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If you thought there weren’t sufficient Chinese automobile manufacturers working in Australia, Chery has you lined.
First there was Chery itself, then got here Omoda Jaecoo, and now it is time for Lepas. It will get higher, too: there are 5 extra Chery-owned manufacturers coming to Australia by the tip of 2027, so attempt to sustain.
Unlike the extra family-oriented Chery model, the tech-heavy Omoda model, and the adventure-focused Jaecoo model, Lepas is being pitched as a premium model with worth pricing. And after all, Chery does not anticipate you to confuse all of them.
Initially focusing solely on electrical automobiles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), Lepas is launching with only one SUV however goals to have an entire host of fashions on sale in Australia by 2028, together with a ‘halo’ hatchback.
For now, that one SUV is the L6 EV. It’s a mid-size electrical SUV priced above present mid-size SUVs from Chery and Omoda Jaecoo, albeit with barely completely different styling.
It’s a front-wheel drive mannequin with round 440km of driving vary, and it will be joined by a different-looking L6 PHEV model in some unspecified time in the future in 2027. Oh, and Lepas automobiles will likely be bought by way of unbiased Lepas dealerships, not present Chery or Omoda Jaecoo ones.
Confusingly, Lepas insists the L6 utilises a bespoke platform constructed particularly for the model, often called LEXP. That’s regardless of numerous on-line sources stating the L6 is intently associated to the Jaecoo J7 and the Chinese-market Chery Fulwin T7, each of which use Chery’s established T1X platform.
Regardless, the very fact of the matter is there’s one other new electrical SUV on the town, promising to shake up the same-same institution with brilliant paint colors and a “non-conformist” design. To see how that works, CarExpert attended the model’s Australian media launch in Sydney for a primary style of the brand new L6 EV.
Is it actually as distinctive because the model guarantees?
How a lot does the Lepas L6 value?
The sole Lepas L6 Signature variant now obtainable is priced at $47,990 earlier than on-road prices.
| Model | Price earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2027 Lepas L6 Signature | $47,990 |
There’s a glut of rivals on sale in Australia, so we have picked three which might be shut in measurement and worth. This consists of the Geely EX5 Inspire at $45,990 earlier than on-road prices, the GAC Aion V Luxury at $44,590 plus on-roads, and the BYD Atto 3 Evo Premium at $46,990 plus ORCs.
Outside the Chinese cohort, an honest various may be the Skoda Elroq 60 Select, priced at $48,990 plus ORCs. A helpful worth yardstick remains to be the top-selling, Chinese-built Tesla Model Y, which begins at $58,900 plus ORCs.
Within the Chery steady, the L6 EV ranks among the many costlier fashions. It prices greater than the top-spec Jaecoo J7 and the bottom model of the bigger Jaecoo J8 as soon as on-road prices are utilized, in addition to the top-spec Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV.
To see how the Lepas L6 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
What is the Lepas L6 like on the within?
The L6’s cabin definitely is not visually distinctive, however it’s serviceable in the true world.
On first impressions, construct high quality feels fairly good. There’s a stable vibe to the whole lot, and a few materials selections seem nicer than we’re used to from Chery – as you’d hope, given the value.
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Additionally, the woodgrain-like plastic on the centre console and dashboard has a satisfying texture, and the commonly restrained, mature color palette is properly accented by refined metallic hints scattered about.
It is not revolutionary, although, and the overall cabin structure is virtually an identical to most different Chinese SUVs. But if you happen to get pleasure from different Chery interiors, you will in all probability really feel proper at house within the L6.
And as a result of the Signature is technically the L6’s flagship trim stage, there isn’t any scarcity of facilities. The quilted artificial leather-based seat upholstery is the true spotlight, as a result of it brings a contact of visible aptitude to seats which might be fairly gentle and usually comfy.
Unfortunately, it nonetheless lacks seat-base angle adjustment, which is disappointing however not stunning, given the overwhelming majority of Chinese SUVs additionally lack it. There’s in any other case an honest vary of powered adjustment, and heating and air flow capabilities are included as commonplace.
The steering wheel seems to be lifted straight from the Jaecoo J7. It has a flat backside, skinny rim, and a large-ish diameter, and it is wrapped in clean artificial leather-based – it will get the job carried out.
As with Jaecoo automobiles, we do not love the shiny haptic ‘buttons’ on its horizontal spokes, as they don’t seem to be tactile to make use of and present fingerprints like no one’s enterprise. Still, no less than there are ‘bodily’ controls right here, since you’ll discover the cabin is basically button-averse.
As ever, digital screens are the secret right here. The 13.2-inch portrait-style touchscreen within the center is your major management hub, because it homes local weather settings, automobile settings, and naturally leisure choices.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are commonplace, and there are some straightforward gestures programmed for comfort. You can swipe up from the underside of the display for fast entry to the local weather menu, or swipe down from the highest for a mountain of customisable widgets.
The display appears good graphically and was responsive throughout our brief drive. There’s additionally a small strip of buttons beneath the display, but it surely is not as helpful because it might be. The most worthwhile inclusion right here is the drive mode button, just because it is handy.
