Model Overview
The Lepas L8 is the first flagship model from Lepas, a new sub-brand under the Chery Group, positioned as a D-segment plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) SUV. The Lepas brand name is a combination of "Leap" (leap) and "Passion" (passion). It is a premium sub-brand created by Chery specifically for the global market, with target markets including Southeast Asia, Europe, South America, and the Middle East. As the brand's "pioneer model", the L8 made its global debut at the GIIAS auto show in Indonesia in 2025 and is scheduled to enter markets such as the UK, Spain, and Malaysia in 2026. In the UK market, the L8 starts at£34,900; in the Spanish market, the starting price is€41,700; and the Malaysian market is expected to welcome the brand's premiere in the first half of 2026. The main competitors for this vehicle are plug-in hybrid SUV models in the same class.
Design Language
Lepas L8's exterior design follows the brand's "Leopard Aesthetics" concept, with overall lines that are simple and smooth. The front fascia features a large geometric grille, paired with sharp-looking LED headlights. The body side lines are smooth, and the rear uses a full-width LED taillight design to enhance visual width. Regarding dimensions, the length, width, and height are4688mm, 1860mm, 1695mm, and the wheelbase is2800mm. Inside, the L8 is equipped with a large central control screen and a smart cockpit system, adopting a minimalist tech-style design that focuses on quality and the driving experience.
Power Performance
The Lepas L8 is powered by Chery's independently developedSuper Hybrid System (Chery Super Hybrid, CSH), consisting of a1.5-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engineand dual motors. The system's combined output power is approximately279 horsepower(275PS), with combined torque of365N·m. Specifically, the 1.5T engine has a maximum power of143 horsepower, and the motor power is approximately204 horsepower. The transmission system matches asingle-speed DHT transmissiondeveloped specifically for hybrid systems.
Regarding the power battery, the L8 is equipped with an18.4kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate battery pack. The pure electric driving range under the WLTP cycle is approximately90-100 kilometers. The vehicle supports40kW DC fast charging, with a charging time from 30% to 80% battery level taking approximately 20 minutes. Under full fuel and charge conditions, the combined WLTP range can reach1100-1300 kilometers. The combined WLTP fuel consumption is approximately2.2L/100km. Additionally, the vehicle supports theV2L external discharge function.
Chassis and Handling
The Lepas L8 is built on the Chery Group SUV platform, adopting a front-engine front-wheel drive layout. The suspension system is expected to be a combination of front MacPherson and rear multi-link independent suspension, with tuning favoring comfort and stability in urban road conditions. The vehicle offers multiple driving mode selections to adapt to different road conditions and driving needs.
Cockpit and Configuration
The Lepas L8 adopts a5-seater layout, with a standard boot volume of507 liters, which can be expanded to1314 litersafter folding down the rear seats. The interior provides up to 16 seat and interior configuration options, emphasizing comfort and flexibility for family travel. For comfort configuration, the vehicle is equipped with a smart cockpit system, a large touch central screen, automatic air conditioning, a multi-function steering wheel, etc., with specific configurations varying by version. The specific configuration of the sound system and smart connectivity features remains to be further announced.
Safety and Intelligent Driving
In terms of active safety, the Lepas L8 is equipped with an L2-level driving assistance system, with functions covering adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane keeping assist (LKA), automatic emergency braking (AEB), etc. The vehicle is also equipped with a 360-degree panoramic image system and front and rear parking radars, making parking and driving on narrow roads convenient. In terms of passive safety, the L8 uses a high-strength cage body structure and is equipped with a multi-airbag system.
Market Performance and Review
As the first model of the Chery Group's new global brand, the Lepas L8 carries the brand's core positioning of "design sense, tech atmosphere, and international aesthetics". The car will launch first in European markets such as the UK and Spain, while simultaneously expanding into the Southeast Asian market. The Lepas brand is expected to officially enter the Malaysian market in the first half of 2026, with plans to open at least 20 sales and service centers this year. With a combined range of over 1300 kilometers, a pure electric range of about 100 kilometers, and low fuel consumption, the L8 shows strong competitiveness in the PHEV SUV market. However, as the first model of a new brand, the Lepas L8 still faces challenges in market awareness, brand building, and after-sales service networks.