Key highlights
- The Lepas L4 electric SUV is expected to arrive in Australia in the first half of 2027.
- Plug-in hybrid versions of the L4 and L6 are planned for the third quarter of 2027.
- The larger L8 and L9 SUVs, along with a Corolla-sized L2 hatchback, are planned for 2028.
Chery’s Lepas brand is preparing to cover a much wider range of the Australian car market, with new electric SUVs, plug-in hybrids and a small hatchback planned over the next two years.
The expansion was outlined during the Australian launch of the Lepas L6, with the brand planning to introduce three additional models by the end of 2027. More SUVs and a hatchback are expected to follow in 2028, giving buyers alternatives across several popular vehicle segments.
The rollout will start with the Lepas L4 electric SUV, which is scheduled to arrive in Australia in the first half of 2027. It will target rivals such as the BYD Atto 2 and Hyundai Kona, two models competing for buyers looking for a smaller electric SUV.
Australian pricing, final specifications and the L4’s driving range under local testing conditions have not been announced.
Read more: BMW iX3 M60 and i3 M60 performance EVs coming to Australia
Lepas L4 electric SUV leads the rollout
Overseas specifications give an indication of what the L4 could offer. The electric SUV is listed with a front-mounted electric motor producing 158kW and 275Nm, driving the front wheels.
It also has a 65kWh battery, with a claimed driving range of up to 500km under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) test standard. That figure should be treated as an overseas claim rather than a confirmed Australian range, as NEDC testing can produce higher figures than more demanding real-world driving.
The L4 shares similarities with the Jaecoo J5 and Chery Tiggo 4, reflecting the shared engineering resources across the wider Chery group.
A plug-in hybrid version of the L4 is also planned for Australia in the third quarter of 2027, between July and September. Its specifications have yet to be revealed.
The same period is expected to bring a plug-in hybrid version of the larger L6, which currently forms part of the brand’s electric SUV offering.
L6 plug-in hybrid to take on established SUVs
The L6 plug-in hybrid is expected to use Chery’s Super Hybrid system, pairing a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor. The setup is already available in overseas markets, although final Australian specifications remain unconfirmed.
Depending on the version, the L6 PHEV produces up to 202kW of combined power. Overseas battery options range from 18.7kWh to 32.7kWh.
That would put the model in contention with plug-in hybrid versions of the Toyota RAV4 and Mitsubishi Outlander, both of which appeal to buyers wanting electric driving capability without relying exclusively on public charging infrastructure.
However, battery size, electric-only range, fuel consumption and pricing will be important factors in determining how competitive the Lepas is against established alternatives.
Larger L8 and L9 SUVs planned for 2028
Lepas also plans to move into larger SUV segments with the L8 and L9. Both are expected to arrive initially with plug-in hybrid powertrains before all-electric versions follow in 2028.
The L8 shares its underlying engineering with the Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV, which produces 255kW in Australian specification and was positioned from $45,990 drive-away. That price provides a local reference point, but it does not confirm where the Lepas L8 will sit in the market.
The L8 is expected to target the mid-size SUV segment, while the larger L9 will give the brand a presence among full-sized SUVs. Their Australian pricing, equipment levels and arrival dates have not been confirmed.
The planned electric versions could give Lepas more options for buyers who prefer a battery-electric vehicle over a plug-in hybrid, although details of their powertrains and batteries remain unavailable.
Lepas L2 hatchback to challenge the Corolla
The final confirmed model in the current roadmap is the Lepas L2, a small hatchback planned for 2028.
It is expected to compete with established models such as the Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Golf, extending the brand beyond SUVs. The L2 is also expected to serve as a performance-focused flagship for Lepas, with the brand aiming for sportier driving characteristics.
Full details have not been released, so its powertrain, performance figures and positioning remain unclear.
Lepas has also left the door open for two additional models, believed to be the L1 and L3, although their specifications and Australian launch plans are yet to be confirmed.
For Australian buyers, the next two years should reveal whether Lepas can offer a convincing alternative to established Japanese, Korean and European models across multiple segments. Much will depend on local pricing, equipment and how the vehicles perform on Australian roads, rather than the breadth of the planned line-up alone.
Comments
New Comment