30 October 2026
Lepas L8: Meet the UK's Newest Plug-In Hybrid SUV
Meet the Lepas L8, a new plug-in hybrid SUV from the Chery family, expected to arrive in the UK with a price between £35,000 and £38,000.
Another new car brand is heading to the UK, and this time it's called Lepas.
Never heard of it? Don't worry, you're probably not alone.
Lepas is the latest addition to the growing Chery family, which already includes familiar names such as Chery, Omoda and Jaecoo.
But with so many brands already competing for attention, what exactly makes Lepas different?
We've taken a first look at the Lepas L8, the brand's new plug-in hybrid SUV, to find out what it's hoping to bring to the UK market.
What is Lepas?
Lepas is part of the Chery automotive group, with the brand name apparently coming from a combination of the words leopard and passion.
Rather than taking exactly the same approach as its sister brands, Lepas is aiming to appeal to drivers who want something a little more distinctive.
The focus is on style, design and creating a more premium feel without necessarily charging premium-brand prices.
It's an interesting strategy, particularly as the number of new automotive brands entering the UK continues to grow.
Meet the Lepas L8
Leading the brand's introduction is the Lepas L8, a plug-in hybrid SUV expected to cost somewhere between £35,000 and £38,000.
That positions it in a particularly competitive part of the market, with established rivals including the Kia Sportage, MG HS and BYD Seal U.
Rather than competing purely on price, Lepas hopes its distinctive styling and more premium positioning will help the L8 stand out.
Of course, it'll be interesting to see how that approach translates into the finished car and how customers respond once the brand establishes itself in the UK.
More Lepas models are planned
The L8 isn't intended to be a one-off.
Lepas is also planning smaller models, including the L4 and L6, as it looks to build a wider range and establish its own identity alongside the other Chery brands.
With multiple brands operating under the same wider automotive group, the challenge will be making sure each one offers customers a clear reason to choose it.
For Lepas, that reason appears to be a stronger focus on style and a premium feel.
Does the UK need another car brand?
The arrival of Lepas raises an interesting question.
With an already competitive SUV market and more manufacturers entering the UK, is there really room for another new name?
Lepas certainly believes there is, particularly if it can offer distinctive styling, a premium feel and competitive pricing.
The L8 will be an important first step in showing whether that approach can work.
We're looking forward to seeing what else the brand has to offer as its UK plans develop.
First Look is our Leasing Options video series introducing new and upcoming vehicles, giving drivers an accessible overview of the latest models and manufacturers before they become familiar sights on UK roads.
