Chery Group has launched its fourth automotive brand in Britain with the debut of the Lepas L8 plug-in hybrid SUV. The Lepas name combines the words leap, leopard and passion. It arrives as Chery Group builds rapid momentum in the UK market, having delivered 12,117 vehicles last month across its combined marques to outsell Ford.
For every eight new cars registered in Britain last month, one was built by Chery Group, achieving that market share within 24 months. The new L8 serves as the flagship model for Lepas, carrying the initial reputation of the badge on its wheel arches.
The family SUV is powered by Chery Group's Super Hybrid System, offering 56 miles of electric-only range and a total combined range of 745 miles on a full battery and fuel tank. It aims to provide premium features for a fraction of the price of established luxury rivals. Automobile reviewer Freda Lewis-Stempel tested the vehicle to assess how it compares against competing family cars.
Market Competition and Brand Positioning
Lepas enters a crowded UK market where much of its direct opposition comes from within Chery Group's own lineup. Sister brands Jaecoo, Omoda and Chery are already established among British car buyers.
Based on performance this year so far, Jaecoo ranks as the 17th most popular manufacturer in the UK, outperforming Land Rover, Mini and Tesla. Omoda ranks 22nd and Chery ranks 23rd, with both individually outselling established brands including Citroen, Dacia, Mazda and Honda.
Following the sales strategy of the Jaecoo 7 SUV, which gained popularity by undercutting premium vehicles, the L8 is designed as a budget alternative to the BMW X5 and Audi Q5 for buyers less concerned with badge snobbery.
Compared to the Jaecoo 7 and Omoda 7, the L8 features a more sophisticated exterior design, while remaining less rugged and more urbane than the seven-seat Jaecoo 8. The front styling includes leopard-eye headlights and a diamond-mesh grille, setting it apart from Jaecoo's waterfall grille design. The rest of the body is shaped into a porcelain-inspired form.
Lewis-Stempel described the exterior styling as "the car equivalent of smart casual fashion," adding that "if it were a high-street brand, it would probably be H&M rather than Massimo Dutti."
Interior Cabin Features and Technology
Inside the cabin, the L8 offers a flat floor and generous proportions that provide significant headroom and legroom. Even with the driver seat positioned as far back as a six-foot driver requires, space remains for an adult to sit comfortably behind.
A panoramic roof and large side windows make the interior feel spacious and bright. The seats are upholstered in leather-effect material that is padded without being overly shaped. On the higher trim level, the front seats feature heating, ventilation and an eight-point massage function. The rear therapeutic cloud-comfort seats recline to 180 degrees, allowing passengers to lie flat.
Throughout the rest of the cabin, leather-effect materials are complemented by chrome-effect dials and air vents, with few hard plastics. Higher trim levels add a Nano-Aqua air purification system, an in-cabin fragrance system with small scent vials, and an eight-speaker Sony audio system.
For family practicality, a smart table tray folds down from the back of the front passenger seat for children to eat meals or prop up iPads. Storage options include a multi-level centre console and generous door bins. Boot capacity provides 507 litres of space, expanding to 1,300 litres with the rear seats folded down.
Cabin technology centers on a 13.2-inch portrait infotainment touchscreen and a 10.25-inch driver instrument display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as standard equipment, alongside 50W wireless smartphone charging.
Driving Dynamics and Powertrain Performance
On the road, the L8 provides a firm ride in Comfort mode that copes adequately with speed bumps and uneven road surfaces. However, on back roads and tighter corners, the steering offers minimal feedback and is weighted to feel feathery, making precise wheel placement difficult to judge.
An intrusive Lane Keep Assist safety feature further disconnects the driver from the vehicle. Switching into Sport mode does not tighten the steering response. Lewis-Stempel noted that turning the wheel in Sport mode felt "like trying to steer through jelly."
She concluded that Comfort mode was the best setting, advising drivers to avoid Lane Keep Assist and keep the SUV primarily on motorways and dual carriageways. She noted that through corners on smaller roads, the car has "about the precision of a wobbly Lime Bike rider."
The powertrain consists of a 275bhp 1.5 TGDI hybrid engine setup that delivers strong acceleration when exiting junctions, joining motorways from slip roads, and overtaking slower traffic on B-roads. The official zero to 62mph acceleration time is 7.9 seconds, though responsiveness feels faster. The brakes are responsive and properly tuned.
In Pure mode, extensive soundproofing and noise cancellation enable the vehicle to operate smoothly and silently like a pure electric vehicle. The 56-mile electric range allows most weekly local driving to be completed on a single charge. Fast charging capability allows the battery to charge from 30 to 80 percent in 20 minutes at speeds up to 40kW.
The Super Hybrid System, shared with the Jaecoo 7 SHS-P, delivers a total claimed range of 745 miles. While official test cycles state fuel economy up to 403.5mpg based on plug-in test standards, realistic mixed road driving is expected to easily return over 50mpg.
Pricing, Trim Levels and Warranty
Lepas offers the L8 in two well-equipped trim levels. The entry-level Essence trim is priced at £34,900. It includes privacy glass, a panoramic sunroof, the 13.2-inch infotainment screen, 10.25-inch driver display, 50W wireless charging, 20 advanced driver assistance safety features, keyless entry and start, and vehicle-to-load capability.
The £34,900 starting price undercuts the Kia Sportage PHEV starting price of £38,595 and sits significantly below the Peugeot 5008 PHEV starting price of £43,005.
The top-spec Elevate trim costs £37,900, representing a £3,000 increase over the Essence trim. Elevate specification adds active engine noise cancellation, a hands-free tailgate, heated, ventilated and massage front seats, a heated windscreen, 256-colour ambient lighting, and an in-cabin fragrance system.
It also adds the rear seat fold-out table, air purification, the Sony audio system, front and rear parking sensors, a 540-degree camera system, and advanced parking assistance. At £37,900, the top trim remains cheaper than the Peugeot 5008 PHEV, Audi Q5 PHEV (which starts near £60,000), and BMW X5 PHEV (priced over £80,000). All models include a seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty.
Vehicle Specifications Summary
Official vehicle specifications for the Lepas L8 plug-in hybrid SUV include:
- Price: From £34,900
- Dimensions: Length 4,688mm, width 1,871mm (excluding mirrors), height 1,689mm
- Weight: 1,850kg
- Boot capacity: 507 litres (seats up), 1,300 litres (seats down)
- Powertrain: 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and electric motor with single-speed automatic transmission
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
- Battery: 18.4kWh
- Maximum power: 279bhp with 365Nm torque
- Acceleration: 0 to 62mph in 7.9 seconds
- Top speed: 111mph
- Fuel economy: 403.5mpg official rating
- Electric range: 56 miles
- Combined range: 745 miles
- Carbon dioxide emissions: 21g/km
Chery Group aims for the L8 to emulate the rapid sales success of the Jaecoo 7. While steering limitations affect back-road driving, the vehicle offers high total range, executive cabin features, and broad interior space tailored to cost-conscious family car buyers.
