Chinese hybrid Toyota Prado rival on the cards for Australia: 2025 Deepal G318 4WD and Tesla Cybertruck-like Deepal Nevo 07 could follow the brand's Tesla Model Y and BYD Sealion 07-rivalling Deepal S07

Chinese carmaker Deepal has just launched in Australia with its S07 mid-size electric SUV, but it isn’t going to rest on its laurels.

At the launch of the Deepal S07 in Australia this week, the brand showcased four other models and said it was planning nine electric cars and range-extender hybrids in the near future.

The left-hand drive models on display were the L07 electric sedan, S05 compact electric SUV, G318 range-extender off-road SUV and the Nevo 07 ute/SUV mash-up.

Deepal Australia boss Cormac Cafolla told CarsGuide that nothing is off the table at the moment.

“We are exploring and talking to our Chinese team about all of the vehicles here tonight and how to bring them to Australia and make them right for the Australian market, and we explore every opportunity we can,” said Cafolla.

In regards to the nine future models, he also said all would be considered.

Deepal Nevo 07

“We have to make sure they are fit and right for the Australian market, anything that has the right opportunity and we believe will serve the consumers in Australia, we will push for it as hard as possible to make sure they hit the roads here,” he said.

The Toyota Prado-rivalling G318 range-extender hybrid is the most compelling car in the current line-up. The big rough-and-tumble off-roader is the most likely to resonate with Australian buyers, and right-hand drive production is already mooted for the UK making the road to Oz smoother.

In China it is available in two- or four-wheel drive, but the four-wheel drive would make the most sense Down Under.

Deepal Nevo 07

It uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine as a generator to charge the circa-35kWh Lithium-iron Phosphate (LFP) battery. Nissan uses a similar setup in its e-Power hybrids.

At no point does the petrol engine drive the wheels, this is done by two electric motors - one on each axle for all-wheel drive - which combine for 316kW and 572Nm.

It uses 6.7L/100km and has an all-electric driving range of 174km, and has a total claimed driving range of 1000km according to the relatively generous China Light-Duty Test Cycle (CLTC). 

Deepal L07

The G318 has multiple off-road driving modes including Wading, Snow, Rigged, Mud and Sand. It also has a rock crawling mode and a tank turn feature.

Deliveries are expected to commence in China in 2025.

The Nevo 07 is a head scratching vehicle. It combines elements of several different body shapes. Its sleek silhouette is classic liftback but it has the ride height of an SUV.

Deepal S05

At the rear is when things take a turn. The sloping roof can retract to reveal a carpeted tray tub in a similar vein to the Tesla Cybertruck’s design.

It is also a range-extender hybrid available in two- and four-wheel drive layouts.

The rear-wheel drive single-motor version makes 252kW and the twin-motor variant steps it up to 370kW with a claimed 0-100km/h time of 3.0 seconds.

Deepal G318

It uses a 39kWh LFP battery pack for up to 200km EV-only driving range. 

When the battery runs out, the range-extender’s consumption is listed at 5.8L/100km for the single-motor and 6.1L/100km for the twin. 

Cafolla said these range-extender models would suit Australian buyers quite well.

Deepal G318

“We think the range-extender could have great potential for the Australian consumer, for those that like to do that longer drive. As I’ve said before we will explore all of the different powertrain opportunities that the brand can offer, and at the right time bring them to the Australian market,” he said.