Chery’s Lepas Brand Finally Breaks Cover: L4 EV, L6, and L8 Previewed in Malaysia with Late 2026 Launch Target

The wait for Chery’s new automotive brand, Lepas, continues, but the fog is finally lifting. After missing its original first-quarter 2026 launch window and subsequently pushing back targets into the third quarter, the company held its first public preview of the Lepas lineup over the weekend at the Kuala Lumpur Polo Club. The event, part of Lepas’ sponsorship of the Prime Minister Cup show jumping competition, allowed the brand to showcase four key models—the L4 EV, L6 Petrol, L6 LSH (Lepas Super Hybrid), and L8 LSH—to the Malaysian public and solicit feedback. While a firm launch date remains elusive, the brand is now targeting the end of 2026 for its official market entry.

L4 EV: The Electric Entry Point
The smallest and likely most affordable model in the lineup is the L4 EV, an electric SUV that straddles the B- and C-segments. Measuring 4,406 mm in length with a 2,700 mm wheelbase, it is slightly larger than the Jaecoo J5 and comparable in size to the Chery Omoda 5. The L4 EV debuted earlier this year at the Indonesia International Motor Show and features a distinctive grille-less front end with a jutting nose, aggressive air intakes, and slim headlights with L-shaped daytime running lights, departing from the "leopard eye" graphics seen on its petrol siblings.

Under the hood, the L4 EV is powered by a single front motor producing 218 PS (160 kW) and 275 Nm of torque. It is equipped with a 65.05 kWh net capacity battery, which Lepas claims delivers a range of up to 500 km. However, given that this figure is likely based on the older NEDC cycle, a more realistic WLTP estimate would be closer to 425 km. The vehicle supports DC fast charging, capable of replenishing the battery from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes.

Inside, the L4 EV mirrors the design of the standard L4 and the Jaecoo J5, featuring a waterfall centre console and a 13.2-inch portrait infotainment touchscreen. While it retains physical air-conditioning controls, a welcome feature for many drivers, it uses a seven-segment LCD instrument cluster rather than a full-colour digital display. Storage includes a 452-litre boot and an unspecified front trunk (frunk).

L6 Series: Petrol and Plug-In Hybrid Options
The L6 is a larger compact SUV, measuring 4,570 mm in length, and is already on sale in markets like Thailand. Two versions were showcased in Malaysia: a pure petrol model and the L6 LSH (Lepas Super Hybrid).

The petrol variant is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 147 PS and 225 Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. This powertrain is shared with the Chery Omoda 5. Externally, the petrol L6 features a body-coloured grille with radial chrome pins and "leopard eye" eyebrow-style DRLs, rolling on 19-inch turbine-style wheels.

The L6 LSH, which made its world premiere at Auto China, represents a significant technological leap. It combines a 1.5-litre turbo engine (143 PS/215 Nm) with a 204 PS/310 Nm electric motor and a single-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT). The total system output is a robust 279 PS and 365 Nm, allowing for a 0-100 km/h time of 8.7 seconds. Power is stored in an 18.3 kWh LFP battery sourced from BYD, providing a combined range of 1,200 km. The LSH also supports 40 kW DC fast charging, 7 kW AC charging, and a 6.6 kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) function.

Internally, the L6 offers a more premium feel than the L4, with a wraparound dashboard, full-width air vents, quilted seats, and a full-colour instrument cluster. The LSH variant features a beige interior, while the petrol model comes in black. Both include a 13.2-inch touchscreen and an eight-speaker Sony sound system with ambient lighting integrated into the door pods.

L8 LSH: The Flagship Plug-In Hybrid
Rounding out the preview was the flagship L8 LSH, which is equivalent in size and platform to the next-generation Chery Tiggo 8 sold in China. Measuring 4,688 mm in length with a 2,800 mm wheelbase, the L8 is strictly a five-seater in this configuration, distinguishing it from the three-row Tiggo 9.

The L8 shares the same PHEV powertrain as the L6 LSH, delivering 279 PS and 365 Nm, with a pure electric WLTP range of 90 km and a combined range of 1,200 km. Stylistically, it features a unique grille pattern, flush pull-up door handles, and the Lepas badge mounted prominently on the bonnet. Despite being the largest vehicle in the lineup, it rides on smaller 18-inch wheels.

The interior of the L8 is the most luxurious of the trio, featuring a black and brown colour scheme with linear stripe decor. It upgrades the instrument cluster to a larger 10.25-inch unit and brings back physical air-conditioning controls. A notable design touch is the drive mode knob topped with the hazard light button. Storage is generous, with a 507-litre boot, the largest in the current lineup.

Launch Timeline and Market Strategy
The repeated delays in Lepas’ launch, first from Q1 to Q3, and now to the end of 2026, mirror similar postponements in other markets, including Australia. The vehicles displayed in Kuala Lumpur were R&D units, not final local specifications, suggesting that final tuning and homologation are still underway.

Despite the delays, the lineup presents a compelling argument for value-conscious buyers seeking advanced technology. With a mix of pure electric and plug-in hybrid options, Lepas is positioning itself to compete directly with established players in the rapidly evolving Malaysian EV and hybrid market. If the brand can deliver on its promise of competitive pricing and robust after-sales support, its late entry may still allow it to capture significant market share before the year ends.