Lepas has confirmed plans to launch its brand in Malaysia in the first quarter of 2026, ahead of the cars’ debut within the first half. The Chery International offshoot says it expects to offer two models here – the L6 and the L8.
The brand, a portmanteau of “Leopard”, “Leap” and “Passion”, is focused on design, powertrain technologies and spaciousness as its three pillars, combining “beauty and intelligence.” The cars are built on an all-new new energy vehicle (NEV) platform claimed to support multiple sizes and powertrains, the latter including hybrid and electric vehicles.
Leading the charge is the L8, a rebadged version of the next-generation Chery Tiggo 8; unlike the previous model, this is strictly a five-seater. Lepas is touting features such as V-shaped daytime running lights inspired by “the gaze of a leopard”, “jewellery-grade” grille detailing, an interior inspired by skylines and waterfalls, a 2,800 mm wheelbase (Chery quotes a figure of 2,825 mm for the new Tiggo 8) and 970 mm of legroom that the company says is class-leading.
Also included are ventilated and massaging seats with Relax, Nap and Cinema reclining modes, a UV-reflective windscreen, eight airbags and a body structure that aims to deliver five-star safety ratings. Under the bonnet will be a plug-in hybrid powertrain similar to the Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) system in the Malaysian-market Tiggo 7 and 8 PHEV and the Super Hybrid System (SHS) in the Jaecoo J7 PHEV.
This should entail the same a 204 PS/310 Nm electric motor, integrated into a single-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) and juiced by a 143 PS/215 Nm 1.5 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Combined outputs are rated at 275 PS and 365 Nm of torque – bang on what the Tiggo 7 and 8 PHEV are quoted at, although the pure electric range is slightly higher at 100 km, hinting at a larger battery. Lepas says that when paired with the petrol engine, the total range should hit 1,300 km.
Also tipped to be sold here is the L6, a smaller C-segment SUV that looks an awful lot like a cut-price Porsche Macan. Not much has been revealed just yet, only that it carries the same family design DNA with softer curves, an intelligent user interface with “emotional resonance”, “high-value” powertrains and bright colours. It remains to be seen if this will have a hybrid powertrain or a pure petrol engine; our guess is it will offer both options.
Lepas continues to keep mum on the details of its Malaysian launch, but are you excited for the arrival of this new brand? Let us know in the comments.
GALLERY: Lepas L8 at GIIAS 2025
GALLERY: Lepas L6 at GIIAS 2025
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