LEPAS confirms full UK specification and pricing of flagship L8 premium SUV

• LEPAS announces full UK pricing and spec’ of all-new L8 premium SUV
• L8 available in two distinct trim levels – Essence and Elevate
• Essence offers comprehensive suite of tech, safety and comfort features from £34,900 RRP OTR
• Elevate models add luxury and refinement from £37,900 RRP OTR
• Both models come with state-of-the-art LEPAS Super Hybrid System, a highly efficient 1.5-litre turbocharged plug-in hybrid powertrain. A fully electric model with follow in 2027
• Pre-orders open in July with the first deliveries to customers in September
• Comprehensive 7-year/100,000-mile warranty on all models (8-year/100,000-mile warranty on all high-voltage battery systems)
• Up to 7-years’ RAC Roadside Assist as standard*
• L8 spearheads LEPAS’ entry to the UK market, with L6 C-SUV and L4
  B-SUV set to strengthen the brand’s model line-up in the coming months

Electrified carmaker LEPAS today announces full pricing and specification of its premium D-segment SUV – the L8 – which will launch the brand in the UK when it goes on sale in July.

Designed from the wheels up for Europe and enhanced for British roads, the L8 will be offered in two distinct and appropriately named trim lines. The first, ‘Essence’, offers everything the modern driver needs, with outstanding levels of technology, safety and comfort. Meanwhile, ‘Elevate’ models add everything the modern driver could possibly want, with in-car luxury and refinement taken to the next level for a truly high-end experience.

Prices for the L8 PHEV Essence begin at £34,900 RRP on-the-road, while the L8 PHEV Elevate starts at £37,900 RRP one-the-road.

Both variants are powered by the state-of-the-art LEPAS Super Hybrid ecosystem, featuring a highly efficient 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine mated to a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), electronic gear selector and a next generation 18.4kWh battery which can be DC fast charged from 30% to 80% in as little as 20 minutes.This powertrain can deliver a combined range of up to 745 miles, a pure electric range of up to 56 miles and a highly efficient combined fuel consumption of up to 403.5 mpg. CO2 emissions are just 21g/km, qualifying the L8 to drive free-of-charge in London’s ultra-low emissions zone (ULEZ). **

A fully electric L8 will follow in 2027.

The L8 will arrive in LEPAS showrooms in September, with pre-order opening in July and the first deliveries to customers in September.

To find your nearest LEPAS dealer visit www.lepasauto.co.uk.

Exterior styling: Elegance, poise and presence

The LEPAS L8 embodies a design philosophy inspired by one of nature's most captivating predators—the leopard – and evidence of this can be seen everywhere.

With sweeping curves, flowing lines and muscular haunches the L8’s form captures both the explosive power of a leopard in full run and its grace and constant readiness when at rest.

At the front, the signature ‘Diamond Mesh’ grille evokes the texture and rhythm of a leopard's coat while the distinctive ‘Leopard’s Eye’ daytime running lights give the model a mesmerising and menacing stare.

Externally, the only difference between Essence and Elevate models is the wheels. Each model comes with stylish diamond-cut alloys but while the Essence rides on 19-inch wheels, the Elevate strikes a more commanding pose on larger 20-inch wheels.

Both variants come with powerful LED headlights (with Intelligent High Beam Assist) and LED rear lights, an acoustic laminated windscreen for noise reduction, electrically adjustable heated and power-folding wing mirrors and privacy glass on the rear windows and rear windscreen.

Elevate models also boast acoustic laminated front windows for extra soundproofing, alongside Active Engine Noise Cancellation for a super quiet cabin, as well as puddle lights built-in to the wing mirrors.

Both models are available in a range of exciting and eye-catching palette of colours for greater personalisation. For no extra cost, drivers can choose metallic Expressive Emerald or, for £500 RRP can upgrade to Instinct White, Leopard Black, Mystic Purple or Impulse Red. For £750, they can also choose Stoic Grey in a stunning matte finish.

Interior: Super spacious and luxuriously comfortable

From the start, LEPAS’ designers and engineers worked towards the goal of making the L8 as ‘intelligent than your smartphone and comfortable as your home’.

