Geely-Based Aletra L8 EV MPV Launches In Indonesia

Launched in neighbouring Indonesia this week is the new Aletra L8 EV MPV. The model is the first new metal from Indonesian brand Aletra and it's assembled by PT Handal Indonesia Motor. (Image: Kompas.com)

Pictured here is a brand new EV MPV that was launched in neighbouring Indonesia just this week that’s set to rival directly against the BYD M6. Called the L8, this is the first model to launch under the Eletra brand, which is Indonesian.

Said brand was borne out of a partnership between PT Sinar Armada Globalindo (PT SAG) and Livan Automotive. The latter is a merger between Geely-owned Shanghai Maple and Lifan Technology, and is a joint-venture between Lifan Group with Geely Qizheng (owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding).

Essentially, the Aletra L8 is a rebadged and lightly restyled version of the Livan Maple 80V L.

That perhaps explains why the Aletra L8 is actually a rebadged and lightly restyled Livan Maple 80V L – an EV offshoot of the Geely Jiaji. The model is also assembled in Indonesia by PT Handal Indonesia Motor – a firm renowned for assembling Chery, Neta and Jetour brands in said republic.

Given Indonesian buyer’s affinity for MPVs, it explains why the Aletra L8 packs a relatively attractive spec sheet. Key to which is its “7+7” approach that promises space for seven passengers and no less than seven luggage, hence the three-row seating layout and 459-litre standard boot space.

The unique "7+7" approach sees the Aletra L8 offer seating for seven across three rows and space for seven luggage.

In terms of size and footprint, the Aletra L8 is slightly larger, wider and taller than the rivalling BYD M6.

Speaking of size, the L8 sits 4,812 MM long with a 2,807 MM wheelbase, 1,909 MM wide and 1,699 MM tall with a ground clearance of 160 MM.  In contrast, the rivalling BYD M6 is slightly smaller – 4,710 MM long with a 2,800 MM wheelbase, 1,810 MM wide and 16,90 MM tall with a 140 MM ground clearance.

For Indonesia, the Aletra L8 sees two variants available starting with a base L8 and a higher-specced L8S. You’ll find the former primed with a 50.4 kWh LFP battery pack whilst the latter adopts Geely’s ‘Short Blade Bulletproof Battery’ pack instead with a larger 64.74 kWh capacity.

The higher-specced Aletra L8S boasts the adoption of Geely's 'Shortbalde Bulletproof Battery Pack" with a 54.74 kWh capacity promising 540 KM of CLTC-rated range.

No AC or DC charging speeds were disclosed, with Aletra choosing instead to list out the claimed CLTC ranges of 431 KM (L8) and 540 KM (L8S). However, keep in mind that CLTC ratings are rather optimistic versus the more realistic WLTP rating.

Shared across both are the same front-mounted e-motor setup that outputs a claimed 161 HP and 240 NM to the front wheels, altogether promising 0-100 KM/H dashes in 10.7 secs and an electronically-capped V-max of 160 KM/H.

Underneath, the Aletra L8 sees its chassis ride on MacPherson struts up front with a multi-link rear suspension assembly. Present here too is something called 'Active Comfort Suspension' suite.

Other highlights elsewhere includes the adoption of multi-link rear suspension paired with MacPherson struts up front and ‘Active Comfort Suspension’ suite, all-round disc brakes with ABS, EBD and BA, an electronic parking brake (EPB) with auto-hold function, and 18-inch wheels.

On board, this Indonesian redux of the Livan Maple 80 V L adopt a twin compressor air cond unit. Included too is a panoramic roof, automatic wipers, 360-degree parking camera, 7-inch TFT LCD instrument display, 12.4-inch touchscreen infotainment primed with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 72-colour cabin ambient lighting, power-adjustable front seats, and a 50-watt wireless charger.

On board, the Aletra L8 is loaded with plenty of features, though it seems to lack ADAS features apart from a blind spot monitor (BSM) and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

As for safety, there no ADAS features listed apart from a blind spot monitor (BSM). Instead, there are basics that encompasses four airbags, traction (TCS) and stability control (VSC) suites, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), as well as hill start assist (HAC), on top of the ABS brakes noted.

Moving to price, the base Aletra L8 commands IDR 435 million (approx. RM122,180.23) whilst the higher-end L8S variant is tagged at IDR 478 million (approx. RM134,229.77). Said prices include EV battery warranties lasting for 8-years or 200,000 KM (L8) and 8-years or 500,000 KM (L8S).

Given what we’ve just detailed, we’re certain this EV MPV has all the makings to make it a rather popular choice amongst Indonesian buyers. Well, what do you folks reckon? Would you prefer this Geely-sourced offering over the BYD M6 should it be launched here? Hit the comments below…