Huge Chinese luxury SUV's interior revealed: Next move for Deepal is S09 range extender to rival Kia EV9, Toyota Kluger, Hyundai Palisade and even luxury SUVs like the Range Rover and BMW iX

Range extender electric vehicles are the next frontier and China. 

Dubbed EREV for short, an efficient petrol engine powers a generator which sends charge to a battery larger than a typical plug-in hybrid and the next big vehicle to launch with this technology is the twin-screened, six-seat, luxury Deepal S09. 

During a promotional video for Chinese New Year, Deepal revealed elements of the Deepal S09’s interior and the large SUV looks as luxurious as any Kia EV9, Toyota Kluger, Hyundai Palisade and may even be pitched as a Range Rover or BMW iX rival. 

Initial details revealed by China’s government regulator last month, include size (over 5.2 metres long and nearly 2.0m wide) and a little bit about the EREV, which uses Deepal’s ‘Blue Whale’ 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with a single 231kW electric motor. 

An all-wheel drive twin-motor version adds a 131kW front motor on top. The battery pack — with size still a mystery — is a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) item supplied by CATL. Electric-only driving range is expected to be 150-200km. 

Inside it is clear the S09 is Deepal’s take on luxury. It is packed with technology, including a huge central touchscreen connected to a passenger screen — both look to be around 15.0 inches across or more. 

CarNewsChina expects that the cabin technology will be powered by components from Huawei. 

A removable centre console, second row captains chairs with power adjustment, likely head-up display, cream upholstery everywhere and a hint of Hyundai Ioniq 9 in the cabin design details. 

Outside, the S09 imposing, if a little generic. High-grade trims have bright chrome wheels reminiscent of Maybach items. 

Deepal recently launched in Australia. It is imported by Inchcape, which also takes care of Subaru and Peugeot after recently dropping Citroen. 

The first model is the coupe-like Tesla Model Y-sized S07 electric car which is expected to be followed by the smaller S05. The vehicles major on cabin technology and lower prices, starting at $53,900, before on-road costs. 

There is no word on whether the Deepal S09 will come to Australia. General Manager Cormac Cafolla previously told CarsGuide “We are exploring and talking to our Chinese team about all of the vehicles here tonight and how to bring them to Australia.”

In regard to the S09 specifically, a spokesperson told CarsGuide “Future product that may be available for the Australian market from Deepal globally is of course under consideration for the local market."