LEPAS brings the L8, a large plug-in hybrid SUV, to Spain—aiming to shake up the segment with its design, features, and price. We take a close look after a first drive in Madrid.
LEPAS has entered Spain’s busy SUV market with the L8, a plug-in hybrid that stands out for its sharp styling and competitive pricing. Backed by China’s Chery Group, the brand is betting Spanish drivers are ready for a new option that mixes eye-catching design with practical features. According to Clasicos al Volante and other automotive outlets, the L8 is LEPAS’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) to launch in Spain, and it marks a key step in Chery Group’s European expansion.
The L8’s front end is hard to miss. LEPAS calls its design language "Leopard Aesthetics," and the slim headlights and diamond-pattern grille give the SUV a feline look that’s both distinctive and restrained. In a segment where many new arrivals struggle to stand out, this design is a clear attempt to make LEPAS recognizable on Spanish roads. Jesse Wang, director of LEPAS Spain, told elEconomista that the brand’s focus is on "Elegant Technology"—putting design and emotional appeal ahead of chasing premium prices.
The LEPAS L8 measures approximately 4.68 meters in length, with a boot capacity of 507 liters and up to 1,314 liters when the rear seats are folded, as confirmed by independent Italian and Australian sources.
Inside, the L8 feels more polished than you might expect from a newcomer. Materials are solid, and the panoramic glass roof (standard on the Elegance trim) brings in plenty of light, making the cabin feel spacious. The dashboard features a 13.2-inch central touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, both powered by a Snapdragon 8155 processor. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The system runs smoothly, but some functions are buried in menus and take getting used to.
Space is one of the L8’s strong points. Both rows offer good legroom and headroom, thanks to a 2.8-meter wheelbase. The boot holds 507 liters with all seats up, plus a hidden 45-liter compartment under the floor for charging cables. Fold the rear seats, and capacity jumps to 1,314 liters—making the L8 one of the more practical choices in its class. These figures match data from La Mia Finanza and 7NEWS Australia, confirming the L8’s status as a large family SUV.
On the road, the L8’s "Super Hybrid" system pairs a 1.5 TGDI petrol engine (143 hp) with two electric motors, for a combined 279 hp and 365 Nm of torque. The 18.4 kWh LFP battery is rated for 90 km of electric range (up to 123 km in city driving) and a total range of over 1,040 km. These numbers put the L8 near the top of the plug-in hybrid SUV segment for range, according to Google/SpainAuto. Independent sources like Clasicos al Volante and GoAuto confirm the specs and highlight the model’s strong electric-only range and efficiency.
LEPAS is not limiting its ambitions to Spain: simultaneous or upcoming launches are planned in the UK, Romania, Italy, and other European markets, reflecting Chery Group’s accelerated regional expansion. Some English-language sources note that the L8 may arrive later in certain countries, but Spanish and European reports confirm sales and pre-orders began in Spain in September 2026.
Performance is solid for Spanish highways and city streets. The L8 is comfortable at speed, with good sound insulation and a smooth ride. On twistier roads, its size and weight are more noticeable—body roll is kept in check, but the SUV’s mass is hard to ignore, and the seats could use more side support for spirited driving.
LEPAS includes over 20 advanced driver assistance systems as standard, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 540° panoramic camera. All worked reliably during testing, but the frequent audible alerts quickly became annoying. There’s no single button to mute them all, which could frustrate new owners until they get used to the menus.
Pricing is where LEPAS tries to undercut established brands. The L8 comes in two trims: Essence (41,700 € list, 33,990 € launch price) and Elegance (45,200 € list, 36,490 € launch price), with 0% TIN financing through Santander Consumer Finance and Plan Auto+ incentives included. This aggressive pricing puts pressure on rivals like Jaecoo 7 SHS and Omoda 9 (also from Chery Group), as well as European brands now facing more competition from Chinese automakers.
LEPAS is not the only brand targeting Spain’s C-SUV segment, which makes up a quarter of all registrations and is expected to grow by 15% by 2026. The brand already has 40 dealerships across Spain and aims for 52 by the end of 2026, showing a serious commitment to the market. The L8 will soon be joined by the all-electric L4 EV and the L6, expanding a lineup focused on electrified SUVs.
For Spanish buyers, the L8’s mix of design, space, and technology at a disruptive price is hard to overlook. The move is similar to recent launches like the Volkswagen ID.Polo, which also challenged established players with sharp pricing and practical features, as reported earlier.
LEPAS is not aiming for a premium niche. Instead, it wants mainstream volume with a product that offers something extra in design and equipment. The L8’s bold styling and generous standard features make its intentions clear. This first drive shows a few rough edges—mainly in the user interface and the abundance of alerts—but the basics are strong. If LEPAS can keep this balance of value and character as it expands, established brands will have to pay attention. The L8 is a calculated move to gain ground in Spain’s most competitive automotive segment.
