Lepas L6 small SUV makes Milan debut

LEPAS, an off shoot of Chinese brand Chery, has showcased one of its first models at the Milan Design Week.

The Lepas L6, which is based on the Jaecoo 7 and related Omoda 5, is a potential rival to the Hyundai Kona and Nissan Qashqai, and is expected to headline the brand’s arrival into Australia 12 months from now.

The L6 is expected to be followed shortly thereafter by other Lepas SUV entrants, including the L1, L2, L3, L4, and family-sized L9.

While it is unclear what will power the Lepas L6 locally, GoAuto notes the availability of petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric powertrains across the Chery family.

In Europe, the Lepas L6 arrives as a battery electric entrant featuring a 67kWh battery pack and 435km range claim, or as a petrol-electric hybrid with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and single electric motor.

The latter is said to deliver a driving range of up to 1127km.

Speaking at the Milan Design Week premiere, Lepas UK managing director Ray Wang said the L6 will “engage the world in the language of elegance”, promising the latest convenience and driver assistance technologies bundled into a style-focused package.

“It will be as clever as your smartphone, with intelligent technology woven into every journey, and as sophisticated as your home, delivering comfort, safety, and connectivity at every turn,” he said.

“The Lepas L6 marks an exciting step for our brand … combining our proprietary Lepas Super Hybrid and fully electric powertrains, the L6 delivers exceptional efficiency, impressive range, and rapid charging.

Constructed on the Chery’s New Energy Vehicle Modular Platform, further details of the Lepas L6 are yet to be revealed, leaving many to doubt a local arrival anytime soon…

Chery Australia is yet to advise just how the Lepas brand will fit within its local operations, noting it already offers Chery, Jaecoo, and Omoda branded vehicles as part of its Australian portfolio.

Further, Chery Australia says it plans to launch as many as three other brands into the local market by the end of 2027, including the all-electric iCaur and Freelander SUV ranges, and Jetour four-wheel drive marque.

The parent company also recently acquired the Soueast brand, which has been earmarked for right-hand drive markets, potentially including Australia, possibly adding yet another Chinese-made new energy vehicle entrant to an already bustling marketplace.