Launching a distinctive and well-recognized model in the Chinese auto market is challenging. This is especially true for extended-range and pure electric vehicles. Simply stacking configurations and materials does not attract buyers. Few products effectively combine high-performance hardware and software into practical and engaging vehicles. Deep Blue, a leading domestic car brand, plans to release the S05. This compact SUV features two standout functions: a camera gimbal and projection headlights.
Before the 11th, Sina Auto received an invitation from Deep Blue Auto to test drive this model. This model is very fun to drive. The Deep Blue S05 will offer two power versions: range extender and pure electric. The test drive featured the range extender version. Let’s discuss the two major highlights of the car.
The light group on the lower left side of the Deep Blue S05 features the HUAWEI XPIXEL technology. This is the DEEPAL projection smart headlight. It offers 1200 lumens. This model is the first in the 300,000 yuan (42630$) range to include this feature. It has 1.3 million pixels and can project a 120-inch screen.
Due to regulations, it comes in only black and white. It includes two 25W external speakers. These speakers play sound in different modes. Use them for a starlit cinema, outdoor KTV, or gaming. It also features a romantic light-drawing graffiti wall.
This feature offers more than just fun attributes. It provides safe driving assistance. It includes narrow road width indication, high beam enhancement, steering assistance, yielding reminders, intelligent driving prompts, hazard lights, light signals, and DIY writing and drawing functions.
The speakers sit at the front of the car. They include two 25W speakers. The left rear door only shows the charging status.
Another highlight of the Deep Blue S05 is its gimbal camera. This camera can achieve 4K shooting and video output. It also has 64GB of independent storage.
It has the same photo features as a smartphone. It can take photos and videos. It offers a panoramic view. Users can capture with one click. It supports Vlog creative shooting. It includes time-lapse and 180-degree panoramic modes. It can also link to sentry mode.
It does not include a stabilizer. It only uses software stabilization. In time-lapse mode, it can shoot continuously for four hours. It consumes only 0.32 kWh. Users can directly add filters and edit videos. To export videos, install the Deep Blue Car app on your phone.
The deep blue S05 is a compact SUV. It measures 4620mm in length, 1900mm in width, and 1600mm in height. The wheelbase reaches 2880mm. Its shape is very streamlined. The drag coefficient is 0.25Cd. This design can improve high-speed range by about 16%.
The front headlights use a split design. The upper light group features a wing shape and includes LED daytime running lights. The lower light group provides high and low beams. It also integrates a digital projection headlight on the left side.
The front of the car features an active grille. It adjusts the opening based on speed, air conditioning performance, and powertrain conditions. This design reduces drag by up to 15 counts. It also increases high-speed range by 14 km.
The side of the car shows a well-proportioned deep blue S05. It has a high width-to-height ratio of 0.842 and a wheelbase ratio of 0.623. The muscular contours on the lower sides stand out, conveying a strong sense of power.
The Deep Blue S05 features hidden door handles. The exterior mirrors have a low-drag, streamlined design. The overall look is impressive.
The Deep Blue S05 features four frameless swing doors. This design enhances the car’s overall sense of technology and sportiness.
The test drive car features 20-inch “Rotor” silver and black wheels. It pairs with Continental tires. Other versions have 18-inch “Shadow” wheels with a two-tone stripe design.
The front tires turn left or right. The tires sit too close to the inner wall. After driving through muddy terrain, the inside of the wheel arch will be very dirty.
The rear end is full and rounded. The overall shape follows mainstream design trends. The continuous taillights show a refined luxury feel. When braking, the deep blue logo lights up. The high-mounted brake light on the V-shaped spoiler also lights up.
The interior of the Deep Blue S05 is simple but full of technology. The central console features a wraparound design. Buyers can choose between bright colors and dark gray for the interior. The materials include leather and silver trim.
The steering wheel uses a joystick design from future aircraft. It adjusts the speed and following distance for assisted driving. The function keys on the right control media.
The Deep Blue S05 uses an electronic gear shifter. It optimizes cabin space and enhances convenience. Quickly toggle down twice to activate assisted driving.
The Deep Blue S05 cabin features the 8155 chip. It allows smooth switching between full and half screens. The 15.4-inch 2.5K central control screen can adaptively rotate up to 15° to the left or right. This design eases control for front-seat passengers.
The car system features DEEPAL OS 3.0. It uses a new 3D engine. This engine maps time, weather, and vehicle status to the screen in real time. It also supports a wide range of app expansions.
