Chery expands in Spain with the Lepas brand and its L8 hybrid SUV scheduled for the second quarter

Chinese automotive conglomerate Chery has confirmed the introduction of a new brand to the European market, starting with Espanha. Denominada Lepas, the brand was established in 2024 and represents another step in the group’s ambitious expansion strategy on the continent. Its arrival is scheduled for the second quarter of 2026, with the launch of the L8 plug-in hybrid SUV, a D-segment model that promises to combine sophisticated design, advanced technology and a range of more than 1,300 kilometers. The choice of Espanha as a gateway is not accidental, reflecting the country’s strategic importance as a key market to test and consolidate the presence of new Asian brands before broader expansion through Europa. The operation of Lepas will be added to the existing Omoda and Jaecoo, in addition to the industrial alliance with Ebro, diversifying the Grupo Chery portfolio in the country.

With a clear positioning, Lepas aims to attract modern families and consumers with an urban lifestyle who value both aesthetics and functionality. The brand seeks to fill a specific space in the market, offering vehicles with strong emotional and technological appeal, without creating direct internal competition with the group’s other sub-brands.

The commercial strategy outlined for Lepas prioritizes sustained, long-term growth, rather than an aggressive search for immediate sales volume. The focus will be on building a relationship of trust with customers and creating a solid and qualified dealer network, capable of offering a premium purchasing and after-sales experience.

The identity behind the name Lepas

The new brand’s nomenclature was carefully chosen to reflect its core values ​​and design philosophy. The name Lepas is a fusion of concepts that evoke dynamism and emotion. The syllable “LE” is derived from the English words “leap” and “leopard”, symbolizing agility, speed and a bold spirit. Essa animal inspiration suggests vehicles with agile performance and a striking presence, capable of standing out in a competitive market. The choice of the leopard as an animal symbol also refers to elegance and efficiency, qualities that the brand intends to incorporate in its products.

Complementing the first part, the syllable “PAS” comes from the word “passion”, indicating the brand’s desire to create a deep emotional connection with its owners. The intention is that vehicles are not just means of transport, but also sources of pleasure and inspiration in everyday life. Essa duality between performance and emotion materializes in what the company calls “Leopard Aesthetics”, a design language that uses fluid lines and curves to evoke the feline’s grace and movement. The result is bodies that combine aerodynamic shapes with a robust stance, conveying a feeling of contained strength and sophistication.

First model: the Lepas L8

The model that will inaugurate the brand’s presence at Espanha will be the Lepas L8, a large SUV whose dimensions position it in the competitive D segment. With approximately 4.68 meters long, 1.86 meters wide and 1.68 meters high, the L8 was designed to offer space and comfort for the whole family. Sua arrival is scheduled for the second quarter of 2026, and it will come equipped with the advanced Super Hybrid System plug-in hybrid system (SHS), developed by the Grupo Chery. Esta technology is one of the vehicle’s main assets, allowing a combined range of more than 1,300 kilometers on a single tank of fuel and a fully charged battery. The system integrates a high-efficiency combustion engine and an electric motor powered by a battery that allows driving in 100% electric mode for tens of kilometers, ideal for daily urban journeys. Mesmo with the battery discharged, the hybrid system maintains low fuel consumption. The L8’s interior was designed with a focus on premium quality, offering noble materials, refined finishes and a robust technology package, which includes more than 20 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), a high-fidelity sound system and front seats with massage and ventilation functions, reinforcing its value proposition in the segment.

Range expansion with L4 and L6

After the debut of the L8, Lepas will waste no time in expanding its offer. Já in the second half of 2026, the brand plans to introduce two new models, the L4 and the L6, both maintaining the SUV format.

The Lepas L4 will be the entry-level option in the range, a more compact and affordable SUV, designed specifically for urban use. Suas reduced dimensions will make driving and parking easier in busy cities, and it will be available with purely electric powertrains.

Positioned between the two, the Lepas L6 will function as an intermediate model, seeking a balance between the practicality of a family vehicle and a more dynamic and refined design. Este model will be offered in plug-in hybrid and 100% electric variants, offering flexibility to consumers.

The introduction of these new models demonstrates Lepas’s intention to cover the most popular segments of the SUV market, adapting to different customer needs and profiles, from young urbanites to larger families.

Commercial strategy and distribution network

To ensure a successful entry into the Spanish market, Lepas is developing a commercial strategy focused on the quality of the customer experience. The brand plans to establish a dealer network in partnership with renowned distribution groups with extensive experience in the local automotive sector.

The philosophy is to treat points of sale as strategic allies, guaranteeing a premium service and building a foundation of trust from the first contact with the consumer. Essa approach contrasts with accelerated growth strategies, prioritizing the soundness of operations.

Grupo Chery’s support will be fundamental, providing its entire global infrastructure, which includes cutting-edge research and development centers and consolidated logistics. Isso will ensure an efficient supply of vehicles and spare parts, as well as qualified maintenance service.

Brian Yu, Country Director of

Technology and security in models

All Lepas vehicles will be equipped with the latest Grupo Chery innovations in safety and connectivity. The range will feature a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies such as remote parking assist, lane keeping system, autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.

The basis for these models is the QPower modular platform, which is compatible with multiple power sources, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric systems. Essa flexibility allows the brand to quickly adapt to changing regulations and European consumer preferences.

Perspectives for the Spanish market

The arrival of Lepas intensifies the presence of Chinese manufacturers in the competitive Spanish automotive sector. With a proposal focused on electrified vehicles that combine attractive design, advanced technology and a good value positioning, the brand has the potential to win over an important share of consumers looking for modern and sustainable alternatives.

System Details Super Hybrid

The Super Hybrid System system (SHS) is one of the technological crown jewels of the Grupo Chery and will be a competitive differentiator for the Lepas L8. The system architecture is designed to optimize efficiency in all driving conditions by combining a gasoline internal combustion engine with one or more electric motors through a dedicated hybrid vehicle transmission (DHT).

For the driver, this translates into a smooth and responsive driving experience. The system intelligently manages the transition between electric mode, series hybrid mode (where the combustion engine acts as a generator) and parallel hybrid mode (where both engines drive the wheels), always ensuring the best balance between performance and energy consumption.