The instrument show, in the meantime, is kind of slim in entrance of the wheel. There is not a lot to play with right here, however you’ll be able to flick via a few menus utilizing the steering wheel controls. Also, there’s an non-obligatory darkish theme for each screens if you happen to desire.
Storage-wise, the entrance of the L6’s cabin is respectable. You get a regular wi-fi cellphone charger subsequent to a ‘clean’ pad on the centre console, together with two cupholders, and there is a sizeable storage field underneath the armrest. Underneath the centre console ‘bridge’ can also be a big tray.
The second row is spacious, and the panoramic sunroof does not eat into headroom. There’s loads of area to slip throughout the bench seat if want be, and legroom should not be a difficulty for most individuals.
The seats themselves are additionally properly padded and completed in additional of that quilted pretend leather-based. There’s a nice really feel to the world again right here, and it is capped off by a gentle fold-down armrest and a collection of rear-facing air vents, the latter discovered on the again of the centre console and the ground.
Moving to the boot reveals loads of cargo-carrying capability. The quoted area of 435 litres is barely bigger than the Jaecoo J7, and virtually an identical to a front-wheel drive BYD Atto 3.
Unfortunately, there’s nothing underneath the ground past some further storage cubbies – solely a tyre restore package is included. There’s additionally a disappointing lack of something underneath the bonnet; one other storage compartment could be drastically appreciated.
| Dimensions | Lepas L6 |
|---|---|
| Length | 4570mm |
| Width | 1852mm |
| Height | 1676mm |
| Wheelbase | 2700mm |
| Cargo capability (to roof) | 435L – rear seats up 1255L – rear seats folded |
To see how the Lepas L6 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
What’s underneath the bonnet?
Just one powertrain is at present obtainable for the Lepas L6 – a front-wheel drive EV with one electrical motor. Peak energy and torque outputs are quoted at 160kW and 275Nm, with vitality sourced from a 65kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack.
| Specifications | Lepas L6 |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Single-motor electrical |
| Battery | 65kWh LFP |
| Peak energy | 160kW |
| Peak torque | 275Nm |
| Drive kind | Front-wheel drive |
| Tare mass | 1860kg |
| Energy consumption (claimed) | 17.5kWh/100km |
| Claimed vary (WLTP) | 440km |
| Max AC cost fee | 6.6kW |
| Max DC cost fee | 120kW – 22min 30-80 per cent |
| Braked towing capability | 750kg |
A PHEV model is tentatively locked in for an Australian launch in 2027, although specs have but to be confirmed.
We did not get sufficient time within the L6 on the Lepas launch occasion to report a consultant real-world vitality consumption determine, however one automobile was exhibiting 14.2kWh/100km on its journey pc after practically three hours of driving.
To see how the Lepas L6 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
How does the Lepas L6 drive?
The L6’s drive expertise is, commendably, simply effective. There’s nothing essentially dangerous about it, even when it is from excellent.
Almost all of the adverse issues we have complained about with different Chery fashions do not apply to the Lepas, and it appears the corporate’s engineers have genuinely taken suggestions on board.
Nowhere is that extra apparent than the L6’s security gear. Our restricted impressions from the launch occasion counsel it is well-calibrated, and it appears to be one of many least obnoxious Chery automobiles we have pushed to date when it comes to ADAS execution.
There are caveats, after all. We did not get a full check of driver-assistance methods like cruise management, nor did we actually have sufficient time to see whether or not any points finally cropped up. But different security methods like lane-keep help and driver consideration monitoring have been unintrusive; the latter solely piped up as soon as throughout a protracted head-check, which is refreshing.
When it involves the L6’s on-road manners, they’re once more inoffensive. There’s an undeniably nondescript character about all of it, as a result of nothing actually jumps out as disappointingly dangerous or surprisingly good.
Take the steering. It feels much less wobbly than we have skilled in Cherys of the previous, but it surely’s nonetheless very gentle and numb feeling by default. There’s nearly no communication between the entrance wheels and your palms. While the L6 is not a sports activities automobile, this makes it tough to meter your inputs as exactly as it’s possible you’ll like.
The identical is true of the brake pedal. While it feels moderately stable underfoot, it is weirdly tough to gauge precisely how a lot stress you are making use of. For many, these will not be dealbreakers, and the L6 remains to be higher than many Chery fashions in these respects.
As for the powertrain, it is a easy setup that works properly. Throttle calibration is sweet, and it is very straightforward to modulate energy supply. Sharp inputs will nonetheless spin the entrance wheels although, particularly whereas turning.
The obtainable energy is stable however not phenomenal; it is sufficient to get the L6 transferring in a rush. There’s even pronounced propulsion noise underneath load that sounds extra spaceship than synthesised four-pot.
And naturally, it is very clean. If you need to decelerate with out the brake pedal, there are three equally clean regenerative braking settings that do what they are saying on the tin. There’s no one-pedal driving functionality, nonetheless, even within the strongest regen power.
An odd quirk right here is the on-screen integration of those regen controls. You can assign the ‘star’ button on the steering wheel as a regen controller, however urgent it opens a widget in the course of the central touchscreen that does not shut by itself, blocking no matter you had open.