The Deep Blue S05 collaborates with Pop Mart. It launches a smart voice assistant. This assistant features a unique 3D avatar and voice interaction for different scenarios. Users can interact inside and outside the car. The system includes five voiceprint recognitions. It activates interaction only for saved voiceprints.
Smart cabin scene modes: Enjoy rest, movie watching, camping, and more. The system recommends modes based on the vehicle’s current status. Start with one click.
The AR-HUD holographic reality system features a 50-inch imaging size. It supports seven customizable functions, including lyrics, AI navigation, and a mini-map. The system adapts brightness automatically. It provides clear data indicators.
The Deep Sea S05 features a Bluetooth key. It supports Hicar, Carlink, T-link, and WeChat connectivity. It includes a 50W wireless charging pad and a starry sky concert function.
This model lacks a separate FM function. Users must download a radio app to listen. Few people listen to the radio now. However, FM serves as a universal channel for public events.
The 2880mm wheelbase fits the size of a mid-size sedan. Therefore, the Deep Blue S05 offers good passenger space.
Ninety percent of the car seats use soft, skin-friendly materials. They fit the body’s curves. The bottom has high-rebound foam for comfort. It features a three-dimensional lumbar support design. The seating feels relaxed and supportive. The front seats offer ventilation, heating, and memory functions.
The test drive model features a front passenger seat with a leg rest. You can adjust it electrically for a zero-gravity seating angle.
This test drive features the extended range version. It lacks a front trunk. However, the 464L rear trunk offers enough space for items. The second-row seats fold down to expand storage.
The central armrest box features a cooling and heating function. The 13L dual-layer insulated armrest box includes a 3.5L upper storage compartment and a 9.5L lower insulated box. It uses a one-piece molded air conditioning duct structure. The lowest cooling temperature reaches 5°C.
The Deep Blue S05 features standard intelligent driving. It stands out in its class for offering equal access to smart driving. The entire lineup includes five high-definition cameras, five millimeter-wave radars, and twelve ultrasonic radars. This setup achieves L2 level assistance. The car also supports OTA upgrades.
In real experience, the Deep Blue S05’s smart driving handles full-speed following on closed roads and lane centering. It smoothly navigates through tight curves. The vehicle stays centered in the turn. It brakes and accelerates gently while following the car ahead.
The extended-range model features a 1.5L new Blue Whale hybrid engine and a rear motor. It delivers a maximum output of 160 kW and a maximum torque of 320 Nm. The system achieves an efficiency of up to 95%. It includes a heat pump air conditioning system. This system improves efficiency by 1.8 to 2.4 times compared to traditional heating methods. It can save up to 38% of energy and extend the range by 21 kilometers.
The official range for the Deep Blue S05 extended version is 200 km in pure electric mode. Its total range reaches 1234 km. The pure electric model uses CATL cells and Jinzhongzhao batteries. It offers a pure electric range of 510 km. Charging from 30% to 80% takes 15 minutes or less. Both versions provide 6 kW of external discharge power.
The range-extended version accelerates as well as the pure electric version. Press the pedal harder, and the wheels can slip on asphalt. This power makes driving exciting. The deep blue S05 shares the same chassis structure as the G318, featuring a front MacPherson and a rear five-link independent suspension. Its handling remains agile and nimble. The suspension leans towards comfort, yet on Chongqing’s winding roads, you can feel the chassis’s good resilience at slightly higher speeds.
The suspension rebounds well over unpaved roads or at pavement seams and potholes. The damping feels balanced between comfort and sport. The rebound is quick and clean. However, larger dips cause some body movement. The suspension controls this movement quickly.
The Deep Blue S05 accelerates directly. It overtakes quickly. With a pure electric range of 200 km, it is sufficient for city commuting. It handles traffic and acceleration with ease.
The power, handling, and mechanical quality of the Deep Blue S05 are satisfactory. However, the use of the gimbal camera during dynamic driving is more appealing. You can rotate the gimbal left and right on the screen to capture images. This feature provides a higher vantage point. It also serves as a tool for recording scenic views during self-driving trips. If possible, it would be great to add a one-click center button on the screen. This would return the gimbal to face forward, making it easier to capture beautiful scenery or unexpected events ahead.
In the current competitive smart electric vehicle market, the Deep Blue S05 stands out. It features unique smart technology, excellent range, and strong performance. Its youthful design and high cost-effectiveness appeal to young consumers. The S05 meets their desire for technology and fashion. Produced alongside the Qiyuan 07, Avita 07, and Deep Blue S07 at Changan’s digital factory, the S05 showcases leading manufacturing processes and materials. With its innovation and differentiation, the Deep Blue S05 holds strong competitive potential.