The Lepas L8 is coming to the UK, but how does it compare to our favourite SUVs?
Car changing is a big deal
Lepas is the fourth brand from Chinese car giant Chery International to start selling cars in the UK, and it’s launching with the L8 SUV. Here’s everything you need to know about this car, as well as the top five cars it will be going up against.
This is the new Lepas L8 and yes, a plug-in hybrid SUV from yet another new Chinese brand. All these new names on UK forecourts are enough to make your head spin, but all you need to know is that Lepas is another spin-off from Chery International.
This means the L8 will be sold alongside models from Jaecoo, Chery and Omoda, and we expect it to share mechanical bits with those brands as well.
Looking at yet another hybrid SUV from an unknown manufacturer in pictures can make it hard to judge how big it is or what it’ll be competing with, so we’re going to tell you everything we know about the Lepas L8 so far, as well as give you five alternatives which you might be considering alongside it.
New Lepas L8: everything we know so far
The new Lepas L8 is the first model the brand will launch in the UK, and it will go on sale towards the end of 2026.
It’s a large, five-seater hybrid SUV which is around the same size as a Chery Tiggo 9 or Skoda Kodiaq. While there are no official details around engine options yet, we reckon it could use the 430hp plug-in hybrid setup from the Tiggo 9 and Omoda 9.
This would give it around 90 miles of electric-only range, as well as a 0-60mph time of around 5.5 seconds. Nothing is confirmed yet though, you’ll have to wait a few weeks to find out what’s actually under the bonnet.
You’ll also have to wait a while to find out how much it costs, but we’d expect it to fetch around £45,000. This would put it in line with the Chery Tiggo 9 and Omoda 9, but what other cars will the Lepas L8 be competing with?
Five alternatives to the new Lepas L8
Being a large hybrid SUV, the Lepas L8 will face some stiff competition. Ignoring its stablemates from Chery and Omoda, here are five cars you might want to consider if you like the look of the L8.
- Skoda Kodiaq
- BYD Seal U
- Dacia Bigster
- Peugeot 5008
- Used BMW X5
1. Skoda Kodiaq
The Skoda Kodiaq is a solid choice if you’re after something spacious, practical, well-made, comfortable and affordable to run. There’s a wide range of petrol, diesel and hybrid engines on offer, all of which are smooth and economical.
It may not be the most thrilling SUV to look at, and you can’t have seven seats with the plug-in hybrid, but the Kodiaq is a fantastic all-rounder nonetheless.
2. BYD Seal U
The Seal U is going to be one of the L8’s biggest competitors. It offers a spacious interior, loads of equipment and a smooth plug-in hybrid engine. It’s great value for money as well, with prices starting from just over £33,000.
It’s not the best SUV to drive thanks to the slightly wayward suspension, and the anonymous styling won’t turn heads either. But at this price it’s easy to overlook these shortcomings.
3. Dacia Bigster
If keeping costs down is your top priority, it’s hard to beat the Dacia Bigster. For just over £25,000 you get a cavernous interior and a massive boot, as well as a decent level of standard equipment.
The Bigster does feel cheap in places, but that’s because it is cheap. The important thing is that it’s solidly-built so it can stand up to the worst that family life can throw at it.
4. Peugeot 5008
For something which turns heads, why not check out the Peugeot 5008? It looks fantastic on the outside, and it has a super-stylish interior to back it up. It also feels really posh inside, and the wraparound infotainment system looks modern.
That said, the touchscreen is a bit fiddly to use, and top-spec versions can get pricey as well. It’s still a great SUV for families though, with spacious rear seats and a comfortable driving experience.
5. Used BMW X5
We’re seeing a lot of buyers on forums who are trading their posh German SUVs for a new Chinese car, and we reckon the Lepas L8 will cost around the same as a 2023 BMW X5. The X5 is one of the best premium SUVs you can buy. It’s fantastic to drive, lovely inside and practical as well.
But when presented with a similarly-sized and well-equipped brand new car for the same money, it’s easy to see why people would be tempted by the Chinese car. The Lepas L8 also looks posh enough to pull people out of their BMWs.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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