The Deepal L06, a new electric sedan from China, is making waves not for its design, but for its surprising inclusion of high-end automotive technology previously reserved for luxury brands. The vehicle boasts magnetorheological suspension, a system that dynamically adjusts damping based on road conditions, traditionally found in vehicles like the Ferrari and Chevrolet Corvette.
History of Advanced Suspension Tech
This isn’t new tech; General Motors pioneered this system in the early 2000s with the Cadillac Seville. The technology, now supplied by BWI Group (who acquired Delphi’s chassis division), has trickled down to mainstream models like the Ford Mustang. The Deepal L06 marks the first time a mass-market Chinese brand is offering it. This is significant because it demonstrates China’s growing ambition to compete in high-performance vehicle engineering.
Performance and Specifications
The Deepal L06’s suspension isn’t the only notable feature. Deepal claims the car outperformed a Porsche 911 in a “moose test” at speeds of 85.6km/h. While aggressive marketing, the car offers decent acceleration with 0-100km/h times between 5.9 and 6.2 seconds. It’s powered by a single 200kW electric motor and comes with either a 56.12kWh or 68.82kWh LFP battery, providing up to 670km of range on the CLTC cycle. An extended-range version with a 1.5-liter engine is also available.
Driver Assistance and Interior
The Deepal L06 is equipped with the Deepal AD Max driver assistance system, which the company claims rivals Tesla’s. The system uses 11 cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors, 3 radars, and a LiDAR unit. Inside, the car features a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system and an augmented reality head-up display. Deepal emphasizes the use of soft-touch materials in over 90% of the interior.
Market Strategy: Australia and Beyond
Deepal launched in Australia late 2024 with the S07 SUV, and plans to follow up with the quirky E07 Multitruck in September 2025. The brand has delivered 332 vehicles in Australia as of October, with the E07 Multitruck being a standout performer.
The Deepal L06’s blend of advanced technology and mass-market accessibility marks a shift in the automotive landscape, signaling that premium features are no longer exclusive to high-end brands. China’s automotive industry is rapidly evolving, and vehicles like the L06 demonstrate its growing capacity for innovation and competitive pricing.
