Chery is gearing up to launch a new car brand in South Africa known as Lepas.
Lepas (a combination of the words “leap” and “passion”) is the latest marque to emerge from the Chinese automaker, having made its international debut at the 2025 Chery Global Business Conference in China back in April.
More recently, the company announced that Lepas will make its official debut in South Africa in 2026, though an exact date has yet to be confirmed.
Chery has also appointed a new national brand and marketing manager to oversee Lepas’ expansion in our market.
Lepas will officially be the sixth marque to emerge from the Chery Automotive Group in South Africa, which includes Chery, Jaecoo, Jetour, Omoda, and the upcoming iCar.
The carmaker described Lepas as a brand that is “aimed at younger, style-conscious drivers seeking more than just mobility,” and that it “combines design-led thinking with advanced technology in a range of vehicles that reflect individuality, modern luxury, and purpose.”
It’s intended as a premium alternative to Chery’s own line of Tiggo Pro family SUVs, and currently has a single car known as the L8.
First look at the L8
TopAuto previously had the opportunity to check out the L8 in person while on a trip to Chery’s hometown of Wuhu in China.
The general size and shape is very similar to the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro already on sale here, measuring 4,688mm in length, 1,860mm in width, and 1,695mm in height.
The differences between the two cars mostly come down to styling, as the Lepas has a much sleeker profile that’s undoubtedly meant to convey its premium status.
At the front, there’s a distinctive textured grille with an X-pattern, which is flanked by a pair of slim LED headlights and daytime running lights.
The headlights are meant to look like the eyes of a big cat, as the Lepas name is intended to conjure images of a leopard.
It also comes with a set of large alloy wheels, and the back features a singular taillight bar that stretches across the boot door.
The interior is just as striking, as the display model we saw in China had a two-tone aesthetic with green-and-black leather upholstery.
This theme extends to the central armrest, door lining, the dashboard, and even the steering wheel, adding a vibrant contrast to the various panels.
Like most of the cars under the Chery umbrella, the centre console as a two-tier design with a lower storage shelf and a wireless charging pad up above.
There’s a floating digital display for the instrument cluster behind the multifunction steering wheel, as well as a large infotainment screen that extends downwards towards the centre console.
Unfortunately, Lepas has not disclosed the engine selection for the L8, but if it is anything like the Tiggo 8 Pro, we can probably expect at least two options.
In South Africa, the Tiggo 8 is sold with two petrol engines, starting with a 1.6-litre turbo that produces 145kW and 290Nm.
Alternatively, there’s a more powerful 2.0-litre turbo block, which raises the output to 187kW and 390Nm.
It’s also worth noting that Chery and its sub-brands have introduced several hybrid models in the last month, so it’s reasonable to assume that the L8 will eventually be offered with an electrified engine as well.
Lepas L8 in Wuhu, China
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