Lepas L8 Detailed - New D-SUV With ICE, BEV & PHEV Flavours

China’s leading auto exporter Chery Group today marked a bold new chapter with the global debut of its new Lepas sub-brand. A special launch was held in Chery’s home ground of Wuhu, China this week as part of the firm’s efforts in conjunction with Auto Shanghai 2025.

As reported prior, the ‘Lepas’ name merges both ‘Leap’ and ‘Passion’, explains parent Chery, and it is poised to become a key pillar in the group’s expanding global strategy. Additionally, Chery has positioned it to “capture the imagination of the young and style-driven generation.”

Leading the charge is the sub-brand’s first offering called the Lepas L8. A special line-off ceremony was held prior, but details of the model - and other products - were scant then. Now, more details have emerged, and here’s what we’ve garnered from the sub-brand’s official launch presentation.

Firstly, the Lepas L8 is presented as a D-segment SUV (D-SUV) that blends modern aesthetics with luxurious details and advanced powertrains. In terms of footprint, the Lepas L8 sits 4,688 MM long with a 2,800 MM wheelbase, 1,860 MM wide, and 1,695 MM tall.

Notably, the L8 embodies nature, simplicity and contemporary sophistication. This is evident on board whereby the cabin showcases diamond-pattern upholstery, pebble-shaped floating speakers, tactile premium knobs and a rhythmic ripple-inspired design language.

Offered in traditional combustion (ICE), as well as both plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery electric (BEV) powertrain formats, the Lepas L8 is poised to cater to a wide spectrum of users. Both ICE and PHEV versions share a proven 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol engine at its base - the same primed in the new Chery Tiggo 9 flagship.

The PHEV variant, on the other hand, harnesses Chery’s newest Super Hybrid (CSH) system to offer a remarkable claimed combined range of over 1,300 KM, thermal efficiency rating exceeding 46%, as well as average fuel consumption rate as low as  4.5 litre/100 KM.

The BEV version promises to yield a maximum travel range of over 700 KM plus low average energy consumption rate of 12 kWh/100 KM. There’s also the promise of ultra-fast charging abilities incorporated, granting at least 150 KM of range with just five minutes of charging.

As for tech, there’s a 13.2-inch infotainment unit in the cabin powered by a high-performance 8155 chip; multi-mode voice control and immersive resting experiences including sleep, lying and cinema modes; followed by both APA and RPA parking assistance suites.

As part of its global vision, LEPAS aims to launch two new models per year, with a minimum of five models within three years and an annual sales goal of 500,000 units. In lieu of which, the Lepas L8 is set to see follow ups in the form of both a Lepas L4 B-SUV and Lepas L6 C-SUV, each also offering ICE, PHEV and BEV powertrain options too.

Moreover, given that Lepas is positioned as a global brand, entry into the local Malaysian market could take place as early as 2026. It remains to be seen whether it will fall under the Chery or Jaecoo umbrella, or emerge as a dedicated standalone sub-brand.