The plug-in hybrid Lepas L8 starts at £35k – still want that Jaecoo 7?
Car changing is a big deal
Another day, another new Chinese brand selling cars in the UK. Lepas uses the same technology as the hugely popular Chery, Omoda and Jaecoo products, but how does it compare?
If you’re looking for a great value SUV that’s got all the kit of a luxury model, there are countless Chinese cars you could choose from, including Jaecoo, BYD and Chery. The Lepas L8 is the latest contender vying for your cash and it’s priced temptingly.
Only offered with an efficient plug-in hybrid engine, it comes with an equipment list that would shame posher alternatives but a price to match smaller cars. Here’s everything you need to know.
Lepas L8: price and specification
You have a choice of two trims in the Lepas L8. The entry-level model is called Essence and starts at £34,900, while the higher-specification Elevate version starts at £37,900.
Essence models come with all the stuff you expect, such as 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and two large displays inside. However, you also get a panoramic glass roof as standard as well as plenty of driver assistance tech. Manually adjustable front seats are a bit stingy, though.
Elevate looks like the one to go for. For the extra £3,000 you get 20-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable seats, leather-effect upholstery, an upgraded sound system by Sony and an all-round parking camera. The addition of heated, ventilated and massaging seats is something you’d expect on a car twice the price.
Compared with alternatives, that actually makes the entry-level version a bit less expensive than the cheapest plug-in hybrid Jaecoo 7, and over £8,000 less than a Volkswagen Tiguan PHEV.
Lepas L8: plug-in hybrid fuel economy
Whichever trim you go for, the Lepas L8 comes with a plug-in hybrid engine. It pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a battery-powered electric motor, with official fuel economy of 403.5mpg and an electric range of 56 miles.
It’s the same system you’ll find in the likes of the Jaecoo 7 and Chery Tiggo 8, and we’ve found it’s impressively efficient – even if you don’t maximise the electric range. You can expect about 50mpg in the real world, though if you can charge regularly at home you’ll do even better.
Lepas L8: what’s it like inside?
The Lepas L8 shares some of its technology, such as the 13.2-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, with its sister brands such as Jaecoo. There are a few physical buttons for the climate controls but most things are controlled through this screen.
You can expect bright, sharp graphics and snappy menu loading, but navigating those menus on the move won’t be particularly intuitive if the Jaecoo is anything to go by.
Lepas is targeting the more premium end of the market, and you get an interior design that has a touch more sophistication than the likes of Chery and Jaecoo. However, it remains to be seen whether the materials are posh enough to match the look.
Lepas L8: when can I buy one?
You can order a Lepas L8 from July, with the first deliveries commencing in September, when cars will also start to appear in dealerships.
Lepas L8 alternatives you can buy right now
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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