1,040 kilometers per 33,990 € and free financing: we test the new hybrid SUV that competes with BYD and MG
With MG, BYD, OMODA, and JAECOO leading Chinese automaker sales in our country, Chery Group (owner of OMODA and JAECOO) is finally launching its third brand officially. This new brand features a striking offering: free financing on its first model, the Lepas L8 — a 4.68-meter-long plug-in hybrid SUV that offers up to 1,040 km of range, starting at 33,990 euros.
Amidst a fierce competitive landscape in the plug-in hybrid SUV market, where MG offers its HS PHEV for just 24,540 euros and Geely’s Starray [read our review] challenges BYD’s dominance in this segment at 25,125 euros, the Lepas joins this competitive lineup.
A plug-in hybrid SUV with 1,040 km of range that should concern BYD and MG.
It does this with a model that is 4.68 meters long, 1.87 meters wide, 1.68 meters high, with an axle spacing of 2.8 meters. This last figure is particularly significant, as we will see later. Additionally, it features a spacious trunk with a capacity of 507 liters, which can be expanded to up to 1,314 liters.
According to Lepas, its first model available in Spain falls under the category of larger C-segment SUVs. However, its length makes it a direct competitor to the BYD Seal U DM-i at 4.75 meters—read our review—or to the aforementioned MG HS PHEV with a length of 4.76 meters. There is a slight difference, as while Lepas does not aim to position itself as a premium brand, elegance is highlighted as one of its distinguishing factors—“it may not be ostentatious,” according to its executives in Spain—they explain that they seek to be “a generalist brand that wants to offer a bit more” in terms of comfort or technology.
And speaking of technology, the Lepas L8 makes its debut with a system that, although it has sparked controversy in recent weeks due to misuse, is causing a frenzy in Spain. It features a plug-in hybrid setup consisting of a 105 kW / 143 hp gasoline engine paired with an electric motor producing 150 kW / 204 hp, which is typically responsible for driving the wheels.
Thus, the total power output when in hybrid mode is 205 kW / 279 hp, along with a torque of 365 Nm. For an SUV weighing around 1,950 kg, this power output delivers a decent and even agile performance. However, it lacks a sporty or overly dynamic response—accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds with a top speed of 180 km/h—which isn’t what this plug-in hybrid SUV is aimed at, as it is more focused on being a comfortable family vehicle.
This plug-in hybrid model is equipped with an LFP battery of 18.4 kWH, providing up to 90 km of pure electric range – 123 km in urban conditions. Combined with an average certified fuel consumption of 2.2 L/100 km – 6.0 L/100 km when the battery is depleted – and a 60 L fuel tank, this plug-in hybrid SUV, available from 33,990 €, can achieve the aforementioned 1,040 km of range.
That said, it’s also important to note that the battery can be charged at up to 40 kW using fast charging, which allows it to go from 20% to 80% charge in 30 minutes; it charges at 6.6 kW with alternating current or home charging... Keep in mind that direct competitors like the MG HS charge at 7 kW, while the aforementioned BYD Seal U DM-i charges at 11 kW.
An interior that “offers a bit more” for four adults standing 1.90 m tall
In our first encounter with this Lepas — which you can read in more detail here — we already highlighted the ample space available, especially in the rear seats. But it’s not the only standout feature. The dashboard combines a 10.25” digital instrument cluster with a vertical 13.2” central multimedia screen.
Both are the most striking features of a dashboard that combines the textured, rubbery soft plastics on its upper part with plastic inserts—most of which were removed from the pre-series version in black piano finish—and vegan leather. The build quality is impressive, and even the less refined plastics on the lower part of the dashboard and doors offer great durability. With that said, we can indeed say that this Lepas, as the brand states, “offers something more” than its sister brands OMODA and JAECOO, as well as many BYD and MG models.
