Lepas L8 (2026 - )

Lepas, the oddly named brand from the renowned automotive group Chery - known for Omoda and Jaecoo - has ushered in the L8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV), writes our motoring journalist Tim Barnes-Clay. 
It is a luxury SUV that skillfully blends attractive design, advanced technology, and remarkable efficiency, all at a competitive price point. 

My first encounter with the L8 was during Milan Design Week, and I had the opportunity to drive it at its recent media launch in the UK. The event was at the elegant Langley estate in Iver, Buckinghamshire. Nestled within 150 acres of historic parkland, the five-star venue created the perfect setting for this new model.
The Lepas L8 starts from £34,900 in Essence trim, while the range-topping Elevate costs £37,900. With many similarly sized SUVs pushing well beyond the £50,000 mark, the L8 makes a strong case as a value-led alternative. 

The L8 channels a design philosophy inspired by one of nature's most intriguing predators - the leopard - and this influence is evident throughout the vehicle. 

With its sweeping curves, flowing lines, and muscular profile, the L8's silhouette captures the raw power of a leopard in full sprint, while also reflecting its elegance and poised readiness when at rest. 

At the front, the distinctive 'Diamond Mesh' grille echoes the texture and pattern of a leopard's coat, while the unique 'Leopard's Eye' daytime running lights impart a captivating and fierce gaze. 

On the exterior, the only difference between the Essence and Elevate grades is the wheels. Both variants feature stylish diamond-cut alloys, but the Essence comes with 19-inch wheels, while the Elevate makes a bolder statement with more imposing 20-inch rollers. 

Each model features robust LED headlights and LED rear lights, an acoustic laminated windscreen for enhanced noise reduction, electrically adjustable heated and power-folding wing mirrors, and rear window privacy glass.

Elevate editions further increase comfort with acoustic laminated front windows for added sound insulation. Puddle lights are also integrated into the wing mirrors. 

Both variants are available in a vibrant and striking array of colours for personalised flair. At no additional cost, you can select the metallic Expressive Emerald. For £500, you can also upgrade to Instinct White, Legend Black, or Mystic Purple. For those desiring a stunning matte finish, Stoic Grey is available for an extra £750.

The L8 is packed with technology, including autonomous emergency braking, emergency lane keeping, front distance monitoring, adaptive cruise control and intelligent speed limit control. Together, these systems provide extra confidence in traffic and on busy streets. The Chinese car also features up to 10 airbags, giving you and your fellow occupants extensive protection in a collision.

The technology focus continues with a 13.2-inch central waterfall touchscreen that acts as the hub for navigation, entertainment and vehicle settings. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 'Hello Lepas' AI voice assistant allows you to control key functions using natural voice commands. Built-in 4G connectivity keeps the infotainment system connected on the move.

The Elevate grade adds even more convenience with a 540-degree panoramic camera system, advanced parking assistance and remote parking assistance, allowing the L8 to steer, brake and change gears into a parking space while you control the manoeuvre from outside the vehicle. 

An upgraded eight-speaker Sony premium audio system also enriches the in-car entertainment experience.

Beneath the bonnet, a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine works with a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) and an 18.4kWh battery pack.

Although my route was confined to Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, it offered a varied mix of roads. We passed the famed Pinewood Studios instead of Slough's trading estates, before rolling through picturesque rustic villages, fast open stretches and heavy traffic. That was enough to gauge the L8's nature.

Despite its substantial proportions, the Lepas never feels ungainly. Visibility is excellent, the L8's steering isn’t that sharp, but it’s accurate enough, and the hybrid system delivers energetic acceleration, getting to 62mph in 7.9 seconds. 

Any road noise is nicely quelled, while the suspension handles disintegrating asphalt so well that you almost feel you're back in a time when the UK's highways and byways had far fewer imperfections. 

Even though I didn't drive to a major city, I came away convinced the L8, especially in top Elevate guise, wouldn't feel out of its league in one. It looks and feels brave enough to handle the tough daily grind of an urban commute. Yet there's little doubt it's agile enough to handle jam-packed car parks.

When it comes to space, the L8 excels. Built on Lepas' advanced LEX platform, this SUV boasts a 2,800mm wheelbase, offering a spacious interior that feels extremely open.

In the back, even with the front seats positioned for regular driving, rear passengers get nearly a meter of legroom (970mm), making it feel like a luxury limousine. I'm 5 ft 11 in, and sitting directly behind the driving position I'd set for myself, there was almost enough room to swing a leopard. My knees didn't come close to the back of the front seat.

Practicality extends beyond the cabin, too. The L8's 507-litre boot offers plenty of space for everything from family holiday luggage to a large dog crate, making it well suited to everyday life as well as longer trips. Fold the rear seats down, and the L8 becomes even more versatile, with enough load space to swallow bulky items such as flat-pack furniture, bikes or even old office furniture destined for the recycling centre.

Both the Essence and Elevate models come well equipped with standard comforts such as a panoramic sunroof with a sunshade, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and ignition, and remote engine start capabilities that let you warm up or cool down the cabin from a distance.

Elevate drivers, in particular, benefit from significant technology enhancements, including a hands-free power tailgate, a heated windscreen, and power-adjustable front seats with added heating, cooling, and massage functions. 

A vibrant 256-colour ambient lighting system and in-car fragrance technology also let passengers tailor the atmosphere to their liking.

Both variants of the L8 are propelled by Lepas’ state-of-the-art Super Hybrid system, featuring the earlier-mentioned highly efficient 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine mated to a next-generation 18.4kWh battery which can be DC fast-charged from 30% to 80% in as little as 20 minutes. 

The powertrain can deliver a combined range of up to 745 miles, a pure electric range of up to 56 miles and a highly efficient combined fuel consumption of up to 403.5 mpg. 

So, in layman's terms, with a full battery and a full tank, you could comfortably drive from Eastbourne to Aberdeen.

CO2 emissions are just 21g/km, qualifying the L8 to drive free of charge in London's ultra-low emissions zone (ULEZ). 

If that doesn't tick enough green boxes for you, then you may be pleased to know a fully electric L8 will follow in 2027.

The Lepas L8 boasts several impressive features, including attractive pricing, an efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain, and enough space for five-up. 
Its versatility shines through as it effortlessly navigates both countryside roads and busy streets, making a daily commute likely feel almost as easy as a leisurely walk in the park. 
While the brand itself is still building recognition, evaluating the L8 based on its performance during the recent UK media launch reveals many positives.
What's more, all L8 models come with Lepas' comprehensive aftersales support, a seven-year/100,000-mile vehicle warranty, and an eight-year/100,000-mile high-voltage battery guarantee.
If you’re looking to explore options beyond the mainstream top-tier car brands, this SUV should definitely be on your shortlist.