And interiorspace, passenger comfort and convenience, the L8 most definitely delivers.

Built on LEPAS’s own highly advanced LEX platform, the L8’s 2,800mm wheelbase has allowed the designers to create a truly cavernous interior.

In the back, with the front seats in a normal driving position, rear passengers can stretch out with just under a metre of rear legroom (970mm) for limo-like levels of comfort.

Both Essence and Elevate models come with a long list of interior creature comforts as standard, including panoramic sunroof with sunshade, dual-zone-climate control, keyless entry and go and remote engine start, which allows users to de-ice the car remotely while also pre-heating or pre-cooling the cabin.

Elevate customers though will enjoy a significant tech upgrade with a hands-free power tailgate, heated windscreen and power-adjustable front seats with heating, cooling and massage functions. While a 256-colour ambient interior mood lighting system and in-car fragrance technology make it possible to create the perfect vibe.

Safety: Intelligent and advanced

Safety has been a priority throughout the development of the LEPAS L8.

As a result, the model is packed with an array of advanced systems designed to protect occupants and other road users.

And when it comes to safety, Essence drivers are supported by the same core suite of protective ADAS technologies as those choosing the Elevate.

This includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB), emergency lane-keeping (ELK) and front distance monitoring (FDM) as well as driver assistance functions such as adaptive cruise control (ACC) and intelligent speed limit control (ISLC).

What’s more, all L8’s are equipped with an arsenal of 10 airbags maximum protection of all passengers in the event of a collision.

The Elevate does offer customers an upgrade on the Essence in a number of areas. Front parking sensors are added in addition to a 540° panoramic camera system, advanced parking assist (APA) and a remote parking assist (RPA) which allows the vehicle to steer, brake, and shift gears into or out of a parking space while the driver stands outside.

Infotainment and Connectivity: Making journeys easier and more enjoyable

Infotainment and connectivity is another area where both Essence and Elevate customers are treated to the same high-end equipment specification.

This includes a 13.2-inch central waterfall touchscreen display, a connected navigation system, the ‘Hello LEPAS’ AI-powered voice assistant, 4G connectivity, wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 50W wireless phone charging with active cooling, and four USB ports front and back.

The Elevate receives just one upgrade in this area, swapping the standard 6-speaker audio system for a superior SONY Premium 8-speaker audio system.

About LEPAS and Chery International

LEPAS is a design-led, new energy vehicle brand from global carmaker Chery International.

Its name – a portmanteau of the words ‘leopard’ and ‘passion’ – perfectly captures the brand’s philosophy; translating the leopard’s fluid form into expressive, stylistic design and channelling its agility and power into precise handling and outstanding all-round performance.

With cutting-edge engineering, a premium feel and advanced intelligent technology, the result is a driving experience that feels calm, assured and considered.

LEPAS will launch in the UK in the summer of 2026 with the LEPAS L8 SUV spearheading its arrival, with the LEPAS L6 mid-size SUV and city-friendly LEPAS L4 SUV following in quick succession.

All models will come with LEPAS’ comprehensive aftersales support and market-leading 7-year/100,000-mile vehicle warranty alongside an 8-year/100,000-mile high-voltage battery warranty.

LEPAS benefits from global innovation and manufacturing standards, and a robust supply chain. With Chery International’s foundation of success built over three decades. As part of Chery Holding Group – which surged 152 places to rank 233rd on the 2025 Fortune Global 500, becoming the fastest-rising automotive manufacturer in the global standings – the brand continues to build significant momentum worldwide.

In 2025, the Group achieved cumulative sales of 2,806,393 vehicles, representing a year-on-year increase of 7.8%. Of these, new energy vehicle (NEV) sales totalled 903,847 units – a 54.9% year-on-year rise – while exports reached 1,344,020 units, up 17.4% year-on-year and setting a new annual export record for a Chinese automaker. As of the end of February 2026, Chery Group’s global customer base had grown to more than 18.89 million users worldwide, including over 6.09 million overseas users, meaning Chery Group became the first Chinese automotive brand to surpass 6 million vehicles delivered globally.