A factor to consider is that Lepas is not a brand sold in China, but rather it is marketed in other Asian markets and Europe, meaning this car was developed with the European customer in mind. Thus, in addition to its higher quality compared to other Chinese SUVs, this Lepas also features a European-style tuning approach—which we will see later—and, on the dashboard, an emphasis on restoring physical buttons.
And so, while the lower part of its screen features a menu with numerous options containing nine controls that regulate everything from temperature to the app menu, the most practical controls are located beneath this screen: a circular knob that allows selection between the four driving modes—Pure, Eco, Comfort, and Sport—along with a customizable option called Custom—and nine additional physical buttons that enable everything from activating the hazard lights to controlling the entire climate system.
Otherwise, in the front seats we find comfortable cushions, ample space reaching up to the ceiling—suitable for drivers over 1.90 meters tall—and a raised central console with a 12V outlet, a USB A port, another Type C connector, as well as an anti-slip surface in its lower section. At the top is a wireless charger for phones up to 50W, two cup holders, and an air vent under the armrest.
Still, we believe the most surprising and best feature of this car are its rear seats. We mentioned earlier its 2.8-meter wheelbase, and here this figure translates into excellent longitudinal legroom for passengers, more typical of a luxury sedan than a C-class SUV. Thus, tall passengers can even stretch their legs and place their feet under the front seats.
And when we talk about height, we can refer to 1.90 meters or even a few centimeters more. Initially, the backrests of the rear seats in this plug-in hybrid SUV, starting at 33,990 €, are slightly more reclined than usual, which increases the headroom as well as ride comfort. But it’s also possible to recline these backrests even further, perfect for resting during trips.
Even its trunk offers a decent size of 507 L. However, note that its main compartment doesn’t account for the entire capacity—Lepas manages to achieve over 500 L thanks to a spacious, single-height area under the trunk floor, which adds more than 40 L. This space is neatly divided to hold charging cables, and its plastic lining allows it to store even wet items.
Otherwise, this Lepas’ trunk is very practical, featuring a wide, regularly shaped lid and a floor height that matches the loading threshold. It also includes two side hooks for hanging loads, four rings to secure them if necessary, and a 12V outlet.
Two trim levels, both generous
In Spain, the Lepas 8 is already available for 33,990 euros, including trade discounts, financing, and a down payment under Plan Auto+. It comes in two trim levels called Essence and Elegance.
The first model already comes highly equipped, with 19-inch tires, an alarm system, 10 airbags, a 540º panoramic camera, front and rear parking sensors, hill start assist and downhill control, adaptive cruise control, automatic adaptive headlights with full LED lights, a rain sensor, roof rails, a leather steering wheel, and fabric as well as synthetic leather upholstery, manually adjustable seats, a two-zone climate control system, voice control, Bluetooth, a navigation system, wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, electric mirrors that are also heated and fold automatically;
The Elegance upper trim adds to the above features 20-inch wheels — both with 235/45 tires — remote automatic parking via control panel, leather upholstery — standard in black, available in brown — electric driver’s seat, ventilated, heated, and massaging front seats, air purifier, interior noise cancellation system, electric trunk lid, or panoramic sunroof.
How does this plug-in hybrid SUV with a 1,040 km range perform?
During our first contact, Lepas made it clear that the SUV we were able to drive was a ‘non-final’ unit for the Spanish market. And now they have reiterated the ‘European’ refinement they have implemented for this SUV.
Months after testing our first Lepas L8, Híbridosyelectricos was able to test the final version for Spain over a distance of just a few kilometers using this SUV with a range of 1,040 km. And note that Lepas promised 1,100 km, but this figure has dropped due to homologation issues...
Once behind the wheel, we found a car clearly designed for family use. This is evident in its power delivery, which is gradual in any driving mode, with the Pure mode limited to electric use and the Eco mode optimized for hybrid performance.
The Comfort mode represents a significant improvement in response and performance, making it suitable for 90% of situations and drivers, while the Sport mode offers increased power delivery and torque—again, as long as there is battery left; this model can also operate in electric mode.
