Introducing the LEPAS L8
The LEPAS name brings together ‘leopard’, ‘leap’, and ‘passion’, signalling a brand built on distinctive design, innovation, and ambition. Those principles are reflected in the LEPAS L8, a premium family SUV for drivers seeking a more luxurious, refined driving experience.
With a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain and a generously sized plush interior, it combines bold, leopard-inspired styling and modern technology with the practicality expected of a family SUV. It’s also built on the LEPAS LEX platform, which balances cabin space, innovation, and structural efficiency while providing the architecture for a range of integrated driver-assistance systems.
Positioned at the executive end of the SUV market, the LEPAS L8 marks the first in a planned line-up of premium models from the emerging LEPAS brand.
Design and Practicality
The L8 model's front design features 'leopard-eye' LED headlights set high, while slick set-back lights and a bold diamond-mesh grille sit below. Its prominent SUV silhouette looks elegant on the road, and a sleek LED strip runs across the Chinese porcelain-inspired rear, adding to the LEPAS design language.
The interior styling is refined and minimal, with soft plastics and padded faux-leather upholstery throughout. It offers enough room for five adults in comfort, especially in the rear. It also has ample legroom and headroom, with plenty of space for three people across the rear bench.
Its large stature delivers a roomy 507 litres of boot space, making the L8 ideal for those who tour and often take longer trips across the UK and beyond. The 60/40 split opens the space to a useful 1,314 litres, and underneath there is storage for charging cables and other small items.
Technology and Safety
The L8 comes with a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display and an easy-reach 13.2-inch touchscreen that curves up from the central console, adding to the elegant design DNA that LEPAS projects. It features sharp graphics and large icons that are easy for the driver to see and operate, while some controls remain as useful physical buttons.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity come as standard, and you can use voice control to adjust the L8's features, such as climate control and other interior settings. It also offers plenty of USB ports for phone charging.
Although no official Euro NCAP rating has been recorded for the LEPAS L8, it still offers a solid range of driving aids and safety systems for peace of mind. These include automatic emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and speed-limit sign recognition. Additionally, ten airbags are strategically positioned throughout the cabin.
Powertrains and Performance
The LEPAS L8 features a plug-in hybrid setup, combining a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor that produces a solid 275bhp and can sprint from 0 to 62mph in 7.9 seconds. Although not designed as a performance-led SUV, the L8 has enough power for a confident ride.
The L8 uses Chery's Super Hybrid System (SHS), which works slightly differently than a traditional PHEV. The electric motor delivers power while the engine acts more like a generator, coming alive when needed, like on motorways. It also has an electric-only range of 56 miles for everyday commutes and short trips.
LEPAS designed the ride with UK roads in mind, with precise steering and minimal body roll in the corners, making the L8's driving experience composed and comfortable whether you're navigating city centres or out on twisting country lanes. The driving position is also good, offering a clear view of the road ahead.
Charging
The L8 charging system is designed to allow a 30 to 80 percent rapid charge in as little as 20 minutes. As home charging times are to be confirmed, we can expect them to be similar to Chery's other brands, with home wallbox charging from 0 to 100 percent taking 5.5 to 6.5 hours and overnight on a standard 3-Pin domestic socket.
The combination of the battery and petrol engine delivers around a combined range of up to 745 miles, making the LEPAS L8 well suited to long journeys, without the need to regularly stop for charging or fuel.
Discover the new LEPAS L8 with Evans Halshaw
With Chery now having a premium offering with its LEPAS models, the LEPAS L8 brings a new level of luxury and smart technology to the family SUV market.
Combining a refined interior with practical touches throughout and an impressive range, the L8 is designed to make everyday journeys and long trips relaxed and enjoyable for everyone.
If you're interested in test driving a LEPAS L8, please get in touch with your nearest Evans Halshaw LEPAS retailer and our team will arrange an appointment at a date and time that suits.
