Lepas has finally pulled the covers off the L4, a new SUV that’s heading to South Africa.
For those who are not aware, Lepas is a new Chinese car brand that will debut in our market in the first quarter of 2026.
It is part of the Chery Holding Group, and is actually one of two new brands that Chery plans to introduce in South Africa alongside iCaur, which specializes in electric vehicles (EVs).
Lepas, on the other hand, will provide a selection of SUVs intended as an upmarket alternative to Chery’s Tiggo Pro family of cars.
It is a brand-new marque that was first showcased to South African media at the 2025 Chery International Business Summit in Wuhu, China.
Upon its reveal, Lepas only had a single car known as the L8, but the automaker has finally revealed its second model in the form of the new L4, which has officially gone into production.
Both cars are confirmed for a South African introduction, though the specifications and price list for both models will only be announced closer to their launch window in early 2026.
Lepas is also working on a third car called the L6, though no further details are available at this point.
What to expect from the new Lepas L4
Lepas has provided very little information on the L4 or the L8, but the common thread appears to be that both cars share the same platform as their Chery counterparts.
The L8, for example, shares the same platform and engines as the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro.
It, therefore, stands to reason that the L4 will share its underpinnings with the facelifted Tiggo 4 Pro, better known as the Tiggo Cross in South Africa.
Assuming this is the case, the L4 will be offered with two different powertrains, including a hybrid.
In South Africa, the Tiggo Cross is offered with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which produces 108kW and 210Nm.
More recently, the range was updated to include the CSH (Chery Super Hybrid), which combines a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre engine with a small electric motor to generate 150kW and 310Nm.
In terms of styling, Lepas’ models follow a sleeker aesthetic than their Chery siblings, likely as a way to convey their premium status.
The carmaker claims that its vehicles use a “leopard aesthetic” with vertical-slit LED headlights that are meant to resemble the eyes of a big cat.
The L4 will undoubtedly serve as the entry point to the brand, with the L8 taking point as the flagship of the range.
The third model – the L6 – will presumably be based on the Tiggo 7 Pro and will act as the midpoint of the catalogue.
The L4’s equipment sheet will only be confirmed closer to its release, but if it’s anything like the Tiggo Cross, buyers can expect leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, a wireless charging pad, ambient lighting, two 10.25-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment systems, and a driver aid suite with cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind spot detection, and a 360-degree camera.
More information on Lepas and its vehicle selection will be announced in early 2026.
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