New LEPAS L8: New Plug-In Hybrid SUV Arrives in the UK
Another new car brand is heading to UK roads, and this time it's LEPAS with the new LEPAS L8, a large plug-in hybrid SUV with plenty of kit, a long electric range and a surprisingly competitive price.
LEPAS might be a new name to most UK drivers, but the company behind it certainly isn't small. The brand is part of Chery International, the huge automotive group also responsible for Chery, OMODA and JAECOO.
The LEPAS L8 will be the first LEPAS car sold in the UK, with prices starting from £34,900 and the first customer deliveries expected from September 2026.
And there's quite a lot of car here for your money.
What is the new LEPAS L8?
The LEPAS L8 is a large five-seat SUV powered by a plug-in hybrid system combining a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, electric motor and 18.4kWh battery.
Official figures put the electric-only range at up to 56 miles, which should be enough for plenty of drivers to complete their normal commute or school run without using much petrol at all.
Once you need to travel further, the petrol engine takes over. LEPAS claims a combined driving range of up to 745 miles, making the L8 potentially interesting for drivers who like the idea of electric driving around town but aren't ready to rely completely on public charging for longer journeys.
Unlike some PHEVs, the L8 also supports DC rapid charging. LEPAS says the battery can be charged from 30% to 80% in around 20 minutes.
A lot of SUV for £34,900
Perhaps the biggest surprise is the price.
The LEPAS L8 Essence starts from £34,900, while the higher specification L8 Elevate costs from £37,900.
For comparison shoppers looking at large family SUVs, that puts the newcomer into a very interesting position, particularly when you look at how much equipment is included.
The L8 has a 2,800mm wheelbase and is designed as a spacious five-seater rather than trying to squeeze two extra seats into the boot.
There's around 507 litres of boot space, increasing to approximately 1,314 litres with the rear seats folded.
The LEPAS L8 interior gets properly fancy
This is where things get a little more interesting.
LEPAS clearly isn't trying to make the L8 feel like a cheap SUV from an unknown manufacturer. Instead, there's a big focus on technology, comfort and making the interior feel considerably more expensive than the price suggests.
Go for the higher specification L8 Elevate and you can get heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, a panoramic roof, 256-colour ambient lighting, a heated windscreen and an eight-speaker Sony premium audio system.
There's even an in-car fragrance system.
Because apparently the little cardboard tree hanging from the mirror has finally met its match.
Elevate models also get a 540-degree panoramic camera, front parking sensors, advanced parking assistance and even remote parking assistance.
Who actually makes LEPAS?
This will probably be one of the biggest questions people search when the cars start appearing on UK roads.
LEPAS is a new brand, but it's owned by Chery International.
If that name sounds familiar, that's because the Chinese manufacturer has been expanding rapidly in Britain through Chery, OMODA and JAECOO.
LEPAS is being positioned slightly differently, with more emphasis on design, technology and comfort.
Its design language is officially called "Leopard Aesthetics", apparently inspired by the movement and power of a leopard.
We'll leave you to decide how much leopard you can see in it.
When is the LEPAS L8 coming to the UK?
UK orders for the LEPAS L8 opened in July 2026, with the first customer deliveries expected from September 2026.
The L8 has already made its UK public debut at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed, so this isn't a distant concept car or something that might turn up in a few years. Cars are on their way.
LEPAS is also planning more models, including the smaller L6 and L4, while an all-electric version of the LEPAS L8 is expected in 2027.
There's a reassuring warranty package too. The L8 comes with a seven-year or 100,000-mile vehicle warranty, plus an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty for the high-voltage battery.
LEPAS L8 Lease Deals
As the first UK cars arrive, we'll be keeping an eye on the latest LEPAS L8 personal and business lease deals.
Once leasing offers become available, you'll be able to find the latest LEPAS deals through LINGsCARS.
New badge. Loads of equipment. Massage seats. 56 miles on electric.
Now we just need to see what the monthly rental looks like.
