Lepas L8: true luxury is space, comfort and ease of use

The Lepas L8 is the first model with which the brand debuts in Spain, aimed at families looking for space, comfort and ease of use. It is a logical and accessible option among the huge range of SUVs available on the market. The brand name comes from ‘LE’ (from leap and leopard), which symbolises agility and dynamism, and ‘PAS’ (from passion). With it, the aim is to represent an elegant and modern lifestyle, combined with cutting-edge technology.

The flagship of the brand and the global model is a large SUV equipped with front-wheel drive and plug-in hybrid propulsion delivering 279 CV, capable of reaching an electric range of up to 100 kilometres, which earns it the DGT 0 label, a figure that allows it to handle everyday commuting without using fuel and to make long-distance journeys with very low consumption (2.2 l/100 km on the WLTP combined cycle), achieving a combined range of close to 1,100 km on combined consumption.

Developed on the new LEX platform of the Chery Group, it has a total length of 4.69 metres and combines a 1.5 TGDI turbo petrol engine with an electric system managed through a DHT transmission. Total combined power reaches 205 kW (279 CV) and it develops a maximum torque of 365 Nm, paired with an 18.4 kWh battery. It accepts fast charging at up to 40 kW on direct current, so it can go from 30 to 80% in about 20 minutes. Later, a four-wheel-drive version equipped with a 32 kWh battery will join the range, capable of nearly 180 km in electric mode and around 1,400 km of total range.

Striking design

Its silhouette does not go unnoticed. It adopts the design language called Leopard Aesthetics, inspired by the agility and precision of the leopard, with a fluid silhouette of balanced proportions, in which the front headlights stand out with a “vertical pupil” light signature, V-shaped daytime running lights and a continuous rear light bar that reinforces its muscular look. Eye-catching body colours have been chosen, with natural tones such as ocean green, boreal violet, glacier white, onyx black and lunar grey, which convey calm and elegance.

With dimensions of 4,688 mm in length, 1,871 mm in width, 1,686 mm in height and a wheelbase of 2,800 mm, the Lepas L8 shows an elegant silhouette and a spacious cabin, with a boot that is easy to access and offers 507 litres of capacity – expandable to 1,314 litres with the rear seatbacks folded -, as well as 47 storage spaces spread throughout the cabin.

Plenty of detail

Inside, the Lepas L8 offers an elegant atmosphere with an open, high-capacity cabin, equipped with the latest technological features. Soft surfaces, harmonious shapes and warm colours shape a dashboard that conveys quality, dominated by high-definition screens, the true control centre of the L8.

The climate control system includes air quality control, an active fragrance function, and can run for four hours with the combustion engine switched off. In addition, it has ventilated and heated front seats.

It features an advanced connectivity system, ambient lighting with 64 configurable tones, voice control with an artificial intelligence voice model, vehicle management from a smartphone and My Digital Key for access management. It incorporates the V2L (Vehicle to Load) function, which allows the vehicle to be used as a power source for small appliances and external devices.

Safety, a key priority

Its front structure uses an impact absorption system and a reinforced base with eight longitudinal and five transverse members, capable of distributing energy in the event of a collision. It uses high-strength materials: 75% steel and aluminium and 22% hot-formed components to reinforce structural rigidity.

It includes 10 airbags and more than 20 safety and driver-assistance features, with functions such as automatic parking assistance with 540º panoramic cameras and remote-operated actuation to ease manoeuvres and improve safety. To ensure the battery works correctly, the brand carried out an extreme validation programme, with tests from –45 °C to 80 °C, in mountain areas at 5,000 metres of altitude, wading exercises of up to 600 mm, drop tests from 4.9 metres, 200 kN extrusion and more than 50 different collision scenarios. In addition, the electric steering and the combination of hydraulic suspension with CDC dampers favour precise driving and occupant comfort on any type of road.

Another aspect the model focuses on to offer maximum comfort to its occupants is the low level of noise that reaches the cabin. To achieve this, double-glazed side windows, a windscreen with thermal and acoustic control have been used, and a noise-cancelling system has been developed – similar to that used in high-end headphones – which achieves a 9 dB reduction and an 80% cancellation rate.

Ease of use

It features a large, very intuitive vertical screen integrated into the centre console, from which the main functions can be managed, such as climate control, vehicle services and controls, as well as the sound system or navigation, which is combined with physical controls to make the most-used functions easier to access. Equipment includes massage and ventilated seats, 19-inch alloy wheels, with a 20-inch option.

The rear seats deserve special mention, where good access stands out thanks to the dimensions of the rear doors and a flat floor. They offer generous width and headroom, as well as plenty of legroom. The two-position reclining backrest also enhances occupant comfort, as it allows a very ergonomic and relaxed posture.

Lepas L8 image gallery