Mazda has relied on derivative models for the diesel-powered BT-50 for three generations spanning two decades, across Ford and Isuzu collaborations.
According to a new report from carsales.com.au, it could be pondering the same approach for an electric pickup truck. The company appears open to the idea of introducing a model based on its Chinese partner Changan’s Deepal E07, following the Mazda 6e (Deepal L07) and the Mazda CX-6e (Deepal S07).
At the 2026 Bangkok International Motor Show, we had a chance to take a close look at the Deepal E07 and assess its design, build quality, and features in detail. Here is our take on its potential as the foundation for a Mazda-badged model:
Design
Changan’s Deepal E07, marketed as a “Multitruck” in some countries, combines SUV and pickup truck attributes in a lifestyle-oriented design. Its proportions and design elements both carry a distinct look across all angles, and it reminded me of the Chevrolet El Camino and Ford Ranchero from the 1970s.
The front sits low and wide and carries a futuristic look through a full-width transparent panel that integrates the headlamps, C-shaped daytime running lights, and a central light bar.
The Deepal E07 is a modern coupe utility vehicle, and is designed more for everyday use than a worksite.
An additional externally mounted DRL strip extends outward into the fenders. Functional air intakes are positioned at the lower fascia and open only when required.
With a height of just 1,680 mm (66.1 in.), the Deepal E07 is up to 130 mm (5.1 in.) lower than Mazda’s BT-50, and its low-slung stance is evident when viewed from the sides.
A fast-sloping roofline and flush-fitted door handles add to its sleek look, while raised roof rails and muscular wheel arches give it truck-like sensibilities. The large 21-inch alloy wheels come wrapped in low-profile 265/45 R21 Michelin Pilot Sport tires.
At the rear, C-shaped taillights are linked by light strips at both the upper and lower edges. The cargo hold features a dual-function tailgate, with the rear glass sliding upward into the roof and the lower section folding down, allowing the rear to function as a pickup-style bed.
There’s a partition between the cabin and this area, featuring a glass upper. Users can slide the glass down or fold the entire partition flat to expand the space and make room for long objects.
Interior
Changan does not equip the Deepal E07 with an instrument cluster, only a color head-up display.
The interior of the Deepal E07 looks classier than that of a traditional pickup truck, especially if specified in the optional orange color seen here. It has a minimalist design, featuring a horizontal dashboard that extends into the front door panels to create a wraparound effect, complemented by a floating center console and a two-spoke, flat-bottomed steering wheel.
Changan uses soft-touch materials across most surfaces, a step above what is typical in pickup trucks. The door panels and seats feature a flowing pattern, while silver trim elements add contrast throughout the cabin.
A 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system integrates nearly all the controls of the interior, and it can be tilted toward the driver or front passenger for enhanced visibility and access.
Experience in the Deepal E07
I am 5’7″ tall, and ingress is simple in the Deepal E07, both in the front and rear. The driver’s seat slides back automatically when the vehicle is unlocked, and the doors open via an electronic button integrated into the armrest, which makes entry and exit easier.
The front seats are wide and supportive for my frame. They feature an electrically extending leg rest, a winged headrest, and power lumbar adjustment. Back support is good, and shoulder support is adequate. There is roughly seven inches of headroom in my driving position.
Forward and side visibility are good, and rear visibility is better than expected for this body style. Although the rear glass is steeply raked, the upper section of the tailgate includes a transparent panel that improves the view, and it can retract. The rear view remains usable.
Material quality stands out, especially when compared to a body-on-frame pickup such as the Mazda BT-50. Soft-touch surfaces cover most contact points. One unusual detail is the placement of the wireless charging pad on the front passenger side. The driver does not get a dedicated wireless charging surface.
In the rear, the headroom reduces to about four inches. The rear seat also includes winged headrests and provides good back and shoulder support.
There is ample legroom, and while the under-thigh support is adequate, the seat base could be slightly longer. The backrest is fixed, but the default angle is comfortable for my frame.
The floor is flat, making the center position usable. Of course, one needs to sit with their knees slightly raised here, and headroom drops to around one and a half inches.
Rear amenities include two AC vents, two bottle holders, seatback pockets, and a USB Type-C port. A button is provided to deploy a partition glass between the cargo area and the cabin.
Specifications
Changan manufactures the Deepal E07 in all-electric and extended-range electric variants.
The EV packs up to 440 kW (590 hp) of power and up to 645 Nm (476 lb.-ft.) of torque, hitting 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) as quickly as 3.96 seconds and reaching a top speed of up to 210 km/h (130 mph). It uses an 89.98 kWh NMC battery pack that delivers a WLTP range of up to 510 kilometres (317 miles).
The pure-electric variant offers a maximum unbraked towing capacity of 750 kg (1,653 lbs.), which is comparable to the Hyundai Santa Cruz sold in the U.S., and a maximum braked towing capacity of 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs.). It can carry payloads of up to 300 kg (661 lbs.), which is extremely limited and shows how the E07 is not engineered to be a workhorse.
The style-focused resonate most with buyers in places like California and Arizona
In the extended-range electric variant, offered in China, Changan uses a 110 kW (148 hp) 1.5-liter turbocharged gas engine as a generator to power up to two motors. The main drive unit powers the rear wheels, just like in the pure electric variant.
With up to 362 kW (485 hp) of power and up to 637 Nm (470 lb.-ft.) of torque, the Deepal E07 EREV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) as quickly as 5.15 seconds and achieves a top speed of up to 190 km/h (118 mph).
A 39 kWh LFP battery pack is standard, and it delivers a pure-electric range of up to 245 kilometers (152 miles). The total range is up to 1,145 kilometers (711 miles).
Price
In Thailand, Changan offers the Deepal E07 only as an EV, priced from THB 1.699 million (approximately USD 51,800). In China, the prices start at CNY 239,900 (approx. USD 34,800) for the pure electric variant and CNY 219,900 (approx. USD 31,900) for the extended-range electric variant.
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
