Chery’s new Lepas sub-brand has arrived in the UAE, and its first major model is a plug-in hybrid SUV. The Lepas L8 PHEV Limited costs AED 150,000 and has an official electric range of up to 90 km, which is a manufacturer estimate.
What has Al Ghurair Mobility launched?
Al Ghurair Mobility has launched Chery’s Lepas sub-brand in the UAE. The Lepas L8, a mid-size crossover, leads the line-up. It’s aimed at buyers who want generous equipment without stepping up to a luxury badge.
The range starts at AED 140,000 for the petrol Style. Next comes the petrol Limited at AED 145,000. At the top sits the PHEV Limited at AED 150,000, and that’s the version EV-curious drivers will want to watch.
Furthermore, the L8 rides on Chery’s LEX modular platform. It’s the latest in a growing wave of Chinese plug-in hybrid SUVs reaching the Gulf.
How far can the L8 travel on electricity alone?
The PHEV Limited pairs a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine with a dedicated hybrid transmission. Together they produce 342 hp and 525 Nm, which go to the front wheels. An 18.4 kWh battery supplies an official pure-electric range of 90 km. However, that’s a manufacturer estimate, and we haven’t seen independent test results yet.
Real-world range will depend on speed, temperature and air-conditioning use. Still, 90 km could cover many daily commutes, provided owners charge regularly. For longer trips, the petrol engine takes over, so drivers won’t face the range worries of a pure EV.
In addition, the PHEV offers adjustable energy-recovery settings. Lepas also says it supports fast charging at compatible public points. The launch details don’t give a charging speed in kilowatts, nor a time for a full charge.
What do the petrol versions offer?
Both the Style and Limited use a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine. It makes 194 hp and 290 Nm and drives through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
In other words, the plug-in hybrid adds 148 hp and 235 Nm for an extra AED 5,000 over the petrol Limited. That small price gap makes the PHEV look like the sensible pick for anyone who can charge at home.
What’s inside the cabin?
Lepas says the styling takes inspiration from a leaping leopard. Up front, a dot-matrix grille dominates, while semi-flush door handles tidy up the side profile. A 2,800 mm wheelbase also helps free up cabin space.
Inside, the brand claims 47 storage compartments. The seats offer massage, heating and ventilation. Meanwhile, a 13.2-inch touchscreen runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip.
Lepas also claims the climate control can cut outlet air temperature by 32°C within five minutes. That’s another manufacturer figure worth checking in the height of summer. Additionally, 60 acoustic insulation treatments aim to reduce road and wind noise, and soft-touch materials cover several major surfaces.
How does it handle safety and driver assistance?
The body uses high-strength steel, with heat-formed steel in key areas. Depending on trim, there are up to six airbags, including a front-centre airbag. For the battery, Lepas fits an underbody shield and a rapid power cut-off. Key electrical parts also carry IP68 and IPX9K protection ratings.
On the tech side, seven high-definition cameras feed a 540-degree view system. That includes a simulated view of the ground beneath the car on the central display. Level 2 driver assistance brings adaptive cruise control, lane departure prevention and forward collision warning.
There’s also remote parking assist, which lets owners move the car using a smartphone. Finally, an air-cooled 50W wireless pad charges phones while limiting heat build-up.
Where does the L8 sit against its rivals?
At AED 140,000 to AED 150,000, the L8 lines up against the Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage. Those rivals enjoy stronger brand recognition and longer histories in the UAE. By contrast, Lepas is relying on a long equipment list and a powerful plug-in hybrid.
For drivers edging towards electric motoring, the Lepas L8 plug-in hybrid offers a middle step. It allows electric commuting during the week, with petrol back-up for longer journeys. The big question now is whether a new brand can win trust in such a crowded segment.
