Giant Chinese car maker Chery’s fourth brand to arrive in the UK, Lepas, has revealed its third new model at this week’s Auto China motor show, and I’ve been in it.
The new car made its debut at the Beijing show and will be the third Lepas SUV to arrive in the UK later this year, but I’ve been in the car at Chery’s headquarters in Wuhu, China this week and was impressed. It’s one of the more stylish Chinese small SUVs that’s set to do battle here against the likes of the Kia EV2, Volkswagen ID. Cross and Skoda Epiq.
As if often the case with fully-electric cars, thanks to their compact packaging, the Lepas L4 is able to offer more room than you might expect in a car that’s just over four meters long. Sitting in the back, there seems to be more leg room than in the Kia, Volkswagen and Skoda, while the boot looks to be a good size, too.
The styling has been inspired by nature, and particularly a Leopard, its maker says – hence the Lepas name. Ivan Dulanovic, Global chief designer at Lepas, explained how the lines of the car, including the darker section along the bottom, had been designed to reflect the athleticism and shape of a Leopard. He also referenced the Porsche Macan when explaining some of the details of the small Lepas SUV.
Inside, there’s the familiar small digital display in front of the driver, with a large portrait-style touchscreen that flows down into a centre console where there’s wireless phone charging, cup holders and additional storage. There's also an interesting, slightly metallic finish to the lower part of the dash which gives the interior a quality look and feel.
The boot is a more traditional shape than in the Volkswagen and Skoda newcomers, and despite a bit of intrusion from the wheel arches, there’s still a decent amount of space, plus rear seats that fold in a 60/40 split.
Lepas isn’t sharing technical details until closer to the car’s launch, but says vaguely the L4 will feature in-car tech aimed at boosting convenience and connectivity for everyday driving. The brand also said its cars are built around three pillars: ‘Leopard Aesthetics, Elegant Technology and Exquisite Space,’ with a focus on design, electrified powertrains, intelligent cockpit systems and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
Lepas says its future EV plans will be supported by parent company Chery Group’s global research and development strength, and its LEX vehicle platform. That platform is intended to support a broader range of models, from smaller cars to mid- and large-sized vehicles, as the company expands its global lineup.
Gary Lan, CEO of Lepas UK, said: “The debut of the Lepas L4 EV represents a significant moment for our brand as we take the next step in our global journey and begin to build real momentum in international markets, including the UK.
“This is not just the introduction of a new model, but a clear signal of our long-term ambition. As we establish Lepas in the UK, we are focused on delivering a new kind of ownership experience – one that combines design, technology and a deep understanding of how customers want to live and move today.
“The UK will play a key role in our global strategy, and moments like this are important in establishing Lepas as a brand with a clear identity, strong direction and the confidence to do things differently.”
Lepas has already confirmed its first UK rollout plans, being set to launch three SUVs here over the next 12 months, starting with the flagship L8 in the third quarter of this year. The L6 will follow, with the L4 arriving after that.
Lepas sits within the wider Chery Group alongside the Chery brand and opposite Omoda and Jaecoo in the Group’s international line-up. The Chery Group sold 2.8 million vehicles in 2025, up 7.8 per cent year-on-year. New energy vehicle sales (including EVs and hybrids) reached 903,000, a rise of 55 per cent, while exports climbed to 1.34 million, up 17.4 per cent and setting a new annual export record for a Chinese carmaker. Chery says its global customer base had passed 18.53 million by the end of December 2025, including more than 5.85 million overseas.
Smart brings back the two-seater with cute Concept #2
The Chinese car company that wants to be like Nike
Nissan Micra review – Britain’s favourite learner car is back as a cool EV
The new wave of Chinese EV brands heading for Britain
Porsche’s new electric Cayenne Coupe brings 911-inspired style and huge performance
