Coming to Malaysia Soon! Full Breakdown of the Chery LEPAS SUV Trio

Malaysia's automotive market is set to welcome another Chinese brand.

Following its official unveiling at the April 2025 Shanghai Auto Show by the Chery Group, the new sub-brand LEPAS has, in less than a year, made its debut in Indonesia, secured a network of 20 dealerships in Malaysia, and scheduled its brand launch event for the third quarter of 2026.

The pace has not been slow. However, for the average consumer, the questions is: What exactly is LEPAS? How does it differ from Chery, Omoda, and Jaecoo? And are the L4, L6, and L8 SUVs truly worth the wait?

This article provides clear answers to all of them.

First, Let's Get the Pronunciation Right

This is the first "hurdle" LEPAS encountered upon entering the Malaysian market.

When originally announced at the Shanghai Auto Show, Chery's official explanation stated the brand name was a fusion of "Leap" and "Passion", with a pronunciation meant to resemble "Leap-pass".

However, a problem arose—the promotional videos for the brand launch featured various pronunciations: "Lee-pas", "Lay-pas", and even LEPAS Indonesia's Deputy Director pronounced it as "Lair-pas" in a YouTube Short. 

Debate over vehicle name pronunciations has never ceased in Malaysia's automotive industry, from Proton Prevé and Axia to recent models like e.MAS, QV-E, and iCaur. The controversy surrounding LEPAS is particularly significant because it directly collides with the local language.

Ultimately, LEPAS Malaysia made a highly pragmatic decision: adopt the standard Malay pronunciation of "lepas" as "ler-pas". This is a rare instance in Malaysia's automotive market of a brand proactively "localising" its pronunciation—rejecting forced explanations or anglicisation, and simply accepting the locals' way of speaking.

Where Does LEPAS Fit in the Chery Family?

In Chery Group's brand matrix, LEPAS's positioning is quite clear.

Chery International President Zhang Guibing has publicly positioned the brands: the main Chery brand competes with Toyota and Hyundai; Omoda and Jaecoo target Kia and BYD; while LEPAS aims at Mazda. In other words, LEPAS targets a combination of "Japanese-level quality, design, and new energy technology"—not the cheapest option, but the one that is "more refined, more tech-savvy, and more stylish."

LEPAS's brand slogan is "Elegant Mobility", and its design philosophy is known as "Leopard Aesthetic"—body lines drawing inspiration from a leopard's muscularity and fluid posture. Sarah Choo, Senior Brand Director of LEPAS Malaysia, once stated, "At LEPAS, we believe elegance drives the world."

Currently, LEPAS features three SUV products: L4, L6, and L8, corresponding to the B, C, and D-segment markets respectively. Their positioning roughly aligns with Chery's Tiggo Cross, Tiggo 7, and Tiggo 8. All three models are built on Chery Group's Global NEV (New Energy Vehicle) platform, compatible with traditional internal combustion engine, plug-in hybrid, and pure electric powertrains.

L8: D-Segment Flagship, The Five-Seater PHEV Workhorse

The L8 is the highest-positioned and largest-sized model among the three.

Its dimensions are 4,688 mm (L) × 1,860 mm (W) × 1,695 mm (H), with a wheelbase of 2,800 mm. This is a D-Segment five-seater SUV. Note that the L8 features a two-row five-seat layout, not seven seats. Its size and positioning are similar to the Chery Tiggo 8 within the same group; however, since the second-generation Tiggo 8 is not currently sold in Malaysia, the L8 possesses a certain uniqueness in the local market.

Platform: The L8 is built on Chery's T1X platform.

Powertrain: The LEPAS L8 sold in the Indonesian market currently offers only one powertrain version: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). This system shares the same power unit as the Jaecoo J7 PHEV—a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 275 PS and 365 Nm of torque. Equipped with a dedicated DHT hybrid transmission, the official combined fuel-electric range reaches 1,200 km, with an all-electric range of 107 km.

Design: The L8 adopts a "Leopard Design" concept, featuring a large rectangular grille and split headlight clusters. The interior is equipped with a full LCD instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch floating central screen integrated with the Snapdragon 8155 chip. The L8 is the only one of the three models to feature black anti-scratch material on the wheel arches.

Pricing: Official pricing has not yet been announced. For reference, the Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV from the same group is priced around RM 159,800, while the Jaecoo J8 AWD six-seater costs RM 198,800. As a five-seater D-Segment PHEV, the L8 is expected to fall within the RM 170,000–190,000 range—however, please note this is industry speculation, not official information.

L6: C-Segment SUV, the L8's "Little Brother"

The L6 is a C-Segment SUV, slightly smaller than the L8.

Its dimensions are 4,570 mm (L) × 1,852 mm (W) × 1,683 mm (H), with a wheelbase of 2,700 mm. For comparison, it is 57 mm longer, 10 mm narrower, and 13 mm shorter than the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, while its wheelbase is 30 mm longer. Positioned as a C-Segment five-seater SUV, its design has been likened by many media outlets to "looking very much like a Porsche Macan."

