Lepas launches new models at Auto China 2026
AutoTrader travelled to Beijing, China, to attend the Auto China 2026 show. Lepas, a sub-brand of Chery and a newcomer to the South African market, unveiled new EV and plug-in hybrid models, most of which are destined for the local market.
Lepas launched its L4 in March of this year at rather aggressive pricing, even putting pressure on sister brands such as Jaecoo and Omoda. Currently, the range offers three derivatives: one with a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, and the other two with a turbocharger for more performance and efficiency.
But not only will the L4 range see additions, but there are also completely new ranges headed to South Africa, namely the L6 and the flagship L8. But before we get into the details, remember that you can sell your car quickly and easily on our website here. You can also search for new or used Lepas models on AutoTrader here.
Related: Will South Africans love Lepas? Lepas L4 (2026) Quick Video Review
Lepas L4 EV
The L4 made its local debut in March 2026. Here is the full launch video. However, at Auto China 2026, the automaker introduced the L4 EV. This is a new, premium compact electric SUV from the Chery Group sub-brand. While details on the battery and electric motor are not yet available, the Chinese automaker claims a range target of around 500km on a single charge. Other details include that the L4 EV is built on the new LEX platform, which is a better package for electrified vehicles.
As for the design, the overall silhouette and rear of the model remain largely the same as the internal combustion-powered L4 range; however, the front receives a comprehensive revision, with new headlamp and bumper designs. Of course, under the bonnet, there is no longer an engine, but instead additional storage for smaller bags or a few shopping items.
A similar theme continues on the interior, where, for the most part, it remains unchanged, except that the display model offers a "brushed aluminium" look to the centre console plastics, and the textured touch surfaces on the door cards and dashboard get a new pattern. To really compare, we will have to wait and see the final specification for the local market, but so far, it looks like a good entry-level EV competitor. While arrival dates for the L4 have not yet been confirmed, we expect to see it in Q4 of 2026 or Q1 of 2027.
Lepas L6 EV and PHEV
We got to see the new L6 EV and PHEV models unveiled in Beijing, China, which were among the highlights of the show for us. The Lepas L6 is a C-segment SUV and, as alluded to, will become available in EV and plug-in hybrid configurations. While the exact date of the local launch is not yet confirmed, we believe the L6 could arrive as early as June 2026.
Lepas L6 EV
Once again, exact details are scarce, but there are a few credible sources with details on the L6 EV and L6 PHEV. Here is what they say. It is believed that the Lepas L6 EV will get a single transversely mounted electric motor delivering around 180 kW and 275 Nm of torque. Powering the motor is a Lithium Iron Phosphate battery with a gross capacity of 67.08 kWh, which should return between 450 and 500 km of range.
With a kerb weight of 1,780kg and measuring 4 570 mm long, 1 852 mm wide and 1,683 mm tall, the claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time is 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 160 km/h. Charging is said to take around 20 minutes to go from 30% to 80%. As for the interior, you can expect ventilated front seats and a vertically oriented 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
In front of the driver is an 8.88-inch digital instrument cluster that offers a lot of information, including data from the ADAS system. As for the exterior, the L6 EV gets revised taillamps and a light bar, along with a completely different headlamp and bumper design up front compared to the L6 PHEV. The exact specification of the powertrain, battery, interior and pricing for South Africa will be confirmed at launch.
Lepas L6 LSH (PHEV)
The Lepas L6 LSH plug-in hybrid variant retains the 1.5-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol engine. However, this is paired with an electric motor for a total output of 205 kW and 365 Nm of torque. It sends the power to the front wheels via a smooth Dedicated Hybrid Transmission, and while you should be able to reach 100 km/h in around 8.7 seconds, the package is geared towards efficiency.
Lepas claims that with one full tank and the 18.4 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate battery fully charged, you should be able to cover around 1,200 km. A very impressive feat if achieved. As for the exterior, the L6 LSH is slightly shorter than its EV sibling, measuring 4,552 mm. This, perhaps, is mostly due to its changed appearance up front, with the mesh grille, updated bumper, and daytime running lights and headlamps adopting a more familiar design as you would find on the L4 ICE derivatives.
On the interior, you can expect the same vertically oriented 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and the 8.88-inch digital instrument cluster in front of the driver. There is also a Sony sound system, which performs rather well. Once again, the exact specification of the powertrain, battery, interior and pricing for South Africa will be confirmed at launch.
