South Africa’s automotive market is about to get another new entrant, with a fresh brand from a major Chinese car group preparing to launch locally.
Lepas, a sub-brand of Chery Group Holdings, is set to debut in South Africa next month, with its first model expected to arrive on local roads shortly thereafter.
The launch model will be the Lepas L4, followed by two additional vehicles, the L6 and the brand’s flagship L8, later in the rollout.
Lepas heads to South Africa
All three models are built on Chery’s new LEX intelligent platform, a next-generation vehicle architecture designed to support both petrol-powered and new energy vehicles (NEVs), including hybrids and electric options, TopAuto reports.
The platform allows for longer wheelbases, giving vehicles more interior space and a more premium feel.
The Chinese car brand said the L4 has been engineered to combine electrified technology with everyday usability, offering buyers a balance between fuel efficiency and traditional petrol performance.
While specifications for South Africa have not yet been confirmed, the L4 is expected to be offered in both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electrified variants, following a pattern seen across other Chery sub-brands such as Omoda, Jaecoo and Jetour.
The brand positions the L4 as an “accessible elegance” offering, though official pricing has not yet been announced. Chery’s track record of offering competitively priced NEVs in South Africa suggests the L4 could enter the market at a relatively attainable price point.
According to Lepas, vehicles will feature a sleeker design than traditional Chery models, with styling inspired by the agility and elegance of a leopard. The aim is to offer a more refined, premium look while remaining accessible to a broad range of buyers.
Little has been revealed about the Lepas L8 so far, but the brand confirmed that its flagship model will launch later in 2026.
Official launch dates, full specifications and pricing for the Lepas range remain under wraps. Still, the brand’s arrival adds to the growing wave of Chinese automakers expanding their presence in South Africa.
