If you’re looking for an electric vehicle (EV) to take advantage of the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption through a novated lease, the Deepal S07 should be on your radar. This new entrant to the Australian market offers futuristic styling, a minimalist interior, and some truly innovative features—like the built-in speaker in the driver’s headrest (seriously, why didn’t someone think of this sooner?).
For first-time EV buyers, the Deepal S07 presents a compelling package, balancing premium technology with real-world practicality. Let’s dive into what makes this car stand out. (For pricing and full specifications follow this link)
A Bold Newcomer with Tesla-Like Minimalism
The Deepal S07 is one of the latest Chinese-designed and manufactured EVs to hit the Australian market in 2025. While it might not have the brand recognition of Tesla or BYD yet, it’s clearly aiming to compete in the same space with a striking, button-free interior and an emphasis on tech-driven convenience.
Stepping inside, you’ll immediately notice the massive rotating infotainment screen—a feature that allows you to set the screen to face the driver or passenger depending on your preference. While this might sound gimmicky at first, it actually makes sense for the driver’s line of sight when navigating menus or using maps.
The steering wheel has only a handful of buttons, keeping the dashboard clean and uncluttered. Virtually everything is controlled through the large central touchscreen, similar to what you’d find in a Tesla. If you’re used to traditional button layouts, this might take some getting used to, but the interface is intuitive enough once you familiarise yourself with it.
Driving Performance & Range: Impressive for a New Brand
A common issue with new EV brands is suspension tuning—some can feel overly stiff, while others lack refinement. The Deepal S07, however, strikes a good balance. It soaks up road imperfections well, making for a smooth and composed drive on both urban streets and highways.
Although it’s not a high-performance EV meant for track days, it delivers strong acceleration and confident handling, making daily commuting and weekend road trips enjoyable. Range figures appear to align with real-world driving, though we haven’t put it through a full range test yet.
For those concerned about battery longevity, the heads-up display provides real-time information on range, battery status, and regenerative braking, helping drivers optimise their driving habits.
The Little Feature That Blew My Mind: A Speaker in the Headrest
One of the most unexpected and clever features in the Deepal S07 is the built-in driver’s headrest speaker. Instead of blasting phone calls or navigation prompts through the entire cabin, the sound is directed right to the driver.
It’s such a simple yet brilliant innovation—no more adjusting volume levels to compensate for background noise, and passengers aren’t forced to listen to your conversations. How did no one else think of this before?
Space & Comfort: A Solid Fit for Daily Life
Despite being a relatively compact EV, the Deepal S07 offers good interior space. Two adults can comfortably sit in the back, and the rear seats have received positive feedback for their comfort levels from my teenage kids, making this a suitable option for young families or professionals who occasionally travel with passengers.
The boot space is practical, with enough room for prams, groceries, or luggage for a weekend getaway. It’s not a giant SUV, but for city dwellers or those transitioning from a traditional petrol sedan or hatchback, it offers plenty of versatility.
Soft-touch surfaces and high-quality materials throughout the cabin add to the premium feel. It’s clear that Deepal has made an effort to ensure the S07 doesn’t feel like a budget EV, even though it’s positioned at an accessible price point.
Tech & Safety: A Mixed Bag
The heads-up display (HUD) replaces a traditional instrument cluster, showing key driving information like speed, battery status, and navigation prompts. It’s a smart addition that keeps the driver’s focus on the road.
Like many modern EVs, the Deepal S07 comes packed with driver assistance features—perhaps a little too many. Some users may find them intrusive, but fortunately, there’s a quick-access button to disable the more distracting alerts.
Where the Deepal S07 falls slightly short is in its infotainment system. While the screen is crisp and responsive, navigating the menus can feel cumbersome, and there are more submenus than necessary. Also, the radio system can be hit or miss—it doesn’t always recall favourite stations as expected. It’s a minor quirk, but something to be aware of.
Who Should Buy the Deepal S07?
The Deepal S07 is an excellent choice for first-time EV buyers looking to take advantage of the FBT exemption on novated leases.
Ideal Buyers:
✅ Young professionals who want a high-tech, stylish EV
✅ Small families who need a practical and comfortable commuter car
✅ Eco-conscious drivers looking for an affordable entry into the EV market
✅ Novated lease buyers who want to maximise tax savings on their next car purchase
It’s not necessarily a car for performance enthusiasts, nor is it aimed at those wanting a large SUV for serious off-road adventures. But for everyday use, it ticks a lot of the right boxes.
Final Verdict: A Worthy EV Contender with Unique Perks
The Deepal S07 might not have the instant name recognition of Tesla or BYD, but it delivers a premium experience at an affordable price. With its smooth drive, spacious interior, and clever tech features, it’s an appealing option for anyone considering an EV for the first time.
And let’s not forget—that headrest speaker is a game-changer. It’s little touches like this that make the Deepal S07 a standout in the growing EV market.
If you’re looking for an innovative, stylish, and tax-effective EV, this could be the perfect fit for your novated lease.
