Lepas L8

Model Overview

The Lepas L8 is the flagship debut model from Chery Group's all-new sub-brand, Lepas, positioned as a D-segment plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV. The brand name Lepas combines "Leap" and "Passion", representing a premium marque created by Chery specifically for global markets, with key target regions spanning Southeast Asia, Europe, South America, and the Middle East. Serving as the brand's trailblazer, the L8 made its global debut at Indonesia's GIIAS 2025 motor show and will progressively roll out across markets including the UK, Spain, and Malaysia in 2026. In the UK, the L8 starts from GBP 34,900; in Spain, pricing kicks off at EUR 41,700; meanwhile, the Malaysian market is slated to welcome the brand's local launch in the first half of 2026. The vehicle's primary rivals comprise competing PHEV SUVs in the same segment.

Design Language

The exterior styling of the Lepas L8 is sculpted around the brand's "Leopard Aesthetics" design philosophy, sporting sleek, clean lines throughout. Up front, it features a prominent geometric radiator grille flanked by sharp LED headlamp clusters. The side profile carries fluid bodylines, while the rear is dominated by a full-width LED light bar that accentuates its visual stance. In terms of dimensions, the SUV measures 4,688 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,695 mm in height, riding on a 2,800 mm wheelbase. Inside, the cabin is fitted with a large central infotainment touchscreen and an intelligent cockpit system, adopting a tech-focused minimalist aesthetic with an emphasis on build quality and ride refinement.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the skin, the Lepas L8 is powered by Chery's proprietary Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) setup, which pairs a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with dual electric motors. Combined system output is rated at approximately 279 hp (275 PS) and 365 Nm of torque. On its own, the 1.5T engine churns out 143 hp, while the electric motor produces roughly 204 hp. Power is channelled via a dedicated single-speed DHT engineered specifically for hybrid applications.

Providing the electric juice is an 18.4 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, yielding a WLTP-rated pure electric range of around 90 to 100 km. The vehicle supports 40 kW DC fast charging, taking approximately 20 minutes to replenish from 30% to 80%. With a full tank and a full charge, total WLTP cruising range is claimed at between 1,100 km and 1,300 km, with combined WLTP fuel consumption rated at around 2.2 L/100 km. Additionally, the SUV features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) reverse power supply functionality.

Chassis and Handling

Underpinned by Chery Group's SUV architecture, the Lepas L8 employs a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. The suspension setup is expected to comprise front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent arrangement, tuned primarily for urban ride comfort and cruising stability. Multiple selectable drive modes are available to cater to diverse driving conditions and preferences.

Cabin and Features

The Lepas L8 adopts a 5-seater layout, offering a standard boot volume of 507 litres, which expands to 1,314 litres with the rear seats folded down. The interior provides up to 16 seat and trim combinations, focusing on family practicality and versatility. In terms of creature comforts, the SUV comes equipped with an intelligent cockpit system, a large central touchscreen, automatic climate control, and a multi-function steering wheel, with exact specifications varying by variant. Detailed specs for the sound system and smart connectivity features will be announced closer to launch.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

On the active safety front, the Lepas L8 is equipped with a Level 2 driver assistance system, featuring Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and more. Drivers also benefit from a 360-degree surround-view camera system and front and rear parking sensors to aid tight manoeuvring and parking. Passive safety is bolstered by a high-strength cage body structure and a multi-airbag system.

Market Outlook and Evaluation

As the pioneer offering from Chery's latest global brand, the Lepas L8 embodies the marque's core positioning of "design elegance, tech-forward ambience, and global appeal". The SUV will first hit European markets such as the UK and Spain, followed by an expansion into Southeast Asia. Lepas is scheduled to officially enter Malaysia in the first half of 2026, targeting to establish at least 20 sales and service centres nationwide within the same year. Boasting a combined range of over 1,300 km, around 100 km of pure electric range, and frugal fuel consumption, the L8 presents a competitive package in the PHEV SUV segment. Nevertheless, as an all-new sub-brand, Lepas still faces challenges in building brand awareness, customer confidence, and an extensive aftersales network.