Lepas model to launch in Malaysia Q1 2026 – 275 PS L8 PHEV with 100 km EV vary, L6 coming 1H 2026

Lepas has confirmed plans to launch its model in Malaysia within the first quarter of 2026, forward of the automobiles’ debut inside the first half. The Chery Worldwide offshoot says it expects to supply two fashions right here – the L6 and the L8.

The model, a portmanteau of “Leopard”, “Leap” and “Ardour”, is targeted on design, powertrain applied sciences and spaciousness as its three pillars, combining “magnificence and intelligence.” The automobiles are constructed on an all-new new vitality automobile (NEV) platform claimed to help a number of sizes and powertrains, the latter together with hybrid and electrical autos.

Main the cost is the L8, a rebadged model of the next-generation Chery Tiggo 8; in contrast to the earlier mannequin, that is strictly a five-seater. Lepas is touting options comparable to V-shaped daytime working lights impressed by “the gaze of a leopard”, “jewellery-grade” grille detailing, an inside impressed by skylines and waterfalls, a 2,800 mm wheelbase (Chery quotes a determine of two,825 mm for the brand new Tiggo 8) and 970 mm of legroom that the corporate says is class-leading.

Additionally included are ventilated and massaging seats with Loosen up, Nap and Cinema reclining modes, a UV-reflective windscreen, eight airbags and a physique construction that goals to ship five-star security scores. Beneath the bonnet can be a plug-in hybrid powertrain much like the Chery Tremendous Hybrid (CSH) system within the Malaysian-market Tiggo 7 and 8 PHEV and the Tremendous Hybrid System (SHS) within the Jaeco J7 PHEV.

This could entail the identical a 204 PS/310 Nm electrical motor, built-in right into a single-speed devoted hybrid transmission (DHT) and juiced by a 143 PS/215 Nm 1.5 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Mixed outputs are rated at 275 PS and 365 Nm of torque – bang on what the Tiggo 7 and eight PHEV are quoted at, though the pure electrical vary is barely increased at 100 km, hinting at a bigger battery. Lepas says that when paired with the petrol engine, the full vary ought to hit 1,300 km.

Additionally tipped to be bought right here is the L6, a smaller C-segment SUV that appears an terrible lot like a cut-price Porsche Macan. Not a lot has been revealed simply but, solely that it carries the identical household design DNA with softer curves, an clever person interface with “emotional resonance”, “high-value” powertrains and vivid colors. It stays to be seen if it will have a hybrid powertrain or a pure petrol engine; our guess is it’s going to supply each choices.

Lepas continues to maintain mum on the small print of its Malaysian launch, however are you excited for the arrival of this new model? Tell us within the feedback.

GALLERY: Launch L8 at GIIAS 2025

GALLERY: Launch L6 at GIIAS 2025

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