The comfort of a regen shortcut button is due to this fact considerably eroded. Lepas is no less than conscious of this and has promised to make enhancements the place crucial.
Ride high quality, in the meantime, seems to have been tuned ‘European-style’ in pretty typical Chinese EV style. That’s to say it is comparatively agency and does not really feel too floaty, however is not by any means uncomfortable.
Body management may nonetheless be higher, nonetheless, as harsh bumps will usually buck the cabin greater than we would like. Perhaps barely softer damping may offset the agency preliminary hits.
Handling-wise, there’s a suitable quantity of physique roll, and the L6 stays principally composed. Again, that numb steering lets it down, because it does not telegraph sufficient of the automobile’s physics to precisely place it in turns.
Overall on-road composure is properly sorted, although, and it helps that the L6 will get cheap Kumho rubber from the manufacturing unit. It definitely feels extra sure-footed than loads of different Chinese EVs.
Similarly, basic refinement ranges are stable. Road and wind noise are stored at acceptable ranges, although we would have an interest to see if that holds up on coarse-chip nation highway surfaces – the curated drive route on the launch was fairly clean.
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There are only a handful of drive modes on supply, selectable utilizing one of many few bodily buttons on the centre console. They all carry out as anticipated, with Eco mode softening throttle response and Sport mode sharpening it again up.
It additionally provides weight to the steering, although it feels fairly synthetic and does not actually enhance highway really feel. Normal mode is the place the L6 feels finest.
All up, the L6 offers a nice driving expertise. It might also have a slight edge in key areas over different Chery merchandise, however we’re but to evaluate whether or not they’re well worth the not-so-slight worth premium.
To see how the Lepas L6 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
What do you get?
At launch, the Lepas L6 is accessible in a single extremely outfitted variant.
2027 Lepas L6 Signature gear highlights:
- Heat pump
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Kumho Ecsta PS71 tyres
- Tyre restore package
- Auto LED headlights
- LED entrance and rear fog lights
- LED tail-lights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Power-folding heated facet mirrors
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- ‘Premium’ steering wheel
- Synthetic leather-based seat upholstery
- 6-way energy driver’s seat with lumbar and place reminiscence
- 6-way energy entrance passenger seat
- Heated and ventilated entrance seats
- 8.88-inch digital instrument show
- 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Bluetooth
- DAB+ digital radio
- Intelligent voice command
- 8-speaker Sony sound system
- Wireless cellphone charger
- 2 x entrance USB-C ports
- 1 x rear USB-A port
- 1 x rear USB-C port
- Dual-zone local weather management
- Interior ambient lighting
- Panoramic sunroof
- Rear privateness glass
- Power tailgate
- Keyless entry
To see how the Lepas L6 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
Is the Lepas L6 secure?
The 2027 Lepas L6 has but to be crash-tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP and is due to this fact unrated.
Standard security gear highlights:
- 7 airbags, incl:
-
- Front
- Front-side
- Front-centre
- Curtain
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Autonomous parking help with distant parking help
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Driver consideration monitoring
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Lane-centring
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keep help
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Safe exit warning
- Surround-view monitor
- Tyre stress monitoring
To see how the Lepas L6 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
How a lot does the Lepas L6 value to run?
Lepas Australia affords a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre automobile guarantee, and an eight-year, 200,000km high-voltage battery guarantee.
| Servicing and Warranty | Lepas L6 |
|---|---|
| Vehicle guarantee | 7 years, limitless kilometres |
| High-voltage battery guarantee | 8 years, 200,000km |
| Roadside help | Up to 7 years, service-activated |
| Service intervals | TBC |
| Capped-price servicing | 7 years |
| Average annual service value | TBC |
| Total capped-price service value | TBC |
Lepas Australia says it can supply a capped-price servicing program, but it surely has but to announce pricing or particular upkeep intervals.
To see how the Lepas L6 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
CarExpert’s Take on the Lepas L6 Signature
The Lepas L6 is a effective automobile with slight enhancements over most different Chery fashions in a number of key areas, but it surely must do extra to face out from the gang.
Its inside is stable, if somewhat too screen-heavy, and its on-road manners are greater than acceptable. Chery has additionally clearly improved its security tech, which leaves us with constructive first impressions.
But the L6 is costlier than most present Chery-built SUVs, even these bigger than it. More than $50,000 on the highway is a tricky ask when this automobile is just somewhat bit higher than some associated SUVs which might be rather a lot cheaper.
Maybe the bespoke vendor community will assist it stand out, but it surely simply does not really feel like there’s sufficient distinction inside the mannequin itself. Two brilliant colors solely go to date, sadly.
It’s nearly just like the Lepas L6 has an id disaster. It’s definitely among the many higher fashions from the Chery steady to each sit in and drive, however many might discover its extra ‘premium’ positioning onerous to justify – perhaps the incoming Lepas hatchback will make extra sense when it arrives right here.
CarExpert can prevent 1000’s on a brand new Lepas L6. Click right here to get an excellent deal.
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MORE: Explore the Lepas L6 showroom
CarExpert attended this occasion as a visitor of Chery.
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