March 12, 2025 | By CarsGuide, Mobile Tech Expert

The automotive world is excitedly buzzing over the Deepal G318 2025, a range-extender electric vehicle (REEV) making waves in China—and potentially beyond. Named after the iconic G318 highway stretching over 5,000 km from Shanghai to the Nepalese border, this rugged, off-road-capable SUV is seriously considering Australia. Recently, I had the privilege of test-driving it at Changan’s sprawling 1,500-hectare proving ground in Chongqing, China, courtesy of Deepal’s parent company. Here’s my in-depth Deepal G318 2025 review, exploring its design, performance, features, and whether it can truly take on the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.

What Is the Deepal G318 2025?

The Deepal G318 is a full-size, five-seater SUV designed to blend electric efficiency with off-road prowess. Available in two-wheel-drive (2WD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) configurations in its home market, it’s the latter that’s earmarked for Australia—if it gets the green light. This range-extender EV pairs a 1.5L turbo-petrol engine (acting solely as a generator) with a 35 kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery, delivering a pure electric range of 138 km (WLTP) and a combined petrol-electric range exceeding 1,000 km. With a footprint similar to the Toyota Prado—over 5 meters long, nearly 2 meters wide, and 1.9 meters high—it’s a serious contender in the 4WD space.

Design and Exterior: A Macho Off-Roader with Modern Flair

The G318’s design screams traditional 4WD toughness with a modern twist. Its upright stance, bluff nose, and C-shaped “cyborg-style” LED headlights give it a distinctive look that stands out from the crowd. Key exterior highlights include:

• Ground Clearance: A minimum of 210 mm, with standard air suspension on upper trims adding an extra 30 mm lift.
• Rugged Styling: Side cladding, overfenders, and a side-opening rear door with an externally mounted full-size spare wheel reinforce its off-road cred.
• Macho Accents: Quad spotlights on the roof rack and Jeep-style Easter eggs (like a car profile etched into the wheels) dial up the appeal.

At a glance, it’s a vehicle that balances classic 4WD proportions with futuristic touches—perfect for adventurers who want style and substance.

Interior: Practical Comfort Meets Modern Tech

Inside, the G318 offers a plush yet practical cabin that’s more traditional than some of Deepal’s flashier stablemates. Quilted synthetic suede and leather trim elevate the vibe, while the layout prioritizes usability. Here’s what stood out during my test:

• Front Cabin: A 10.25-inch digital driver display and a massive 14.6-inch central media screen dominate the dash. Storage is generous, with door bins, a glove box, cupholders, a phone tray, and a deep center console bin.
• Space: At 183 cm tall, I found acres of legroom and headroom upfront. The rear is equally commodious, with individual ventilation, door bins, a fold-down armrest with cupholders, and USB-C ports.
• Boot Capacity: An impressive 818L with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,747L when folded (60/40 split). The left-to-right tailgate opening is a practical touch for parallel parking.

While not as avant-garde as some EVs, the G318’s interior strikes a balance between comfort and functionality—ideal for long drives or off-road escapades.

Performance: Electric Power Meets Off-Road Capability

The G318’s range-extender setup is its ace card. The 1.5L turbo-petrol engine doesn’t drive the wheels—it powers a 35 kWh battery that feeds dual electric motors in the 4WD version. Here’s how it performs:

• Range: 138 km pure electric (WLTP), with over 1,000 km total range and 7.7L/100 km fuel consumption.
• Power: The 4WD model rockets from 0-100 km/h in a brisk 6.5 seconds—impressive for a vehicle this size.
• Charging: A 30-minute charge takes the battery from 30% to 80%.

On Changan’s test track, the G318 felt composed over curves, bumps, and potholes. The steering is light yet accurate, though the 18-inch snow-and-ice tires dulled some feedback (expect different rubber in Australia). The air suspension—featuring double wishbones upfront and a five-link rear—offers soft/hard settings and an “active magic” function that adjusts to road conditions in real time. Off-road, five terrain modes (Wading, Snow, Rugged, Mud, Sand) and a tank-turn function (best on loose surfaces) make it a versatile beast.

The 1.5L generator is unobtrusive, firing up only when needed, ensuring a quiet, seamless driving experience. It’s not a corner-carving sports car, but for a 4WD SUV, it’s surprisingly agile.

Features and Trims: What’s on Offer?

While Australian specs are TBD, the Chinese market offers a glimpse of what’s possible. Prices range from AUD 38,500 (2WD base) to $69,000 (4WD flagship). The top-spec 4WD trim I tested boasts:

• Exterior: LED auto headlights, panoramic sunroof, 20-inch alloys, rain-sensing wipers.
• Interior: Six-way electric driver’s seat, climate control, 16-speaker audio with four-zone karaoke (!), and adaptive cruise control.
• Off-Road Tech: Air suspension, multiple drive modes, rear and virtual center diff locks.

Safety tech in China includes AEB (with pedestrian/cyclist detection), lane assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more, backed by eight airbags and two ISOFIX points. If it lands in Australia, expect Deepal’s 7-year/160,000 km warranty, 8-year/240,000 km battery cover, and capped-price servicing.

Deepal G318 vs. Toyota Prado: How Does It Stack Up?

The Toyota Prado has long been the gold standard for off-road SUVs, but the G318 brings fresh competition. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Size: They have Similar footprints, though the G318’s air suspension offers adjustable height.
• Powertrain: The Prado’s diesel or petrol options lack the G318’s electric efficiency and instant torque.
• Range: The G318’s 1,000+ km combined range trumps the Prado’s fuel-only limits.
• Price: At $38,500-$69,000 (indicative), the G318 undercuts the Prado’s $60,000+ starting point.

The G318’s range-extender tech—similar to Nissan’s e-Power system—gives it an edge in efficiency, while its off-road chops rival the Prado’s legendary capability. It’s a bold challenger.

Verdict: Should You Wait for the Deepal G318 2025?

The Deepal G318 2025 is a compelling blend of electric innovation and 4WD toughness. Its macho design, spacious interior, and versatile performance make it a worthy rival to the Toyota Prado—especially for eco-conscious adventurers. While pricing and Aussie confirmation are still up in the air, its potential to shake up the 4WD market is undeniable.

I’ll reserve final judgment until I test it on Australian soil, but based on my Chongqing drive, the G318 is a serious contender. If Deepal brings it Down Under, it could redefine what we expect from electric off-roaders. Stay tuned for updates!