Words and photos by Jeff Reyes
The journey began with an invitation from Autohub Group, which brought two members of the motoring media to China for an exclusive look at the future of intelligent mobility through upscale electrified auto brand, Deepal.
Our first stop was Chongqing, arriving at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, where the tone for the trip was immediately set—efficient, modern, and forward-looking especially since it’s my first trip to China. After settling in, we headed straight into the heart of the experience: the Dianjiang Proving Grounds.
Here, the spotlight was on Deepal’s growing lineup—the S05, S07, S09, and G318. Each vehicle was put through its paces on a specially designed course featuring a mix of surfaces, from smooth asphalt to rough, uneven terrain. It wasn’t just a showcase—it was a hands-on demonstration of the brand’s engineering capability.
We started off with the Deepal S05, a compact and agile SUV, equipped with its intelligent driver-assist systems and city-friendly dynamics. Next up was the S07, a sleek midsize SUV that balanced performance and comfort, offering a refined ride paired with a minimalist, tech-driven interior. The S07 was followed by the S09, the largest in the lineup and which leaned toward premium luxury—spacious, quiet, and equipped with advanced safety and infotainment systems. Last but not least, the G318 stood out as a more rugged, adventure-ready model, built to handle tougher environments while maintaining Deepal’s signature smart features.
Across all models, a clear identity emerged: fully electric or electrified platforms, seamless connectivity, adaptive driving technologies, and interiors designed as digital driving spaces rather than traditional cabins.
The next stop was the Changan Digital Intelligence Factory, where innovation meets precision. This facility produces vehicles across the Changan Automobile Group, including Changan, Avatr, and Deepal. Every step of production highlighted a commitment to intelligent mobility—where automation, data, and design converge to create smarter vehicles, features that would be badly needed on Philippine roads.
Equally impressive was the visit to the testing laboratory, where safety took center stage. In a live demonstration, the Deepal S05 underwent a crash test, showcasing its structural integrity and advanced safety systems. Although painful to witness especially for car lovers, it was a powerful reminder that beyond sleek design and smart features, safety remains a core priority.
At the Changan SDA Lab, the group gained deeper insight into the philosophy behind each brand. Renowned designer Klaus Zyciora – VP Global Design at Changan Auto, explained how Changan, Avatr, and Deepal each carry distinct identities—crafted to appeal to different personalities and lifestyles. From design language to user experience, every detail is intentional, ensuring that each model resonates with its intended user.
After a sumptuous dinner at InterContinental Hotel Chongqing, the program closed with a spectacular highlight: an exclusive drone show arranged by Changan. Lighting up the night sky, it was both a celebration of innovation and a fitting symbol of the company’s technological ambitions.
From there, the journey continued to Beijing for the main event—the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition 2026 , also known as Auto China 2026. At the show, Deepal presented its full lineup once again, drawing attention with its cohesive design language and forward-thinking features.
The S05, S07, S09, and G318 each represented a different facet of modern mobility— visitors were introduced to the Deepal concept of urban efficiency to premium comfort and rugged versatility. Common across all were features like advanced driver assistance systems, over-the-air software updates, intelligent cockpit interfaces, and electrified powertrains designed for both performance and sustainability.
According to Deepal Philippines general manager, Mark Gabriel, the Autohub Group is now carefully studying which additional models to introduce to the Philippine market. He said, “With what was seen during the trip, it’s clear that Deepal is not just another new entrant in the PH auto market—it is shaping up to be a brand to reckon with, offering a clear mix of innovation, design, and value.”
As the trip neared its end, there was still one iconic destination left: the Great Wall of China. Standing atop one of the world’s most famous landmarks was unforgettable—though the ride down proved to be a personal challenge. Heights may not be for everyone, but sometimes a little courage (and a lot of prayer) goes a long way.
In the end, the experience was more than just an automotive showcase. The food was excellent, the sights unforgettable, and the vehicles truly impressive. But what stood out most was the shared experience—the people we shared this experience with, the conversations, and the sense of witnessing something new together. Special shout out to Autohub president Willy Tee Ten and VP for Marketing and Fleet Sales Owee Cruz for being such gracious hosts.
It was, without a doubt, a trip to remember—and perhaps a glimpse into the future of mobility that will soon find its way to Philippine roads.
