TL;DR Lepas has confirmed the L8 as its first UK model, marking the British debut of Chery’s new SUV brand. The five-seat L8 will rival established family SUVs such as the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4, with pricing expected to undercut key competitors.
The L8 is likely to launch with a 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid powertrain producing 204bhp and offering up to 56 miles of electric-only range. A fully electric version is expected to follow. Full UK specifications and pricing will be confirmed ahead of its summer release.
Lepas has confirmed that the L8 SUV will be the first model it sells in the UK, marking the British debut of the Chinese brand.
Lepas is a sister company to Omoda and Jaecoo and is owned by Chinese automotive giant Chery. The brand has been developed with a strong focus on European markets, where demand for electrified SUVs continues to grow.
Positioned as a premium alternative in the family SUV segment
The L8 is the brand’s flagship model. It is a five-seat SUV designed to compete with established models such as the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4.
Lepas is expected to position the L8 as a more affordable alternative to these rivals, while maintaining a premium feel in terms of design, technology and equipment.
Platform and powertrain details
Technical details for the UK version have yet to be fully confirmed. However, the L8 is based on Chery’s modular T1X platform, which also underpins several Omoda and Jaecoo models.
In Indonesia, the L8 is offered exclusively with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. This setup combines a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and an 18.3kWh battery. Total output stands at 204bhp, and the electric-only driving range is up to 56 miles.
Given that the same system is already used in the UK-market Jaecoo 7, it is likely that the L8 will adopt a similar configuration when it arrives here.
An all-electric version is also expected to follow, as other models built on the same platform are available as EVs in different markets.
Interior and technology
Inside, the L8 features a minimalist cabin design focused around a portrait-oriented 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen. Physical climate controls are positioned below the screen, alongside a rotary dial for audio volume.
Drivers also benefit from a 10.2-inch digital instrument display and wireless smartphone charging. The layout prioritises a clean aesthetic while retaining key physical controls for everyday usability.
Safety and launch timeline
Lepas says the L8 will include “next-generation driving assistance” systems, although full details of the safety and driver assistance package have not yet been released.
Complete UK specifications and pricing are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, ahead of the L8’s planned launch this summer.
Looking ahead, Lepas is also expected to introduce the L4 and L6 crossovers to the UK market, with a mix of petrol, plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains.