Chery is accelerating its ambitions in South Africa with the announcement of a brand-new vehicle marque, Lepas, set to launch in the local market in the coming months. The move forms part of the Chinese automotive giant’s broader global expansion strategy and underscores its growing commitment to South Africa.
What is Lepas?
Lepas—derived from a blend of the words “leap” and “passion”—is the latest addition to Chery’s expanding portfolio and was officially unveiled during the 2025 Chery Global Business Conference in China. Positioned as a standalone entity, Lepas will become the sixth brand under the Chery Automotive Group umbrella, joining Chery, Omoda, Jaecoo, Jetour, and iCar.
Although developed under the Chery banner, Lepas will operate independently in South Africa, complete with its own dealership network and branding. This strategic move aims to position Lepas as a more premium, design-forward offering.
The First Model: Lepas L8
The Lepas brand is still in its early stages, with the first production model—the L8—having only recently begun rolling off the production line at Chery’s Wuhu factory in China. Two more models—the compact L4 and midsize L6—are currently in development.
First Impressions of the L8
South African audiences got their first glimpse of the L8 during a recent media preview. Slightly smaller than the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro SUV, the L8 measures 4,688mm long, 1,860mm wide, and 1,695mm tall. Despite the similar size, the L8 has a sleeker, more aerodynamic profile—reflecting the “leopard” inspiration behind the brand name.
Premium Interior Design
Inside, the L8 aims to elevate the driving experience. The interior sports a minimalist yet luxurious design, with high-end materials and stylish colour combinations. The display model showcased a striking two-tone leather interior in pale green and black, echoing the exterior’s finish.
High-Tech Features
The L8’s cabin comes equipped with advanced features that balance aesthetics and functionality. Here’s a breakdown of the key features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Infotainment Screen | 13.2-inch vertical touchscreen |
| Instrument Cluster | Floating digital driver display |
| Interior Styling | Two-tone leather (e.g., pale green and black) |
| Climate Control | Automatic climate control |
| Center Console | Two-tier with wireless charging pad, armrest, and cupholders |
| Vehicle Dimensions | 4,688mm (L) x 1,860mm (W) x 1,695mm (H) |
| Dealership Network | Independent Lepas dealerships in South Africa |
| Powertrain (Expected) | 1.6L Turbo (145kW/290Nm) and 2.0L Turbo (187kW/390Nm); PHEV likely |
Powertrain Expectations
While Chery has not yet disclosed the engine options for the L8, it’s likely the SUV will offer similar powertrains to the Tiggo 8 Pro. That includes a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine producing 145kW and 290Nm, as well as a 2.0-litre turbo pushing 187kW and 390Nm. Given Chery’s electrification roadmap, a plug-in hybrid variant is also expected in the near future.
A Premium Contender in the Local Market
With Lepas, Chery is preparing to make a bold leap in the South African automotive space, offering a stylish and high-end product tailored for modern drivers. As the L8 leads the charge, South Africans can expect a new kind of driving experience—one that blends passion, performance, and premium design.
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