New Chinese premium brand Lepas confirmed for South Africa in 2026: here’s what we know so far
The Lepas L8 will spearhead the brand's international launch.
Image: Supplied
Another Chinese car brand is set to compete for a slice of the action in South Africa’s hotly contested car market, and it goes by the name of Lepas.
Although it is a newly launched brand, Lepas forms part of the Chery stable, and it will aim to expand its parent company’s presence in the premium segment.
The automaker has confirmed that the Lepas brand will be launched in South Africa in 2026, spearheaded by the L8 flagship SUV that was revealed at the 2025 Chery Business Conference in Wuhu, China, in late April.
Although the full South African line-up has yet to be confirmed, the L8 is likely to be joined by the smaller L6 and L4 models that were also previewed at the Wuhu event. In time, the brand will expand its line-up to five vehicles, with the aim of achieving annual global sales of more than 500,000 units, Autostat reports.
The Lepas L6 and L4 will expand the range downwards following the introduction of the L8.
Image: Supplied
“Lepas will expand its offering across multiple segments, growing a versatile, design-forward lineup suited to everything from family life to executive living,” the carmaker confirmed.
The brand’s name combines “leap” and “passion”, and the L8’s exterior shape, says design chief Ivan Dulanovic, was inspired by the image of a running leopard.
The Lepas L8 is offered in ICE, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric variants abroad.
The petrol version, a likely mainstay for the local market, is powered by Chery’s familiar 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine. The PHEV reportedly also uses the aforementioned petrol engine, combined with Chery’s Super Hybrid System (SHS), while the fully electric version of the L8 is said to offer a range of up to 700km.
The video below provides a closer look at the L8's exterior:
Lepas, the company says, will be aimed at younger, style-conscious drivers seeking advanced technology as well as modern luxury.
The brand recently appointed Letitia Herold, previously of Honda South Africa, as its National Brand and Marketing Manager.
Herold will oversee the launch strategy and market engagement for Lepas.
“We’re speaking to a generation that wants more than just a car - they want an experience that reflects who they are. LEPAS is a brand that celebrates modern success, personal expression, and confidence on every journey,” Herold said.
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