A new entrant to the UK car market has confirmed plans to launch its first model in Britain, as Chinese manufacturer Lepas prepares to introduce the L8 SUV. Expected to arrive in summer 2026, the plug-in hybrid family SUV will compete in one of the UK’s most popular segments, alongside established rivals such as the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4.
New Lepas Brand Backed by Chery
Lepas is a sister brand to Omoda and Jaecoo, both of which have recently expanded into the UK. All three marques are owned by Chery, one of China’s largest automotive exporters.
The brand has been developed with European buyers in mind, reflecting growing competition in the UK from Chinese manufacturers offering high levels of equipment at competitive prices.
Its name combines the words “leopard”, “leap” and “passion”, and the L8 will serve as its flagship model at launch.
Positioned Against Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4
The Lepas L8 is a five-seat mid-size SUV designed as a more premium alternative to mainstream competitors, including the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4.
Despite its upmarket positioning, the L8 is expected to be priced below these rivals, a strategy increasingly used by new entrants to attract British buyers facing rising new car costs.
SUVs of this size remain particularly popular in the UK, valued for their practicality, elevated driving position and suitability for family use.
Plug-in Hybrid Power Likely for UK Version
Full UK technical specifications have yet to be confirmed. However, the L8 will be built on Chery’s T1X modular platform, which is shared with other Omoda and Jaecoo models already on sale in Britain.
In Indonesia, the L8 is offered exclusively with a plug-in hybrid powertrain — the same system used in the UK-market Jaecoo 7. This combines:
- A 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine
- An electric motor
- An 18.3kWh battery
The system produces 204bhp and offers up to 56 miles of electric-only driving range. Such a range would allow many UK motorists to complete daily journeys without using petrol, helping reduce fuel costs and emissions.
An all-electric version is also expected to follow, as the platform already supports fully electric vehicles.
Interior Features and Technology
Inside, the L8 adopts a minimalist design focused on digital technology. The dashboard is dominated by a 13.2-inch portrait-style infotainment touchscreen.
Physical buttons remain for climate controls, positioned alongside a rotary volume dial, offering a balance between touchscreen and traditional controls.
Other interior features include:
- A 10.2-inch digital instrument display
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Advanced driver assistance systems
Lepas said the SUV will include “next-generation driving assistance”, although detailed specifications have not yet been released.
Further UK Models Planned
Full details of the UK-specification Lepas L8, including pricing and final equipment levels, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks ahead of its official launch this summer.
The L8 will form part of a wider UK rollout. Lepas is also planning to introduce the L4 and L6 crossover models, which are expected to be available with petrol, plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains.
Conclusion
The arrival of the Lepas L8 marks the latest expansion by Chinese car brands into the UK’s lucrative SUV market. With plug-in hybrid power, competitive pricing and a focus on technology, the new model is set to challenge established rivals when it reaches British showrooms later this year.
Thomas Hardy is a contributor to OE Mag, covering news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on clear, accurate reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current affairs and developments that matter to them. His work highlights relevant stories, emerging trends, and key issues, presenting them in a balanced, accessible, and reader-friendly way.