Chinese newcomer Lepas to launch with flagship SUV later this year

Lepas is another new brand from Chinese powerhouse Chery International which also owns Omoda and Jaecoo. Lepas will be arriving in the UK later this year with its SUV flagship the L8. We don’t know much about the L8 yet, but we expect it will be offered as a plug-in hybrid and it promises to be packed with tech and safety features.
• The L8 is a five-seat family SUV similar in size to the MG HS • It will feature a large infotainment screen and a full suite of safety systems • We expect the L8 to combine a petrol engines with plug-in hybrid tech to achieve significant electric-only range • Due to arrive in the second half of this year • No word on price yet

The name Lepas is a mash-up of ‘leopard’, ‘leap’ and ‘passion’. The brand says the shape of the L8 mimics the contours of a running leopard and the front LED headlights have been inspired by a leopard’s eyes. The L8’s design is sleeker than the Chery Tiggo 7, but both cars have a similarly large grille and imposing stance.

We don’t have any specifications confirmed yet. From pitcures we can the front interior has a similar layout to the Citroën C5 Aircross: a large portrait screen merges into the centre console which houses a wireless phone charger, cupholders and a few physical buttons. Meanwhile, the seats closely resemble those of a Jaecoo or Omoda.

The L8 will be a plug-in hybrid using ‘Super Hybrid’ technology from the wider Chery stable. This aims to provide a significant all-electric range and an almost EV-like driving experience, though we will have to wait for more details to follow. Lepas says it plans to launch a range of ’new energy vehicles’, so we expect more electric cars and plug-in hybrids to come.

We don’t have any information about pricing and it will be interesting to see how Lepas pitches itself against Chery, Omoda and Jaecoo, but these brands all offer similar models for under £30,000.

The L8 is the first model from Lepas to launch in the UK, but given how quickly Chery’s other brands have expanded, we expect there will be plenty more to follow. Lepas showcases a range of other SUVs on its international website which could arrive here in due course.

The Lepas L8 will have competition from ‘Super Hybrid’ models from sister brands Chery, Jaecoo and Omoda along with other Chinese rivals like the BYD Sealion 5 andLeapmotor C10.