DEEPAL S09 Range-Extended SUV Launches in Middle East and Africa
Changan Automobile has launched the DEEPAL S09 in the Middle East and Africa, positioning the six-seat range-extended electric SUV as the flagship of its DEEPAL brand. The regional introduction was announced on October 27, 2026, following launch events in Oman and Egypt.
This is not a U.S. launch. Changan has not announced American availability, and its English-language regional release does not disclose local pricing, battery capacity, combined power output or an official electric-only driving range. Those omissions matter because they limit direct comparisons with other large electrified SUVs.
What powers the DEEPAL S09
The S09 uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline range extender with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. In this type of vehicle, the gasoline engine supports the electric powertrain by generating energy rather than serving as the sole propulsion source. Changan describes the setup as its “Super Range Extension 2.0” system.
- Full-size SUV body with three rows and six seats
- Dual-motor all-wheel drive
- Adaptive dampers and air suspension in the “Magic Carpet” chassis system
- Claimed 30-to-80-percent fast charging in about 15 minutes under suitable conditions
- Eight airbags and extended side-curtain coverage
The charging figure is a manufacturer claim. The release does not identify the charger output, starting battery temperature or test standard, so shoppers should treat it as a best-case headline rather than a guaranteed real-world result.
A technology-heavy six-seat cabin
DEEPAL is emphasizing the second row. The two individual “zero-gravity” seats offer 16-way power adjustment, heating, ventilation and massage, while the third-row backrests are power operated. A 10-liter cooled and heated compartment is also included in the equipment described for the regional model.
Up front, the S09 combines two 15.6-inch displays with a 43-inch augmented-reality head-up display. Rear passengers get a 21.4-inch ceiling-mounted screen, and the cabin uses a 20-speaker audio system. The software package is identified as DEEPAL OS 4.0 and supports a Bluetooth phone key.
Changan says the vehicle was developed with Huawei and includes DEEPAL AD PRO driver-assistance functions such as adaptive cruise control, lane centering, automated parking and reversing assistance. These remain driver-assistance features, not a substitute for an attentive driver. The company announcement does not cite an independent crash-test result or an independent evaluation of the system.
Why the regional launch matters
The S09 gives Changan a larger, more premium entry for markets where Chinese automakers are expanding quickly. That strategy is also visible in planned European launches such as the iCAUR V27 hybrid SUV and at major international events where Chinese brands are increasing their presence.
For buyers in the Middle East and Africa, however, the immediate shopping questions are still market-specific. Changan has not provided one consolidated price or delivery timetable for the entire region. Equipment can also differ by country, so the published feature list should be confirmed with the local distributor before purchase.
The launch establishes where the S09 is going next and what the flagship is intended to offer, but several core specifications remain unverified in the regional materials. Chiefs Review will update coverage if Changan publishes country-by-country pricing, homologated range figures or detailed battery and output data.
Featured image: Official DEEPAL S09 manufacturer media image from the DEEPAL newsroom. This is an archive image from an earlier S09 launch presentation, not a photograph of the Middle East and Africa regional events. Image source: DEEPAL.
Sources
- Changan Automobile: DEEPAL S09 Middle East and Africa launch announcement, October 27, 2026
- Changan Automobile: Egypt launch announcement, October 26, 2026
- The EV Report: regional launch coverage, October 27, 2026