Deepal E07 Multitruck: Category-Defining SUV/Ute 350km Test Drive Verdict

Zecar contributor Neerav Bhatt recently had the opportunity to test drive the new Deepal E07 Multitruck at the Australian media launch day. It is a unique EV which presents an interesting proposition in the Australian car market.

Image by - Neerav Bhatt

The majority of Australian car buyers currently purchase either an SUV or a Ute. Will the category breaking Deepal E07 lure some buyers from both these groups?

This unique vehicle earnt its "Multitruck" nickname after Matt from The Right Car used the term in one of his earlier videos and Deepal liked it so much they made it official.

The E07 sits somewhere between a sedan and a ute, or perhaps a coupe-ute, with a distinctly sleek silhouette that's clearly been designed with aerodynamics in mind.

After spending several hours behind the wheel from Sydney to the Hunter Valley, I've identified several strengths and areas where this EV vehicle could be improved.

What Works Well

Camping and Adventure Capabilities: The E07 shines as an adventure vehicle with genuine car camping credentials. You can fit a queen-size mattress in the back, and there's dedicated car camping software that manages air filters to prevent stuffiness during overnight stays.

Panoramic Sunroof: The large sunroof is a genuine highlight, particularly for those planning outback adventures where light pollution is minimal. Being able to stargaze from your bed is a nice touch that adds to the camping experience.

Vehicle-to-Load Power: With 6.6kW of vehicle-to-load capability, the E07 significantly outperforms most other electric vehicles that typically offer 2.2kW or 3.3kW. This means you can easily power an air fryer, lights, and music during camping trips.
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Air Suspension System: Despite the car's substantial 5-metre length, the three-level adjustable air suspension makes for surprisingly comfortable driving. The system offers ground clearance adjustments between 133mm, 183mm, and 223mm.

Charging Port Design: The charging port deserves special mention for its upward-opening design that provides excellent weather protection during charging sessions. Located on the left passenger side, it makes straight-in parking at charging stations straightforward.

Fast Charging Capability: The 240kW DC charging rate on the 800V platform is impressive, though we'll need to see how it performs on 400V chargers like Tesla Superchargers, where it may be limited to around 100kW.

Generous Storage: Both the rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions feature a substantial 131-litre frunk, which is rare for AWD electric vehicles. The boot offers 524 litres of space, expanding to 1,654 litres with seats folded.

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Interior Comfort: All seats feature heating, cooling, and ventilation, with massage functions in the rear seats that apparently keep children entertained for extended periods, according to Deepal sales staff.

Range Performance: The rear-wheel-drive model achieves 550km on the WLTP cycle, translating to approximately 650km in city driving and 420-430km on highways. The all-wheel-drive version isn't far behind at 510km WLTP.

Software Improvements: Deepal has clearly worked on reducing annoying notifications and sounds. The voice control system responds well to commands like "Hey, Deepal, increase the air temperature."

Areas for Improvement

Safety Concerns: During testing, I discovered a concerning safety issue with the sunroof. When I tested the automatic closure system with an obstruction, it failed to stop properly and broke a test stick in half. This is particularly worrying given recent Tesla recalls for similar window closure issues.

Limited AC Charging: For a vehicle of this price and specification, the 7kW AC charging rate feels insufficient and could be frustrating for home charging situations.

Tesla Supercharger Compatibility: Early testing suggests the E07 doesn't currently work with Tesla V3 and V4 Superchargers, a common issue with new 800V vehicles. While Deepal has issued a statement addressing this, the fix could take months to implement.

Battery Chemistry: The 90kWh NMC battery chemistry may deter some buyers who prefer LFP batteries for ethical reasons and longer charge cycle life. However, the engineering trade-offs are understandable given the vehicle's already substantial weight.

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Seat Support: The front seats lack adequate side bolstering, leading to a sliding sensation during cornering on twisty roads. This detracts from what is otherwise a comfortable driving experience.

Colour Restrictions: The rear-wheel-drive base model is only available in white, grey, and black, while the more attractive jade green and orange colours are restricted to the more expensive all-wheel-drive variant.

Technical Specifications

The E07 measures 5,045mm in length, 1,996mm in width, and 1,680mm in height, with a 3,120mm wheelbase. The rear-wheel-drive version weighs 2.32 tonnes, while the all-wheel-drive model tips the scales at 2.44 tonnes.

Both variants can tow 750kg unbraked and 1,500kg with a braked trailer. The 89.98kWh battery capacity supports the vehicle's impressive range figures, though it contributes to the substantial kerb weight.

Value Proposition

The rear-wheel-drive base model appears well-equipped and offers nearly A$10,000 in savings compared to the all-wheel-drive version. For many buyers, the rear-wheel-drive variant should provide adequate performance while maximising range.

Image by - Neerav Bhatt

Verdict

The Deepal E07 Multitruck presents a compelling package for buyers seeking a versatile vehicle that can handle daily driving and weekend adventures with equal competence. The combination of practical features, impressive range, and unique styling creates a genuinely different proposition in the Australian market.

However, several issues need addressing, particularly the safety concerns with the sunroof mechanism and the Tesla Supercharger compatibility problems. The limited colour options for the base model and modest AC charging rates are also disappointing for a vehicle at this price point.

Despite these concerns, the E07's strengths in camping capability, storage space, and overall versatility make it worth considering for buyers seeking something different from the usual SUV offerings.