Chery’s fourth brand to arrive in the UK, Lepas, has already confirmed the L8 plug-in hybrid as its first model over here, but now the smaller L6 has also been revealed, and it’ll come to the UK with all-electric power.
Lepas follows Omoda, Jaecoo and Chery into the UK, with the Jaecoo 7 model gaining huge popularity among buyers – it’s combination of Range-Rover-like styling, advanced technology and low prices made it the UK’s best-selling car in March of this year.
The new Lepas L6 is being shown to European audiences for the first time at the annual Milan Design Week, with the location key as Lepas is positioning itself as a design-led, technology-focused newcomer.
Lepas describes the L6 as a mid-size model, targeting the heart of the family SUV market with a blend of premium design cues and advanced technology.
Design is clearly a major part of the brand’s pitch. The L6’s styling has apparently been inspired by the movement and form of a leopard, with sculpted bodywork intended to convey agility and precision. The front LED lighting has been shaped to resemble a leopard’s eye, while the overall proportions are aimed at delivering a more premium look and feel than its potential pricing might suggest.
Inside the car, the company promises an “intelligent, connected cabin”, with next-generation driver assistance systems and engineering designed to meet global five-star safety standards. Full UK specifications are yet to be confirmed, with more details expected closer to the car’s launch.
Two versions of the L6 have been confirmed for the UK, though. The first uses Chery’s “Super Hybrid” PHEV technology, pairing a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and battery to deliver a claimed total driving range of more than 700 miles. Alongside it will sit a fully electric version, offering a range of 270 miles from a 67kWh battery.
Both versions are expected to feature rapid-charging capability, with the electric model capable of charging from 30 to 80 per cent in around 20 minutes.
The L6 is built on Chery’s new modular New Energy Vehicle platform, which underpins both hybrid and fully electric models. The company says this architecture has been developed to deliver a balance of efficiency, comfort and performance, with a particular focus on European driving conditions.
Speaking about the brand’s plans for the UK, Ray Wang, LEPAS UK Managing Director, said: “The LEPAS L6 marks an exciting step for our brand in Europe and, of course, the UK market – as we confirm this will be the second model sold. Combining our proprietary LEPAS Super Hybrid and fully electric powertrains, the LEPAS L6 delivers exceptional efficiency, impressive range, and rapid charging – all tailored for British roads.
“The LEPAS L6 is as clever as your smartphone, with intelligent technology woven into every journey, and as sophisticated as your home, delivering comfort, safety, and connectivity at every turn. We’re thrilled to confirm it will arrive in the UK later this year following its launch in Milan – a place where design and innovation converge.
“LEPAS will engage the world in the language of elegance and move forward toward the future. ‘Drive Your Elegance’ is not only the LEPAS declaration, but also its aspiration for a globally shared vision of elegant living – as our motto is ‘Here’s to Elegance’ – it’s a fitting way of signing off.”
