, and when paired with the fold-flat third row, they transform the cabin into a 2.5-meter-long sleeping space — a practical bonus for road trips or impromptu breaks.

Unlike many three-row SUVs, the S09 doesn’t treat the third row as an afterthought. It’s surprisingly usable, comfortably fitting adults up to 175 cm with a relaxed 125-degree recline and even a few child-friendly storage spots. And with every seat occupied, there’s still enough room in the back for six carry-on suitcases — not bad for a whole family.

Behind the Wheel

The S09’s dual-motor extended-range setup packs more than 300 kW, delivering smooth, assured acceleration in city traffic or merging onto the highway. Since the engine doesn’t directly drive the wheels, cabin noise and vibration stay impressively muted. Push past 120 km/h, and the pull eases up a bit, but it still holds its own for typical highway cruising. The brake regen system gives you a few levels to play with, though it doesn’t quite offer the precision needed for accurate one-pedal driving.

One of the highlights of the S09 is its CDC adaptive suspension, borrowed from the Volkswagen Group. Comfort mode smooths out rough roads with ease, while Sport mode tightens things up for better control through turns. For a big SUV, the S09 stays composed and easy to handle, with light but precise steering, especially useful in tight city spaces. Cabin noise is generally well-muted, though rougher road surfaces can bring some tyre hum at higher speeds.

Huawei’s driver-assistance system shines on the highway, handling tasks like automatic lane changes with speed and confidence—though the quickness might feel a bit sharp for some. It’s not without its quirks; construction zones can throw it off now and then. The infotainment setup is smooth and packed with features, including rear-seat controls, but a few menu layouts could use some streamlining to make things easier to find on the go.

Verdict

The Deepal S09 isn’t here to shake up the segment—it’s built to quietly get the job done for families who need space, comfort, and modern tech. It may not have the flash or finesse of luxury-brand competitors. Still, its everyday strengths—like a genuinely usable third row, smart cargo flexibility, a smooth ride, and a solid tech package—make it a well-balanced and thoughtful choice in a crowded field.

If you’re after a vehicle that focuses on real-world practicality rather than flashy looks or status, the S09 makes a strong case. Positioned against the Li L9 and Aito M9, it delivers solid value for families needing one versatile ride that can tackle everything from school runs to weekend getaways and city errands without breaking a sweat.

Stay tuned for next week’s Sunday China Drive at Car News China, where you can read more first-person evaluations of Chinese cars.