Lepas is a Chery brand that’s planning a two-pronged launch into the UK in 2026.
The Lepas L6 is the smaller of the brand's two offerings so far, sitting underneath the flagship Lepas L8.
First to launch is the fully electric L6 EV, but it's thought that a plug-in 'Super Hybrid' version that adds a petrol engine to the mix for a total range of around 700 miles will come later.
Prices haven't been provided yet, but a starting price of around £30-32,000 seems likely. Orders open in the winter.
The trim levels are called Essence and Elevate; both come with a 540-degree parking camera, two-tone 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with auto high-beam assist, a heated steering wheel, keyless entry, two-zone climate control and a panoramic sunroof.
Elevate adds leather-effect upholstery, with front seats that are powered, heated and cooled. There's also a powered bootlid, park assist and a Sony sound system.
Both come with a 65kWh battery and a 279-mile range, which puts it on the same playing field as the entry-level Nissan Leaf, Skoda Elroq and Geely EX5. Lepas states that the L6 EV will offer a 30-80% recharge in 20 minutes with a competitive 120kW fast-charging rate (just remember that most rivals quote 10-80% for charge times). The L6 has Vehicle-to-Load so it can charge other electrical items at up to 3.3kW.
Powering the front wheels is a 217hp electric motor, providing a nippy 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds. We're told that Lepas has set the L6 up for European roads, and promises 'smooth electric performance with ride comfort and predictable handling'.
Inside, the Lepas L6 stays on trend with a 13.2-inch waterfall (read: portrait) touchscreen, wireless phone charging trays and a small digital driver's display. The touchscreen is powered by a Qualcomm processor and includes the 'Hello Lepas' AI voice assistant.
The 410-litre boot is supplemented by a 99-litre underfloor storage area, giving you a similar amount of total boot capacity to an MG HS or Nissan Qashqai.
The styling is sharp and modern, and on its own it looks quite nice. But it looks very similar to a whole host of Chinese newcomers fighting for your custom – if we told you this was a Geely, Changan or Leapmotor, you’d take our word for it. Oh, yes, Lepas is a completely different brand from Leapmotor. Keep up…
At 4,570mm long, 1,852mm wide and 1,676mm tall, the L6 is also a similar size to family SUV favourites such as the Kia Sportage, Volkswagen Tiguan and Ford Kuga.
Lepas is a Chery sub-brand, and its name is said to be a mix of 'leopard' and 'passion'. Its big-cat connection is apparently evident in its 'hunting eye' headlights.
Can’t wait for the Lepas L6?
Leap into our guide to the best family SUVs you can buy now, or the best Chinese cars on the market.
