LEPAS UAE Launch Nears as Chery Ships the L8 PHEV Into a Crowded Market

LEPAS, Chery Group’s new mid-to-premium new-energy vehicle brand, has shipped the first batch of L8 plug-in hybrid SUVs for the UAE and Kuwait, bringing the LEPAS UAE launch closer to a showroom debut.

The 8 July 2026 announcement confirms the first regional model and destination markets, but LEPAS has not yet named a launch date, UAE price, trim line-up or warranty.

Al Ghurair Mobility signed the exclusive UAE distribution agreement on 29 October 2025. The latest step matters because LEPAS is entering a market already packed with Chinese electrified SUVs, including products from Chery Group’s wider portfolio.

LEPAS UAE launch moves from agreement to shipment

LEPAS says the first Middle East-bound L8 PHEVs left Guangzhou Nansha Port ahead of a regional brand launch. That event is expected to set out the company’s Middle East strategy and product portfolio, although its date, city and venue remain unconfirmed.

The L8 PHEV is first in line

The L8 is a five-seat SUV built on LEPAS’s Intelligent LEX platform. These are the main details confirmed by the manufacturer so far.

• Plug-in hybrid power: LEPAS has described an overseas L8 specification using a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine and high-efficiency DHT electric drive, with a combined 205 kW and 365 Nm. UAE homologation figures have not been published, so the local output could differ.
• Long-distance range: The latest Middle East announcement claims more than 1,300 km of combined range. A separate overseas presentation quoted 100 km of electric-only driving, while LEPAS has also claimed a 30 to 80 per cent charging time of 20 minutes, but the final UAE test-cycle figures remain unknown.
• Equipment aimed at Gulf heat: LEPAS says the 2,800 mm wheelbase L8 has UV-insulated, heat-reducing glass and climate control capable of lowering cabin temperature by 32°C in five minutes. Those are manufacturer claims and will need real-world testing in UAE summer conditions.

L6 and L4 models are planned for the region

The L8 will not be LEPAS’s only Middle East product if the announced roll-out proceeds. The brand says smaller electrified SUVs will follow, although it has not assigned firm dates to individual GCC countries.

• A broader electric range: LEPAS has listed the L6 EV, L4 EV and L6 PHEV as future regional arrivals. It has not confirmed which versions will be offered in the UAE or whether all three will be sold in the same launch phase.
• An SUV-led strategy: The L4, L6 and L8 give LEPAS products across several crossover sizes, with the L8 serving as the opening flagship. Prices, battery capacities and locally certified driving ranges for the smaller models remain undisclosed.

Can LEPAS separate itself from Chery’s other UAE brands?

The market opportunity is substantial, but so is the branding challenge. Roland Berger estimated in 2024 that Chinese manufacturers’ GCC market share would rise from 2 per cent in 2019 to about 15 per cent by 2025, while warning that stronger brand identities and after-sales support would be needed to sustain growth.

Three issues will shape whether LEPAS becomes recognisable beyond its styling:

• Clear positioning: LEPAS describes itself as a mid-to-premium brand focused on design, technology and comfort. The UAE price will show whether the L8 sits near mainstream family SUVs or asks buyers to consider it against more established premium badges.
• Heavy internal and external competition: Likely comparisons include the BYD Song Plus plug-in hybrid, Jaecoo J7 SHS and Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid, although the exact rival set depends on price and specification. With several similarly powered Chinese SUVs already on sale, product separation will be especially important.
• Dealer and ownership confidence: Al Ghurair gives LEPAS an experienced local partner and already represents Chery Group’s EXEED and RELY brands. LEPAS has not yet detailed its UAE showroom footprint, parts operation, service locations or roadside-assistance package.

What UAE buyers still need before placing orders

As of 12 July 2026, the shipment is confirmed but the retail offer is not. Buyers should treat any unofficial price or delivery estimate as provisional until LEPAS or Al Ghurair publishes the local order book.

• Price, trims and warranty: No official UAE starting price, equipment grades, vehicle warranty or high-voltage battery warranty has been announced. Finance offers and service packages are also still unknown.
• Final local specification: Battery capacity, charging power, tyre specification, safety equipment and UAE-certified fuel consumption have not been confirmed. The global figures provide direction, but they should not be assumed to match the Gulf-market car.
• Sales timing and availability: LEPAS has not stated when customer deliveries will begin or which emirates will receive the first showrooms. The company has only said that the regional launch countdown has started.

The real test begins at the UAE showroom

LEPAS arrives with useful foundations: Chery hybrid technology, an established UAE distributor and product features developed with hot climates in mind. Standing out will depend less on another long equipment list and more on a credible price, strong after-sales coverage and a clear reason to choose the L8 over closely related alternatives.