Powertrain: LEPAS globally premiered the L6 EV at the Bangkok International Motor Show in March 2026. It is equipped with a front-mounted single motor delivering 242 PS (178 kW) and 275 Nm of torque, achieving 0–100 km/h acceleration in 7.9 seconds. The battery is a 67.08 kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) unit, offering a NEDC range of 510 km (estimated WLTP range around 430 km). It supports up to 120 kW DC fast charging, allowing charging from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes.

In addition to the pure electric version, the L6 is expected to offer PHEV and ICE options as well. LEPAS showcased both the L6 EV and L6 PHEV at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show.

Pricing: The L6 EV in the Thai market is estimated to be priced around RM 91,000—if Malaysia can match this price point, the L6 will directly compete in the C-Segment SUV market. However, as with previous estimates, this is based on the Thai market; the final pricing for Malaysia has not yet been announced.

L4: B-Segment Entry-Level SUV, Larger Than Expected

The L4 is the smallest-sized and most accessible model among the three.

Its dimensions are 4,406 mm (L) × 1,820 mm (W) × 1,635 mm (H), with a wheelbase of 2,700 mm. This size exceeds that of the Honda HR-V, Proton X50, Mitsubishi Xforce, Chery Omoda O5, and Perodua Traz. Compared to the Toyota Corolla Cross, the L4 is slightly shorter in length but boasts a longer wheelbase (2,700 mm vs. 2,640 mm).

Powertrain: Configurations vary by market. The L4 sold in South Africa is equipped with a 1.5L Turbocharged Petrol Engine, producing 147 PS and 225 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. A pure electric version is also in the planning stage.

Design: The L4's front grille features chrome studs radiating outward from the LEPAS logo, with a more angular lower bumper design. Unlike the L6 and L8, the L4 lacks black anti-scratch material on the wheel arches—giving it a visual style more oriented towards urban SUVs.

Pricing: If priced between RM 100,000–120,000, the L4 will directly challenge the Proton X50, Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Chery Omoda O5. Of course, this is also an estimate based on market positioning.

Launch Timeline: When Can You Actually Buy One?

The initial plan was to launch in the first quarter or early second half of 2026. However, according to the latest news, LEPAS Malaysia has confirmed the brand launch event will be postponed to the third quarter of 2026.

Regarding the first models to arrive, early rumors suggested the L8 would be the launch vehicle. However, recent indications suggest that the L4 and L6 may debut first. LEPAS Malaysia has already begun highlighting the L4 on social media. In February of this year, shipping containers bearing the LEPAS logo arrived at the Port of Klang, and shortly thereafter, an uncamouflaged L4 was spotted during advertising shoots in the country.

Dealer Network: LEPAS Malaysia has secured 20 dealerships and plans to expand to at least 30 showrooms by the end of 2026, covering major markets such as Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, Penang, Sabah, and Sarawak. Additionally, a "Lifestyle Experience Centre" is planned in the Klang Valley to offer a more immersive brand experience than standard showrooms.

So, Is It Worth the Wait?

The arrival of LEPAS means three things for Malaysian consumers:

First, more choices. With the L4, L6, and L8 SUVs covering the B-Segment to D-Segment markets and offering both PHEV and EV powertrains, if you are currently considering a Proton X50, Honda HR-V, Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, Mazda CX-5, or Honda CR-V, LEPAS could become your new option.

Second, the wider adoption of PHEV technology. The L8's 107 km all-electric range means most daily commutes can be completed entirely on electricity, while long-distance travel remains worry-free regarding charging—a practical compromise given Malaysia's current charging infrastructure.

Third, the risks and opportunities of a new brand. Any new brand entering the market carries uncertainty—will the after-sales service network be comprehensive, will parts supply be stable, and what will the resale value be? LEPAS's determination to establish 30 outlets is commendable, but the actual execution needs time to verify. For buyers unafraid of "trying something new", a new brand often means more competitive pricing and richer configurations; for more conservative buyers, waiting for the official brand launch and first owner feedback before making a decision is a safer choice.

Final Thoughts

LEPAS is the fourth piece Chery Group has placed in the Malaysian market. It is not merely "another Chinese brand"—its design language, brand positioning, and product planning are all attempting to carve a distinct path separate from the main Chery brand, Omoda, and Jaecoo.

The L4, L6, and L8 SUVs cover the SUV market from entry-level to mid-to-high end, with parallel development of PHEV and EV lines, emphasizing "Leopard Aesthetic" and quality. If priced reasonably and the dealership network rolls out as planned, LEPAS has the potential to secure a niche in Malaysia's SUV market.

However, challenges remain. While Malaysian consumers are becoming more accepting of "new brands", "trust" takes time to build. Whether LEPAS can convince consumers to pay a premium for "design and quality"—the answers to these questions will gradually be revealed after the brand launch in the third quarter of 2026.

For consumers, having another option is never a bad thing. As for whether this choice is worth it, the answer will naturally come once the cars are in the showroom, the prices are announced, and test drives have been taken.