Deepal G318: Changan’s high-tech luxury off-roader tickles electric SUV lovers in Nigeria

Deepal G318 mid-size, rugged, range-extended electric crossover SUV imbued with an array of luxury features

Deepal G318 mid-size, rugged, range-extended electric crossover SUV imbued with an array of luxury features

By Moses Akaigwe

The Deepal G318, a premium range-extended electric SUV developed by Deepal, a brand under the Changan Automobile Group, has continued to make waves in various markets across the world.

The G318 has become a heavy hitter in Changan’s modern global line-up, representing the brand’s drive towards high-tech, rugged electric vehicles. As it continues to gain ground in international markets, the vehicle is also attracting increasing attention in Nigeria, where interest in electric vehicles and other forms of clean mobility continues to expand.

 

 

A measure of the success of the Deepal sub-brand is that its cumulative global sales crossed 910,000 units heading into late 2026, accelerated by the rollout of upgraded variants of the G318.

In Nigeria, the all-wheel-drive vehicle is marketed by Mikano International (Motors Division), one of the country’s reputable and fastest-growing automobile assemblers and marketers.

 

 

To further boost awareness of the Deepal brand, Mikano Motors used the platform of the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup, held in the USA, Canada and Mexico, to launch football-themed visual media campaigns across Nigeria and other African countries, with the Deepal S07 and the reliable Deepal G318 serving as the focal points.

Although the G318 is not the flagship model in the Deepal range, it is the company’s most desired off-road vehicle with rich array of luxury features. Football fans that watched FIFA World Cup matches on television and other platforms were tickled by the vehicle, as it  was prominently promoted in the sponsors’ advertisements.

One of the G318’s biggest attractions is its smooth and silent driving experience. The vehicle uses a built-in petrol generator that eliminates range anxiety on long-distance journeys while allowing the electric motors to provide all the driving power.

Rugged exterior

The Deepal G318 comes with an impressive list of exterior features, including C-shaped Energy Headlights, Intelligent High Beam, Cyber Eye LED Lights, a headlight delayed shut-off function, electric headlight height adjustment, LED high-mounted brake lights, and a smart panoramic sunroof with an electric sunshade.

There are also hidden door handles, fixed side steps, a side-opening tailgate, front and rear boneless wipers, a rain sensor, a rear-mounted spare tyre, a 1.6T qualification towing hook with interface, roof racks, and an array energy high beam with camping light.

Its uniquely designed exterior lighting creates an unmistakable and eye-catching appearance, with Trident daytime running lights, full LED automatic headlights with height adjustment, streamlined tail lights, LED rear fog lights, LED mirror-side repeaters, plate number lights and interior lighting.

Premium interior

Inside, the Deepal G318 combines rugged off-road styling with premium technology. It features dual digital displays, numerous clever storage compartments and a large, versatile cargo area.

The front seats fold completely flat to form a bed, making the cabin highly comfortable for both everyday commuting and long-distance travel.

Other interior features include automatic air conditioning, a luggage rack, power windows, four-direction steering wheel adjustment, multifunction steering wheel controls, an anti-glare interior mirror, one-touch anti-pinch windows, a second-row centre armrest with cup holder, and Cybertech ergonomic seats.

A six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory and welcome functions, a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, split-folding rear seats, ISOFIX child-seat anchors, illuminated vanity mirrors and a co-pilot instrument panel with a 3kg utility hook, among many other convenience features, contribute to making ownership of the G318 pleasurable.

Intelligent cockpit

The G318’s intelligent cockpit is highlighted by a 14.6-inch embedded high-definition smart touchscreen and a 10.25-inch full-LCD instrument cluster.

It also features three-finger flying-screen navigation, a display enhancement function with low-blue-light Rheinland certification, a premium 16-speaker audio system and a 150W wireless fast-charging system.

Power and performance

The Deepal G318 uses a Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) powertrain. Its electric motors provide all the driving force, while a 1.5-litre petrol engine serves only as an onboard generator to recharge the battery.

The SUV is available with two electric motor options and rides on a front double-wishbone suspension and rear five-link independent suspension.

Drivers can choose between Economy, Comfort, Sport and Custom driving modes to suit different driving conditions.

Advanced safety

The G318 is equipped with the ET-Terrain Response System and several advanced safety technologies, including U-turn on the spot, Hill Descent Control (HDC), off-road creeping mode, Energy Mode for Urban, Highway and Mountain driving, wading radar and a brake energy recovery system.

Its safety package also includes Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), AUTO HOLD, Hill Hold Control (HHC), Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (ABS+EBD), and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).

The driver and other G318 occupants are protected by front airbags, front and rear side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, Brake Assist (BA), three-point pre-tensioned seat belts, rear pre-tensioned seat belts and mechanical child safety locks.

Strong after-sales support

The Deepal G318 and other Deepal models occupy prominent positions in Mikano Motors’ showrooms on Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, as well as the one in Ikeja, also in Lagos.

According to the company, the vehicles are also attracting growing interest in the Abuja, Ibadan, Kano and Port Harcourt showrooms.

To reinforce customer confidence, Mikano Motors offers an industry-leading six-year or 200,000-kilometre warranty on the Deepal range, one of the most comprehensive warranty packages in the Nigerian automobile market. Customers also enjoy an extensive after-sales support network covering the branch network.

Reaffirming its commitment to customer satisfaction, the company recently stated: “At Mikano Motors, we are dedicated to delivering not just vehicles, but complete ownership peace of mind. The Deepal vehicles represent our promise of quality, reliability, and long-term value.”

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