2026 Deepal G318 High AT

Exterior design

The 2026 Deepal G318 is a bold, boxy and rugged SUV with genuine road presence. In High AT specification, it measures 5,010 mm long, 1,985 mm wide and 1,960 mm tall, making it longer than a five-door Wrangler and visually imposing on UAE roads.

The upright front design features squared C-shaped LED daytime running lights with animated sequences and a closed grille panel with geometric detailing. The Deepal badge resembles a cut cube edge, a design theme echoed in the key fob. A carbon-style bonnet insert carries “318” branding, with similar rugged accents across the bumpers and rear.

Roof-mounted auxiliary lights, two spotlights and two camping lights add to its off-road credentials, while amber marker lights stretch across the front. Despite its angular form, subtle curves such as the sloping roofline and trapezoidal windows soften the overall look.

Dual-tone 18-inch wheels wrapped in 255/65 R18 tyres, flush door handles and fixed side steps complete the package. At the rear, C-shaped tail lamps, a full-size spare wheel and a side-opening tailgate reinforce its off-road identity. The G318 looks even more impressive in person than in photos.

Interior design

Inside, the Deepal G318 balances rugged practicality with modern comfort. The wide dashboard design emphasises space while maintaining a clean, minimalist EV-inspired layout.

Soft-touch materials, leather-like trim and solid switchgear contribute to a premium feel. A large 14.6-inch central touchscreen is paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, displaying drivetrain visuals, terrain data and vehicle status in clear graphics.

The steering wheel features large, easy-to-use controls, while the aircraft-style gear selector and ET System buttons provide quick access to drive modes and off-road settings. Importantly, physical climate controls remain, improving usability while driving.

Front seats are wide, supportive and ventilated, though additional height adjustment would improve the driving position. Rear space is excellent, offering generous legroom, headroom and width large enough to potentially support a future seven-seat version.

Double-glazed windows reduce cabin noise significantly, while the panoramic roof adds brightness to the otherwise dark interior.

Powertrain, performance & charging

The Deepal G318 uses a range-extender electric vehicle (EREV) system. A turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine acts as a generator, while two electric motors power all four wheels.

The petrol engine produces 110 kW, while the dual-motor setup delivers a combined 430 PS and 575 Nm. A 35.07 kWh battery and 60-litre fuel tank provide a claimed 138 km electric range and 848 km total range (WLTC).

Real-world fuel consumption was better than expected, with the test vehicle showing around 6.5 L/100 km. Acceleration is strong, with 0–100 km/h achieved in roughly six seconds quick for a vehicle of this size.

Charging includes 6.6 kW AC (up to six hours full charge) and 53 kW DC charging (30–80% in around 30 minutes).

Ride & handling

The unibody G318 uses double-wishbone front and five-link independent rear suspension, with dual-motor four-wheel drive and a geared mechanical rear differential lock.

In the UAE, the High AT costs just AED 10,000 more than the base model, potentially making it the country’s most affordable new vehicle with air suspension. It also adds electronically controlled dampers and Deepal’s Magic Carpet system.

On the road, the air suspension delivers a soft, buoyant ride, absorbing bumps well and creating a calm, comfortable character, although it can occasionally feel slightly bouncy. Buyers planning frequent or severe off-road use may prefer the simplicity of conventional steel springs.

Handling is competent for its size and weight. There is some predictable body roll through corners, but not enough to unsettle occupants, while the steering and chassis appropriately prioritise stability and comfort.

Its 210 mm ground clearance, 27-degree approach angle and 31-degree departure angle support credible off-road ability. Hill-descent control, off-road crawling, Standard, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rugged terrain modes, and a Tank Turn function add versatility, while front and rear grab handles help secure passengers over rough terrain.

We did not attempt serious off-roading, but the G318 coasted through light trails and sandy beach sections with ease. Only a more demanding off-road test would reveal the full extent of its capability.

Features & functionality

The air-conditioning is particularly effective, delivering strong airflow and impressive cooling—an important advantage in the UAE.

Audio quality is clear and powerful enough to fill the large cabin, although maximum volume appeared to drop when streaming via Bluetooth. The entry model has eight speakers, while the High and High AT versions receive a 16-speaker system with advanced processing and a dedicated amplifier. A Wi-Fi hotspot is also available. Although the brochure lists online navigation, it was not immediately apparent in our test vehicle; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto nevertheless provide access to familiar smartphone apps.

Storage includes a deep centre cubby, a glovebox and an open shelf beneath the console. The G318 offers a claimed 818-litre boot, expanding to 1,747 litres with the rear seats folded, although they do not create a completely flat load floor.

Four USB ports are provided across the cabin, alongside a 50W wireless charger that did not feel especially quick and a cooling box. Two separate power-supply options are also offered: a 3.3 kW, 220V socket in the luggage compartment and a 6 kW external-discharge function for compatible camping equipment.

Family and safety features include second-row ISOFIX points, a clear 540-degree surround-view camera with recording capability, six parking sensors, an integrated dashcam and a side-camera view for avoiding kerbs. Door Opening Warning alerts occupants to approaching traffic but does not actively lock the doors.

Verdict

The 2026 Deepal G318 makes a convincing case for buyers seeking a five-seat SUV with the rugged styling and capability of a conventional off-roader, combined with a refined cabin, a smooth driving experience and fuel economy closer to that of a much smaller vehicle.

Its range-extender powertrain is quick, smooth, quiet and responsive, providing ample overtaking performance without turning the G318 into a performance SUV. The available air suspension delivers a soft, composed ride and is remarkable at this price, with only modest, predictable body roll through corners.

Drawbacks include a manually adjustable steering column, limited driver-seat height adjustment, reduced Bluetooth audio volume and online navigation that was not immediately apparent in our test vehicle. Long-term reliability, resale value and aftersales support also remain less proven than those of established Japanese rivals.

Ownership benefits include a 0.99 per cent finance rate, deferred payments for six months, an eight-year battery warranty, a six-year vehicle warranty and a three-year service contract.

Rivals and alternatives

Key alternatives include the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 250 for reliability and resale value, and the Jeep Wrangler for pure off-road heritage.

Chinese competitors such as the GWM Tank 300, BAIC BJ40 and Jetour T2 offer similar rugged appeal, but the G318 stands out with its range-extender technology, quiet operation and comfort-focused driving experience.