Chery, the Chinese carmaker already making waves with its Jaecoo and Omoda brands in Australia, is set to launch a third distinct identity called Lepas in mid-2026. While sharing platforms with existing models like the Chery Tiggo 7, Lepas will differentiate itself through a unique showroom experience and a focus on sophisticated styling and comfortable driving.
Lepas’s debut vehicle, the L8 SUV, targets the semi-premium segment currently dominated by models like the Mazda CX-60, Volkswagen Tiguan, Peugeot 3008, and Skoda Karoq. Sharing its underpinnings with these rivals but boasting a slightly larger footprint (4688mm long, with a 2800mm wheelbase), the L8 is positioned as a competitor to established players in this growing segment of the market.
However, Lepas won’t just compete on size and specs; it aims to elevate the buyer experience. Nick Xuan, Lepas brand and marketing director, emphasizes that the brand will move beyond traditional showrooms, envisioning spaces that incorporate fashion collaborations and designer elements. This strategy signals an intention to appeal to a customer seeking a curated lifestyle experience alongside their vehicle purchase.
“We are planning to create a different space from the traditional showroom [for Lepas],” Xuan explained during an interview with CarExpert at Chery’s headquarters in China. “We want to incorporate some fashion [designers] or elegant brands… We also want to make it an experience centre that is very close to the consumer.”
While not focused on outright performance figures, Lepas seeks to differentiate itself through a European aesthetic and promises of a comfortable, refined driving experience. This approach positions them as a more direct competitor to established premium players than their shared platform siblings Jaecoo (targeting outdoor enthusiasts) or Omoda (focused on tech-driven buyers).
Initially powered by a 105kW 1.5-liter turbocharged engine paired with a 150kW electric motor, the L8 will likely boast similar fuel efficiency and electric range figures to its Tiggo 7 cousin – around 1.4L/100km combined and 93km of pure electric driving. Pricing and full specs for the Australian market are yet to be confirmed but expect a generous standard equipment list, robust safety features, and comprehensive driver-assistance technology.
The L8 will be joined in showrooms by 2026’s end with the compact L4 (based on the Tiggo 4) and mid-size L6 (sharing its DNA with the Tiggo 7). The Lepas lineup is expected to expand further with a fully electric compact SUV, the Lepas 2, and a seven-seat Lepas 9. There’s even potential for a luxury four-door sedan in the future, suggesting Chery aims to build a truly multi-faceted brand identity through Lepas.
This multifaceted strategy, blending existing platform technology with carefully curated design and lifestyle aspirations, positions Lepas as more than just another car on the market – it’s an attempt by Chery to carve out a distinct niche within the increasingly competitive premium SUV sector.