In fact, during our test, the first activation of the thermal engine occurred right after asking this SUV to switch to Sport mode… which significantly drained the battery. Another thing to consider is that this SUV does not allow adjustment of regenerative braking, with each driving mode having a pre-set level of braking. That said, these brakes always provide increased resistance to movement rather than actual braking, which is convenient for passengers. Between modes, there are always smooth transitions between the different resistance levels.
The comfortable handling of this SUV is reflected in a suspension with soft steering characteristics, balanced by fairly firm damping. This is a solution we’ve seen in many EV and PHEV SUVs to control body movements caused by its 1,950 kg curb weight—and it works well. The Lepas also handles roll movements effectively—those that occur during sudden accelerations or hard braking—and exhibits minimal body sway compared to other Chinese-made SUVs. In this regard, the Lepas indeed shows a “European taste” in its design.
Part of this improved performance comes from enhancements in areas that didn’t satisfy us much during our previous test. We’ve now found a steering response that remains fairly direct—2.7 full turns from end to end—but it seems to offer less play now. Additionally, in the Custom driving mode, it can be set to two options: Comfort and Sport; the latter providing slightly more resistance to steering movement, which we find more suitable for road use, especially on roads with curves.
The same applies to braking – it is also adjustable in two modes within the Custom driving mode. Months ago, there was a drawback: a lack of more pronounced braking response at the end of the pedal stroke. Now, Lepas has informed us that this might be due to a feature called “Braking Roll Control.” With it activated, the brake sensitivity can be adjusted to two levels: low and high. The braking force still appears immediately after pressing the brake – a highly commendable feature that provides great safety for the driver – but it remains more consistent over a longer pedal stroke. With the “high” intensity, this braking force becomes even more pronounced.
With these issues resolved, the Lepas still maintains the good qualities it demonstrated with Híbridosyeléctricos months ago: overall excellent sound insulation, considering that the entire range features insulating crystals, and the Elegance finish, used in our test unit, comes with an active noise cancellation system.
Another issue we highlighted at the time was fuel consumption. In the previous test, with barely any battery left, our fuel consumption was 6.8 L/100 km compared to the 6.0 L/100 km claimed by the manufacturer; now with a full battery, the consumption remained around 5.5 L/100 km during an uphill drive on a mountain road, and 2.5 L/100 km on the same route… downhill. That said, given the length of the test drive, we were able to test this car on highways only for a short time, so we refer back to the previous figure of 6.8 L/100 km achieved on a much more demanding route.
Starting at 33,990 € with free or almost free financing
Undoubtedly one of the most striking features of this plug-in hybrid SUV’s offer is the free financing. But it’s not completely free, as what is free is the TIN or compound interest rate, while the TAE, which includes loan origination and closing fees, amounts to 1.7%, or, as Lepas notes, a 450€ origination fee.
Now, this free financing does come with conditions. The most important one is that the buyer must be able to provide 19,000 euros as a down payment. If not, for example, if they can only offer 15,000 euros, the TIN will be 0.99%; it rises to 1.99% if they give 10,000 euros as a down payment; to 2.99% if 8,000 euros are provided; and to 4.99% in all cases over a period of 48 to 72 months if the buyer of this plug-in hybrid SUV cannot make any down payment.
This free financing is not, initially, an inherent benefit of purchasing all Lepas models. For now, it is limited to purchases of the L8 in September, but the brand has indicated that they aim to be known for offering financing, if not free, then at low interest rates “as a brand signature.”
The official prices for this plug-in hybrid SUV are 41,700 euros for the base Essence trim and 45,200 euros for the higher-end Elegance trim. However, including commercial discounts, financing benefits, and the 2,250 euro subsidy from Plan Auto+ applicable to this vehicle — which this Chinese rival of BYD and MG provides at no cost — the final prices become:
Lepas L8 PHEV 279 CV Essence: 33,990 euros.
Lepas L8 PHEV 279 CV Elegance: 36,490 euros.