In 2026, the European automotive market is set for a major event: Chinese manufacturer Changan, long considered a leader in its home country, is entering the scene. The company is now ready to challenge established Old World brands by launching two fully electric vehicles. This isn’t just another attempt by an Asian automaker to carve out a place in Europe—it’s a strategic push backed by decades of experience and significant investment in technology.
Changan is no newcomer to the automotive industry. The brand boasts a history spanning more than a century and a half, beginning in the 19th century with the production of engineering equipment. It wasn’t until the middle of the last century that the company shifted focus to car manufacturing, and it hasn’t slowed down since. Today, Changan is a state-owned corporation controlled by China’s central government and ranks among the world’s leading automotive players.
A Historic Journey
Changan’s first steps in automotive production date back to 1959, when the Changjiang Type 46 Jeep rolled off the assembly line. This marked a starting point for the future giant, which gradually expanded its model range and refined its technology. In the 1980s, the company introduced its Star mini-car, and by the mid-1990s, it had firmly established itself as an independent automotive group.
A milestone came with the 2025 reorganization, after which Changan officially secured its status as an independent state-owned company. This move not only strengthened the brand’s position in the domestic market, but also enabled it to launch an active expansion beyond China. Today, Changan owns several subsidiaries, including Deepal, Avatr, and Kaicene, and is also involved in joint ventures with industry giants such as Ford and Mazda.
Global ambitions
Changan has long outgrown the status of a domestic manufacturer. Over the past decades, the company has established car exports to Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, and is now setting its sights on Europe. In 2026, the brand will officially enter the European market, where competition in the electric vehicle sector is becoming increasingly fierce.
Electrification is the brand’s main focus. Changan not only follows trends, but actively shapes them by investing in new platform development and battery technologies. For European buyers, the company has prepared two models: Deepal S05 and Deepal S07. Both cars are fully electric, featuring modern design and impressive technical specifications.
Deepal S05
The Deepal S05 is a compact SUV designed specifically for European roads. Its appearance was developed in Turin, which speaks to a serious approach toward local tastes. The vehicle’s dimensions make it well-suited for city driving, while the spacious interior is designed to comfortably seat five people. With a trunk capacity of almost 500 liters and additional storage space in the front, the S05 is a practical choice for families and active drivers.
Technically, the model comes in two versions: a rear-wheel-drive variant with 272 hp, and an all-wheel-drive option boasting an impressive 435 hp. Both versions are equipped with a 68.8 kWh battery, providing a range of up to 485 kilometers. Fast charging allows you to replenish energy from 10% to 80% in just 23 minutes—a figure that can impress even the most demanding European drivers.
Deepal S07
The second newcomer, the Deepal S07, targets a more discerning audience. This is a large D-segment SUV that stands out not only for its size but also for its level of equipment. With a length of almost 4.8 meters, a width of 1.93 meters, and a wheelbase of 2.9 meters, it offers ample space and comfort for all passengers.
Under the hood, the S07 features a 218 hp electric motor and an 80 kWh battery, enabling up to 475 kilometers of range without recharging. Fast charging takes 48 minutes. A standout feature of this model is its V2L function, allowing the car to act as a power source for external devices. Inside, you’ll find a massive touchscreen, wireless charging, voice controls, and a full suite of modern driver assistance systems.
Technology and Competition
Changan offers more than just impressive technical specs. Both models feature the latest innovations in multimedia, safety, and comfort. A large display, over-the-air updates, and remote control of vehicle functions—all of this is no longer a luxury but a standard for the brand’s new models.
Changan will face tough competition in the European market from BYD, Xpeng, and other Chinese and European manufacturers. However, a focus on quality, innovation, and affordability could work to its advantage. Prices for the new electric vehicles have yet to be announced, but experts believe surprises are still to come.
If you didn’t know, Changan is one of China’s oldest and largest automakers, founded in 1862. The company specializes in the production of passenger, commercial, and electric vehicles, and is also actively developing its own technological platforms. In recent years, the brand has focused on international expansion and partnerships with global industry leaders.
