Yusri Ng
Lepas, the new sub-brand under Chery Group, will enter the Malaysian market in early 2026. The company confirmed that the Lepas L8 will lead its launch.
Credit: Facebook Lepas Malaysia
A New Mid-Size SUV for Malaysia
The L8 is a D-segment SUV with five seats. It rides on Chery’s new NEV platform, which supports petrol, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric powertrains.
For Malaysia, Lepas will prioritise the PHEV model. It uses a 1.5-litre turbo engine and an electric motor that deliver about 275 PS and 365 Nm.
Moreover, the SUV carries an 18.4 kWh LFP battery that offers over 100 km of EV range. With both petrol and electric power, it can travel up to 1,300 km, giving drivers strong long-distance capability.
Strong Design With a Clear Identity
Lepas shaped the L8 using its “Leopard Aesthetic” theme. As a result, the SUV features sharp lighting, bold lines, and a confident stance.
Inside the cabin, the L8 provides spacious rear legroom of up to 970 mm. In addition, the seats include massage, ventilation, and relaxation modes such as Nap and Cinema. A 13.2-inch infotainment display runs the latest system and offers smooth performance.
For safety, the SUV includes eight airbags and a body structure built with high-strength steel and aluminium. The windscreen also blocks up to 99% of UV, which helps reduce heat in Malaysia’s climate.
Credit: Facebook Lepas Malaysia
Malaysia as a Key Market for Growth
Lepas plans to expand quickly across global markets. Therefore, the brand will launch eight new models within three years. In Malaysia, the L8 will arrive first, followed by the L6 and L4, both planned for 2026.
The company views Malaysia as an important base in Southeast Asia. Consequently, it aims to offer a premium showroom experience and position the L8 as a strong competitor in the fast-growing hybrid and EV SUV segment.
A New Competitor in the SUV Market
With its long electric-only range, flexible power choices, and premium interior, the Lepas L8 will compete directly with other mid-size SUVs in Malaysia. More details, including pricing, will be revealed closer to launch.
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