At a glance
- The Lepas Aura is Chery's first global concept car
- Its leopard-inspired design and front lighting signature are intended to influence future Lepas cars.
- There is no confirmed UK price or production date, and the concept's digital displays may not reach showroom cars.
What is the Lepas Aura Concept?
The Aura is a design study from Lepas, Chery's premium new-energy vehicle brand. It previews the styling direction the company wants to take with future models, although there’s no confirmation that the concept will reach production in its current form.
I saw the car unveiled at Lepas Global Elegance Night in Wuhu, China, where chief designer Ivan Dulanovic explained the inspiration behind its appearance.
The proportions immediately hit you like a wet kipper around the face. A long wheelbase, short overhangs and broad stance give the Aura a planted look, while pronounced shoulder lines and flowing surfaces add some muscle without making the design too aggressive.
How has the Lepas Aura been designed?
Dulanovic said the design team drew inspiration from nature, particularly the physical characteristics and movement of a leopard.
"It's our interpretation of the leopard's power. It's not exaggerated, and it's certainly not decorated; it's simply present. And that's how we imagine that strength looks when it doesn't need to prove itself."
I reckon that restraint works well. The Aura has a confident stance, but the styling doesn't descend into the sort of visual drama that can make some concept cars look absurd.
The car also develops the porcelain-inspired surfacing introduced on the Lepas L8 SUV. Glossy bodywork, sculpted surfaces and flowing lines give it a distinctive appearance, while integrated air channels follow the contours of the exterior to help guide airflow.
Dulanovic explained that the designers had considered aerodynamics and styling together.
"In our philosophy, form and function are never two separate things."
The front is my favourite part of the car. Its Leopard-Eye headlamps give the Aura a recognisable face, while the redesigned front fascia combines the grille and side intake areas into a cleaner black surface. Lepas says these elements will help establish a consistent appearance across future models.
What technology does the Lepas Aura have?
One of the more unusual features is a digital canvas built into the front of the car. It can display different graphics, lighting effects and animations, while an elliptical screen at the rear allows the taillight signature to be changed.
Dulanovic believes the technology could give owners more control over their cars' appearance.
"The customer could, in a way, become the designer of their own car. Technologies often dictate how the front end looks, but here, we invite you to personalise it."
It's an interesting idea, although there are practical questions about cost, durability and how useful these displays would be in everyday driving. Some owners might enjoy changing their car's lighting graphics, but others will probably be perfectly happy with a conventional set of lights.
There’s also no guarantee that the technology will make it into production models in its current form.
What colours does the Lepas Aura come in?
Lepas showed the Aura in three exterior finishes, each inspired by a different natural setting.
Dawn Pearl takes inspiration from sunrise in Tahiti, with soft pink tones intended to reflect the first light of day.
Bacalar Blue is named after a lagoon in Mexico. Its changing shades of deep blue and turquoise are designed to capture the appearance of the water in different light.
Provence Twilight draws on the lavender fields of southern France as the sun sets. Its deeper blue-violet tones give the car a darker appearance, which Dulanovic describes as mysterious elegance.
The finishes give the concept three quite different personalities, and I particularly like the idea of using colour to bring out the shape of the bodywork.
Will the Lepas Aura go on sale in the UK?
There’s no confirmed production date, UK price or showroom launch for the Aura. Lepas has presented it as a design concept intended to influence future cars, rather than a finished model ready for customers.
Dulanovic was keen to clarify that its influence would extend beyond one show car.
"This concept isn't the end of anything. It's the inspiration for the future of Lepas design."
The proportions, lighting, surface treatments and colours are all intended to help shape the look of future Lepas models. However, the digital displays and some of the more ambitious styling features could be toned down or dropped altogether before anything reaches a showroom.
That matters to UK buyers because Chery's premium brand still has to establish itself against manufacturers with much longer track records. Attractive styling might get people through the door, but quality, reliability, dealer support and competitive pricing will determine whether they stay.
What we like
- Distinctive styling: The leopard-inspired design gives the Aura a purposeful stance without going over the top.
- Attention to detail: The porcelain-inspired surfaces and Leopard-Eye headlamps give the concept plenty of character.
- Personalisation: The digital exterior displays are an unusual idea that could give future owners more choice.
- Colour choices: Dawn Pearl, Bacalar Blue and Provence Twilight each give the car a different personality.
What worries us
- Production reality: There's no guarantee the more ambitious features will make it to showroom models.
- Digital displays: Their cost, durability and usefulness on the road remain to be seen.
- Premium credentials: Lepas will have to deliver the quality and refinement expected of a premium car.
- Competition: China's new-energy vehicle market is already crowded with established and emerging brands.
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Verdict
I think the Aura gives Lepas a good starting point. I particularly like the restraint in its styling and the thought behind its proportions. Ivan Dulanovic is a talented guy, and it's clear there's real thinking behind the design, rather than just hot air about making something look different.
The digital displays are a bit of a gamble, and I wouldn't be surprised if some of the more ambitious features disappear before production. But the underlying design has plenty going for it.
Lepas still has a lot to prove before it can compete with traditional premium manufacturers, particularly on quality, reliability, and value for money. However, if its future production whips look as good as the Aura and deliver the substance to match, I reckon we'll be seeing more of the brand on Britain's roads.