Similar to some other hardcore SUVs, the Deepal G318 has a boxy exterior design and is expected to compete with BYD Fang Cheng Bao's Bao 5.

Deepal, the new energy-vehicle (NEV) arm of Changan Automobile, has rolled out the G318 SUV (sport utility vehicle), its first hardcore SUV and latest extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) offering.

Deepal launched the G318 at an event held today in Lhasa, Tibet, with a starting price of RMB 175,900 ($24,260).

The G318 is also a national highway in China that ends in Lhasa. Deepal chose the nomenclature, which seems to be aimed at emphasizing the model's hardcore SUV character.

The vehicle is similar to some other hardcore off-road SUVs with a boxy exterior design.

Deepal is offering six variants of the G318, including three two-wheel-drive versions, with starting prices of RMB 175,900, RMB 185,900 and RMB 199,900 respectively.

Its other three four-wheel drive variants start at RMB 199,900, RMB 229,900 and RMB 318,000 respectively.

The five-seater SUV measures 5,010 mm in length, 1,985 mm in width and 1,895 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,880 mm.

The two-wheel drive version is powered by a rear electric motor with a peak power of 185 kW and peak torque of 310 Nm, and is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in as fast as 8.3 seconds.

The four-wheel drive version has an additional front motor with a peak power of 131 kW and peak torque of 572 Nm, and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds.

Its range-extender is a 1.5L displacement engine with turbocharging.

The G318 comes standard with a lithium iron phosphate battery with a capacity of 18.99 kWh in the entry version and a CLTC battery range of 100 kilometers.

All other versions have a battery capacity of 35.07 kWh and a CLTC range of 174-190 kilometers.

Deepal is offering customers who order the G318 now with benefits including a RMB 10,000 trade-in subsidy, a lifetime warranty and 0 down payment.

Deepal is Changan's NEV brand announced in 2022, and officially launched its first model, the SL03, on July 25, 2022, a competitor to the Tesla Model 3.

Deepal also has an SUV called the S7, a competitor to the Tesla Model Y.

The SL03 and S7 are available in both EREV and battery electric vehicle (BEV) versions.

The G318 is Deepal's third model and is expected to compete with BYD's (HKG: 1211, OTCMKTS: BYDDY) personalized brand Fang Cheng Bao's Bao 5 SUV, which went on sale on November 9 last year at a starting price of RMB 289,800 yuan.

Deepal delivered 14,371 vehicles in May, up 104.69 percent year-on-year and up 12.77 percent from April, according to data compiled by CnEVPost.

The brand delivered 67,199 vehicles from January through May, up 100.09 percent year-on-year.

($1 = RMB 7.2506)

Changan's NEV arm Deepal plugs into Nio's charging network