LEPAS L8 Arrives in the UK: A New Plug-In Hybrid SUV to Watch

new name arrives in the UK with a stylish plug-in hybrid SUV designed to offer electric driving without giving up petrol-powered flexibility.

LEPAS L8 Arrives in the UK: A New Plug-In Hybrid SUV to Watch

There's a new name arriving on UK roads.

LEPAS has officially launched in the UK, with the L8 becoming the first model from the brand to arrive here. It's a large five-seat plug-in hybrid SUV with distinctive styling, plenty of technology and an interesting proposition for drivers who aren't quite ready to go fully electric.

So, what is LEPAS and what does the L8 have to offer?

Meet the LEPAS L8

LEPAS is a new automotive brand from Chery International, focused on electrified vehicles with a more premium feel.

The L8 is its first UK model and is a large five-seat SUV designed to combine comfort, technology and practicality.

It's certainly distinctive, with a design that's quite different from many of the more familiar SUVs already on UK roads.

Plug-in hybrid rather than fully electric

The L8 isn't a pure EV. Instead, it combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, electric motor and 18.4kWh battery.

It offers up to 56 miles of pure electric range, while LEPAS quotes a combined range of up to 745 miles. It can also DC fast charge from 30% to 80% in as little as 20 minutes.

That means you can use electric power for shorter everyday journeys while still having a petrol engine available when you need to travel further.

For drivers who like the idea of doing more of their everyday driving electrically but aren't ready to make the full switch to an EV, a plug-in hybrid can offer an interesting middle ground.

Of course, getting the most from a plug-in hybrid means keeping the battery charged regularly. If you rarely plug in, you won't get the full benefit of the electric powertrain.

Plenty of equipment

The L8 is available in two specifications:

• Essence
• Elevate

Prices start from £34,900 for the Essence, rising to £37,900 for the Elevate.

Both versions come with a strong level of standard equipment, while the Elevate adds further features for those looking for a more premium specification.

With the L8 positioned as a large family SUV, practicality is another important part of the package.

What about the warranty?

For a brand that's new to the UK, warranty coverage is going to be an important consideration.

The L8 comes with a seven-year or 100,000-mile vehicle warranty, while the high-voltage battery is covered for eight years or 100,000 miles.

RAC roadside assistance is also included for up to seven years.

That's useful reassurance for anyone considering a relatively new name in the UK market.

Is the LEPAS L8 worth considering?

The L8 is an interesting addition to the UK market.

It's not trying to be another conventional family SUV. Instead, LEPAS is combining distinctive styling, plenty of equipment and plug-in hybrid technology in a package aimed at drivers who want something a little different.

It's also another option for anyone considering SUV leasing or contract hire, particularly if you're not quite ready to move to a fully electric car.

The plug-in hybrid setup could make sense for drivers with shorter daily journeys who can charge at home, while retaining the flexibility of a petrol engine for longer trips.

The LEPAS L8 at Swych

The new LEPAS L8 is now available to explore through Swych.

If you're considering your next SUV, take a look at the LEPAS L8 and current leasing options with Swych.

At Swych, we help customers find the right car and the right way to fund it, whether that's car leasing or contract hire.