Incoming Chinese brand Lepas has confirmed the L8 five-seat SUV as its first model to hit the UK market.

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Slated for release in the third quarter of 2026, the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 rival will spearhead the brand’s offensive and signal its ambitions for the UK.

Owned by Chinese giant Chery, Lepas is an all-new brand designed to appeal to the European market as the group continues its international offensive.

Launching alongside the existing Omoda, Jaecoo and Chery brands, the Lepas name draws on the words ‘Leopard’, ‘Leap’ and ‘Passion’.

Chery says it “not only addresses a market gap but also redefines elegant mobility with its philosophy of ‘colourful life, masterful drive’”.

The new L8 SUV “brings this vision to life”. According to the brand, its exterior takes inspiration from the agile, muscular contours of a running leopard, while the LED headlights echo the “focused intensity of a leopard’s eye”.

Powertrain details are under wraps for now but we do know that the L8 will sit on Chery International’s all-new New Energy Vehicle (NEV) modular platform and it’s expected to include plug-in hybrid options for the UK. On the European site, the brand promises a pure electric range of 107km (66 miles) and a total range of 1,300km (807 miles).

Inside, the brand promises a “calm, generously proportioned five-seat cabin” with advanced, intelligent features and comprehensive driver assistance systems. It’s also expected to secure global five-star safety standards, the carmaker says.

Further details, including product details and specs, are due in the coming weeks.

Lepas has also said it will outline senior leadership, route to market and aftermarket support as it signals a long-term commitment to the market and “builds momentum toward a new era of elegant mobility”.