Lepas is a premium new energy sub‑brand under China's Chery Group, officially launched in 2025 and designed exclusively for overseas markets—it will not be sold in China. Positioned around the concept of "Elegant Mobility Life," the brand focuses on high‑end new energy SUVs and aims to enter markets in Europe, Southeast Asia, South America, the Middle East, and Africa.
The name "Lepas" draws on three core ideas: Leopard, representing the power and speed of "Leopard Aesthetics"; Leap, symbolizing a global vision that crosses geographic boundaries; and Passion, which infuses the brand with a vibrant, forward‑looking spirit. These three elements form the foundation of the brand's identity, built on the pillars of "Leopard Aesthetics," "Elegant Technology," and "Exquisite Space."
Lepas is backed by Chery Group's world‑class R&D, engineering, and supply chain capabilities. The brand currently has three SUV models in its plans—the L4, L6, and L8—all based on Chery's new global modular new energy platform, which supports fuel, hybrid, and pure electric powertrains. As a strategic driver of Chery's global electrification push, Lepas's brand slogan is "Elegance Moves The World."
The strategic concept of the Lepas brand can be traced back to November 2024, nurtured within Chery's internal planning. In April 2025 (ahead of the Shanghai Auto Show), Chery Group officially unveiled the new Lepas sub-brand, having prepared the complete plans for the L8, L6, and L4 SUV models all at once, marking the official launch of its global new energy strategy.
In July 2025, the Lepas brand made its public debut at the Indonesia GIIAS International Auto Show, where it displayed the L8, L6, and L4 SUV models, confirming plans to gradually enter emerging markets in Southeast Asia, South America, and the Middle East.Following this, the brand quickly accelerated its global layout: on January 19, 2026, Lepas's global flagship showroom officially opened in Jakarta, Indonesia's capital. This was not only the first practical step for the brand building stores for overseas markets but also announced Lepas's move from concept to offline channel implementation.By May 2026, Lepas has already had four 3S stores in Indonesia, with a goal to expand to 40 before the end of the year.
Lepas's global strategy is very clear: no product promotion in the domestic market, but starting from Southern Hemisphere markets, deepening operations in Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, etc.), the Middle East (UAE), Africa (South Africa), and Australia, with plans to output the first batch of models to the Australian market for the first time in the second half of 2026.
Lepas's product lineup is built around the LEX New Energy Smart Platform. Three SUVs are currently planned, with a clear roadmap to expand the range to five models within two years. Model numbers run from L1 to L9, with the number corresponding to vehicle size, creating a complete lineup from entry‑level to flagship. Outside of China, the 2026 Beijing Auto Show marks a key starting point for its "Year of Global Delivery."
Lepas L8: A D‑class flagship five‑seat family SUV, already launched and on sale in Indonesia. The vehicle measures 4,688 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,695 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,800 mm, positioning it similarly to Chery's Tiggo 8. It is equipped with a plug‑in hybrid powertrain combining a 1.5T four‑cylinder engine with an electric motor. The battery has a capacity of 18.3 kWh, total system output is 205 kW, pure electric range is approximately 107 km, and combined range exceeds 1,300 km. Standard features include a 2,800 mm wheelbase and 970 mm of rear legroom, along with three seat settings: Rest, Nap, and Cinema modes. The vehicle also incorporates an eight‑airbag system and a 5‑Star Safety Structure design.
Lepas L6: A C‑class urban SUV aimed at young professionals and young families. The L6 EV made its global premiere at the Bangkok Auto Show in March 2026, and at the Beijing Auto Show in April 2026, the L6 EV, L6 PHEV, and L6 ICE models were displayed together. The L6 PHEV is powered by Lepas's Super Hybrid System, consisting of a 1.5T engine paired with a single‑gear DHT transmission, delivering a combined 275 horsepower. Pure electric range is 107 km, and combined range reaches up to 1,200 km. The L6 EV uses a front‑mounted single motor producing 178 kW, paired with a 67.08 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, offering an NEDC range of approximately 510 km.
Lepas L4: An A‑class compact SUV that shares its platform with Chery's Tiggo 4, positioned as an entry‑level urban commuter. The ICE version is equipped with a 1.5L four‑cylinder engine producing 108 kW and 225 Nm of torque. The EV version uses a 160 kW front‑mounted single motor paired with a 61.1 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, with an NEDC range of approximately 500 km. The L4 EV comes standard with 21 advanced ADAS features and fast‑charging capability. As Lepas's entry‑level SUV, it is expected to account for the largest share of sales. This model will launch in the Malaysian market alongside the brand's debut.
Lepas is rapidly advancing its store build‑out and partner network in key global expansion regions. As of May 2026, Lepas has opened four 3S dealerships in Indonesia, with plans to expand to 40 by the end of the year, covering core cities including Jakarta, Semarang, Surabaya, Bali, and Medan.
In Malaysia, the brand completed the arrival of its first batch of prototype containers at Port Klang in January 2026, with a planned official launch in the first half of the year. Lepas intends to open 20 showrooms and service outlets covering major markets such as Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, Penang, Sabah, and Sarawak, increasing that number to 30 by the end of the year. In April 2026, Lepas signed strategic dealer agreements with 20 partners in Malaysia, further strengthening its sales network in the market.
