Lepas has confirmed UK pricing and specification details for its L8 plug-in hybrid SUV, the first model to launch the Chinese brand in the UK.
The D-segment SUV will be offered in two trim levels, Essence and Elevate, priced from £34,900 and £37,900 respectively.
Pre-orders will open in July, with the first customer deliveries scheduled for September through the brand’s growing UK dealer network.
Both variants are powered by Lepas’s Super Hybrid System, combining a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a dedicated hybrid transmission and an 18.4kWh battery.
Lepas is the fourth Chery International brand to import new cars into the UK from China.
AM100 dealer groups including Arnold Clark Automobiles, Park’s Motor Group, Lithia UK’s Evans Halshaw division, Greenhous and Brindley Motor Group are among the launch franchisees, who will begin sales in September, with the first customers getting their cars in October.
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Lepas claims the L8 can deliver up to 745 miles of combined driving range, up to 56 miles of electric-only range and fuel economy of up to 403.5mpg. CO2 emissions are rated at 21g/km.
A fully electric version of the L8 is planned to join the range in 2027.
The launch marks the first step in Chery’s Lepas UK market entry, with the manufacturer also planning to introduce the smaller L6 C-SUV and L4 B-SUV in the coming months.
Two trim levels
The entry-level Essence model includes a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, remote engine start, LED lighting and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Customers stepping up to the Elevate trim gain 20-inch alloy wheels, heated windscreen, powered tailgate, acoustic laminated front windows and active engine noise cancellation.
Elevate models also feature electrically adjustable front seats with heating, cooling and massage functions, along with ambient interior lighting and an integrated fragrance system.
Safety and driver assistance
Both trim levels receive the same core suite of advanced driver assistance systems.
Standard features include autonomous emergency braking, emergency lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, intelligent speed limit control and front distance monitoring.
The L8 is also equipped with 10 airbags as standard.
Elevate versions add front parking sensors, a 540-degree camera system, advanced parking assist and remote parking assist functionality.
Connectivity and technology
All models feature a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with connected navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 4G connectivity and a voice assistant branded as “Hello Lepas”.
Wireless smartphone charging and four USB ports are also included across the range.
The main infotainment upgrade on the Elevate trim is an eight-speaker Sony premium audio system, replacing the six-speaker system fitted to Essence models.
Lepas will support the L8 with a seven-year or 100,000-mile vehicle warranty, alongside an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty for the high-voltage battery.
Customers will also receive up to seven years of RAC Roadside Assistance cover.