Chery’s new energy vehicle (NEV) brand, LEPAS, has kicked off the “LEPAS Global Journey of Elegant Drive,” an approximate 1000km road test for its inaugural model, the LEPAS L8 SUV.
The LEPAS L8, a D-segment SUV, is going on a trip through diverse terrains in China, from city streets to mountain roads, as part of the 2025 Chery International User Summit. This comprehensive testing highlighted the L8’s core features, positioning it as a potentially strong contender in the premium SUV segment for the Malaysian market.
L8’s Showstopper Performance
The test focuses on blending driving dynamics with technological elegance. Key features demonstrated by the LEPAS L8 include:
- Intelligent Driving: The SUV has intelligent driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control for effortless highway cruising, alongside advanced Automated Parking Assist (APA) and Remote Parking Assist (RPA) functions.
- Premium Comfort: The journey highlights the L8’s smooth power delivery and premium cabin comfort during extended drives in urban and expressway settings.
- Utility & Versatility: The vehicle demonstrates an efficient energy recuperation system and featured a highly practical V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) external power supply, which converted campsites into mobile energy hubs during the journey.
- Design and Platform: The L8 embodies the brand’s “Leopard Aesthetic” design and is built on the versatile T1X platform, which underpins several other Chery Group models.
First Product for the Malaysian Market
Following its global debut, the LEPAS brand has actively established a social media presence in Malaysia, mirroring its approach in neighboring Indonesia. This rapid groundwork strongly suggests that the LEPAS L8 SUV is the model that will spearhead the brand’s market entry in Malaysia.
As a D-segment SUV measuring approximately 4,715 mm in length with an estimated 2,710 mm to 2,800 mm wheelbase, the L8 is comparable in size to models like the Proton X90. Reports indicate the L8 will likely offer multiple powertrain options, including a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) variant, potentially utilizing Chery’s Super Hybrid (CSH) system, along with pure Electric Vehicle (EV) and traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) options.
Chery International President, Zhang Guibing, has previously announced that LEPAS will introduce five models over the next three years, starting with the L8 SUV. The anticipated launch of the LEPAS L8 in Malaysia would solidify Chery Group’s strategy of diversifying its portfolio to target a wide range of consumers, positioning LEPAS for the “next-generation urban elites”.
