Lepas L8 (2026) | Expert Rating

Summary

The Lepas L8 is a large plug-in hybrid SUV from Chinese newcomers Lepas, which is now available to order in the UK.

Lepas may be a new name in Europe, but not a standalone startup. It’s part of the huge Chery Group and a sister brand to Chery, Omoda and Jaecoo, which have all enjoyed successful UK launches in over the last two years.

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The L8 is a five-seat SUV based on the Chery Tiggo 8, which arrived in the UK in late 2025, but is intended to deliver a more premium feel.

Electrifying.com’s James Batchelor argues that, because similarly sized models under the same Chery umbrella already offer “such impressive interiors and generous equipment”, the L8 doesn’t really offer and “obvious” step-up in quality, though adding that Lepas offers “value that many established manufacturers struggle to match.”

The Car Expert’s own Matt MacConnell also praises the SUV for its “smooth” plug-in hybrid system and interior space, adding that “the touchscreen and steering still need polish”, when compared with the best European or Korean alternatives.

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As of November 2026, the Lepas L8 holds a New Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 60%. Beyond the car’s lower-than-average collection of review scores, this overall rating is bolstered by respectable running cost estimations and Lepas’ generous warranty coverage.

Key specifications

Image gallery

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

As of November 2026, the Lepas L8 has not been assessed by Euro NCAP.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of November 2026, the Lepas L8 has not been assessed by Green NCAP.

Running cost rating

The Lepas L8 is has a rather mixed bag of running costs, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Only available as a plug-in hybrid, the L8’s fuel efficiency looks fantastic on paper, but this is largely thanks to ridiculous EU/UK government lab tests that are completely inadequate for plug-in hybrids. You are unlikely to ever travel 403 miles on a single gallon (4.5 litres) of fuel and some electricity…

The battery range of the plug-in hybrid model is bested by many rivals, particularly in the upmarket sector that Lepas is trying to attract customers from. That said, most households could still do most of their weekly driving on 56 miles of electric-only range without using any petrol, as long as you are able to plug the L8 in regularly.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Lepas L8

As of November 2026, we are not aware of any DVSA vehicle safety recalls affecting the Lepas L8. However, recall information is updated regularly, so this may have changed.

You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Lepas dealer.

Similar cars

If you’re looking at a new or used Lepas L8, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Audi Q7 | BMW X7 | Chery Tiggo 8 | Genesis GV80 | Hyundai Santa Fe | Kia Sorento | Land Rover Defender | Lexus RX | Mercedes-Benz GLE | Mercedes-Benz GLS | Nissan X-Trail | Peugeot 5008 | Porsche Cayenne | Range Rover | Range Rover Sport | SEAT Tarraco | Skoda Kodiaq | KGM Rexton | Suzuki Across | Volkswagen Touareg | Volvo XC90

More information

More news, reviews and information about the Lepas range at The Car Expert

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