In South Africa, Lepas has also moved forward with its initial model deployment. In February 2026, the L4 went on sale in South Africa with a starting price of 299,900 South African rand (approximately 117,000 RMB). The brand also entered into a strategic partnership with South African energy giant Engen in the lubricant ecosystem and automotive aftermarket value chain, helping to further enhance local customer service experiences.
In Thailand, the Lepas L6 EV made its global premiere at the Bangkok Auto Show in March 2026, with an estimated price of approximately 700,000 Thai baht (around 138,000 RMB). The model targets the entry‑level EV price segment, competing alongside vehicles such as the Omoda C5 EV, and comes with a six‑year vehicle warranty and four‑year or 60,000 km free maintenance service.
Lepas's core technology platform is the LEX (Lepas Elegant eXperience) Smart New Energy Platform, independently developed by Chery and customized specifically for the new brand. The platform supports multiple powertrain layouts, including FWD, RWD, and AWD, and is compatible with pure electric (BEV), range‑extended (EREV), plug‑in hybrid (PHEV), and traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrains, enabling true multi‑power co‑production on a single platform. It also offers strong body dimension flexibility, covering a new energy product portfolio ranging from A‑segment to D‑segment vehicles.
On the electric drive front, Lepas has equipped its entire lineup with a new generation of high‑efficiency drive units. The Lepas Super Hybrid (LSH) system features a 1.5T engine paired with a front‑mounted single motor and a single‑gear DHT transmission, delivering a combined system output of 205 kW to 275 horsepower. Pure electric range exceeds 100 km, WLTC combined fuel consumption can be reduced to below 5.0 L/100 km, and total combined range surpasses 1,200 km. Battery systems are primarily supplied by two mainstream solutions: lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and ternary lithium. The 67.08 kWh configuration (for the dedicated NEV platform) supports DC fast charging of up to 120 kW, allowing charging from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes.
In terms of automation and smart cockpit features, the L6 EV cockpit includes an emotional interaction AI agent, a vehicle ambient lighting linkage system, a cabin fragrance module, and five driving scenario modes. The L4 EV comes standard with 21 advanced ADAS features, while higher‑spec versions of the L6 offer more than 22 L2+ level advanced driver assistance systems—such as advanced adaptive cruise control (H‑NOA), a 360° HD surround‑view camera, and Bosch's IPB 2.0 intelligent braking control unit—further enhancing the integration of safety and comfort.
Lepas follows the Chery Group's global development strategy of "In a place, for a place, achieved in a place," adopting a "group R&D plus global full‑chain implementation" model to rapidly establish a complete business loop—from manufacturing and supply to after‑sales service—in key overseas consumer markets.
Indonesia: Following the opening of its global flagship showroom in Jakarta in January 2026, Lepas has expanded rapidly, opening four 3S dealerships by May 2026, with a year‑end target of 40 stores. The first wave of models introduced is the L8 PHEV, with local adaptation testing, delivery, and after‑sales support systems to be fully established in Indonesia.
Malaysia: As a key market for right‑hand drive vehicles, the first batch of prototypes arrived at Port Klang in early 2026. The brand plans to launch in the first half of the year and complete a dealer network of 30 outlets within the year. The initial model lineup includes the L4, L6, and L8 (both PHEV and EV variants). Immersive lifestyle experience centers and a unified after‑sales service system will also be established.
South Africa: Lepas began model deliveries in the first quarter of 2026, starting with the L4. The brand also signed an agreement with Engen Energy Group to enhance the full ownership experience, from lubricants to maintenance. In addition, Lepas has launched a series of community‑focused social initiatives in partnership with a local youth fund in South Africa, cultivating the brand's "Elegant Driving" value tag locally.
Thailand: The L6 EV made its global debut in Thailand. The production hub jointly established by the Chery Group in Thailand will supply new energy vehicles and provide sales support to the broader Southeast Asian region.
Australia: Lepas has confirmed its entry into the Australian market in mid‑2026. The initial rollout will include at least six models, with local vehicle export and after‑sales service networks to be established.
Middle East: Lepas has officially announced its entry into the UAE market and has completed its brand strategy launch in the region.
Lepas's global strategy is being executed in three phases: Brand Debut (2025), Global Product Validation (2025 to the first half of 2026), and Co‑creation of a New Ecosystem (2026 onward). By April 2026, the brand had completed its global "Year of Global Delivery" launch at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show and has since fully transitioned to mass order production and multi‑region global sales and operations.
On the product front, Lepas plans to launch a total of ten new models over the next three years. The lineup includes the three already unveiled models (L4, L6, and L8), followed by at least one A‑segment city EV positioned against the MINI, and one D‑segment flagship SUV. The priority order for market deployment is Southeast Asia, followed by the Middle East, Africa, and then Europe. The brand does not rule out entering core European markets such as the UK and Spain in phases after 2027.
Lepas's global design and network operations have achieved simultaneous coordination across multiple locations. During Milan Design Week in April 2026, the brand made its European debut in an "exclusive viewing" format. That same month, its new products had their global premiere at the Beijing Auto Show, while the Global Partner Summit was held concurrently in Wuhu. This three‑party linkage has further accelerated the brand's "Year of Delivery" progress.
Lepas's ultimate vision is to become "the world's most representative preferred brand for high‑end new energy refined mobility." Built on the three pillars of "Elegant, Smart, and Spacious," and backed by the extensive resources of the Chery Group, Lepas aims to establish itself as an important emerging force in the global new energy landscape, with a powerful sales and service network covering more than 100 countries and regions.
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