Chery launches Lepas in Europe: a big hybrid SUV will go first
Another Chinese car brand is coming to the UK — Lepas. It is owned by Chery Automotive and forms part of the group's export strategy, which has already brought Omoda and Jaecoo to European markets.
The first model will be the flagship Lepas L8. It is set to reach UK showrooms in the third quarter of 2026. The crossover will get a plug-in hybrid powertrain: a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, an electric motor and a battery with a capacity of 18 kWh. The claimed electric-only range is up to 89 km.
Next will come the Lepas L6 — a mid-size SUV that is being lined up against the Kia Sportage. Petrol, hybrid and fully electric versions are announced for it. The details on the regular petrol version have not been revealed yet, while the hybrid is expected to use a 1.5-litre turbo engine paired with an electric motor. The electric L6 will get a 67 kWh battery and a range of up to 435 km.
The third model will be the compact Lepas L4. It is due next year and should compete with the Volvo EX30 and BMW iX1. There is the least information about this car: only that an electric version is on the way, with powertrain details promised later.
For Chery, the Lepas launch is not a one-off experiment but a continuation of its multi-brand assault on Europe. Omoda and Jaecoo are already working in that direction, and another marque with its own positioning is now being added. In the UK case the bet is obvious: cover several popular SUV segments at once — from a compact urban crossover to a large hybrid family car.
Prices are not yet named, and they are what will decide how serious the threat to Kia, Volvo and BMW becomes. If Lepas repeats the familiar Chinese formula with rich equipment, hybrid powertrains and aggressive pricing, UK dealers of established brands will have to explain to buyers not only the difference in the badge, but also the difference in the monthly payment.