Set against the backdrop of Sydney’s vast waterways, the launch of the new Lepas L6 EV felt less like a corporate unveiling and more like a brand announcing its arrival with intent. If the brand doesn’t ring a bell yet, that’s because it’s Chery Group’s latest arrival.
Launching alongside Chery, Jaecoo, Omoda and the recently announced iCAUR, Lepas is the premium arm, if you will, aimed squarely at the high‑end, design‑driven buyer who wants style, materials and presence without drifting into full luxury pricing.
Chery’s ambitions in Australia are no secret and following a recent release across six European countries, the Lepas brand is the clearest signal yet that the company intends to broaden its footprint.
With established dealer networks and major parts warehouses in place, the infrastructure is ready. According to Lepas’ global VP of design, Steve Eum, who spoke to Exhaust Notes Australia at the launch, every surface, stitch and contour is intentional.
The exterior carries a sense of motion even at a standstill and is based on the movement of a leopard, hence the name. The flowing lines, sculpted panels and a stance that leans more toward athletic luxury than traditional SUV. creates the brand’s signature look.
Using the Leopard (the “Le”) and Passion (“Pas”) as inspiration, the headlights have been developed to emulate the leopard’s eyes and the overall look is a low crouching stance. The rear has a full width red LED strip which locks well into the LED taillights.
The L6 comes in five colours, including shades of black, orange, purple, grey and white. Its 65kWh battery delivers 440km of range. It’s powered by a single front-mounted electric motor producing 160kW and 275Nm.
Inside, the Lepas L6 EV leans heavily into premium cues. High‑end materials are everywhere, with diamond seat stitching, textured trims and speaker pods that look more like architectural elements than audio hardware.
The centre sloping infotainment screen gets inspiration from a waterfall. At 13.2-inches, it’s quite large, yet nicely integrated. The L6 EV is scheduled for release in November, and is the first of several models.
That includes a Plug-in Hybrid version of the L6, a smaller L4 SUV, and larger L8 and L9 offerings. The brand is adamant it wants to occupy the medium‑size luxury segment with a fresh identity and a strong value‑premium blend.
With the backing of Chery’s national dealer, parts and service network, Lepas enters the market in a good place. The L6 EV is backed by a 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty, and 7-years capped price servicing.
Up to 7-years roadside assistance and an 8-year or 200,000km battery warranty are included. You can find out more by visiting the Lepas Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership.
