Chery’s newest Australian brand Lepas has revealed detailed specifications for its first local model, confirming the L6 electric SUV will offer 440km of WLTP range when it launches in October.
The timing is a slight acceleration of the rollout, with Lepas previously indicating the mid-size electric SUV would arrive in November.
The L6 will spearhead the launch of Lepas in Australia and enter one of the most hotly contested parts of the EV market, lining up against the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, Geely EX5, XPeng G6 and Deepal S07.
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Pricing remains under wraps and will be announced closer to launch.
The Australian L6 EV will be powered by a 65kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery feeding a single front-mounted electric motor producing 160kW and 275Nm.
As well as the 440km WLTP driving range Lepas claims energy consumption of 17.5kWh/100km.
The company has not yet revealed the L6’s maximum DC charging rate, but says a 30-80 per cent charge will take approximately 22 minutes.
The L6 is underpinned by Chery Group’s new LEX architecture, which has been developed specifically for Lepas and can accommodate both battery-electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
Lepas says the platform combines an advanced electrical architecture with high-efficiency electric propulsion and intelligent chassis technology, while also supporting future software and technology updates.
The Australian L6 will roll on 19-inch machined-finish alloy wheels and comes with LED exterior lighting and a panoramic glass roof.
Inside, there’s an 8.88-inch digital instrument display and 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
An eight-speaker Sony audio system, 50W wireless phone charging, synthetic leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, selectable ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof with powered sunshade are also included. Other standard equipment includes a powered tailgate and puddle lights.
Lepas has also detailed the L6’s driver-assistance package, which includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and lane departure prevention.
Seven airbags are fitted. A 360-degree camera provides centimetre-level distance displays and alerts, while automatic parking assistance can steer the L6 into reverse, parallel and perpendicular parking spaces. Remote Parking Assist will also be included.
The specification announcement follows confirmation that Lepas has conducted an extensive Australian development program for the L6 ahead of its launch.
Prototype vehicles have covered thousands of kilometres on metropolitan, regional and rural roads, with local work covering ride and handling, ADAS calibration, software integration and general refinement.
The program has included coarse-chip bitumen, country highways, mountain roads and urban environments, as well as hot- and cold-weather testing.
Lepas is being positioned as a more premium, design-focused member of Chery Group’s rapidly expanding Australian brand portfolio that also includes Chery itself, Omoda and Jaecoo. ICaur and Freelander are confirmed future additions..
The L6’s exterior styling theme includes slim LED lighting said to be inspired by a leopard’s eyes, while the cabin is pitched as a step up in materials and presentation from Chery’s mainstream offerings.
The L6 will be the first Lepas model sold here, with more electrified SUVs expected to follow.
Before the L6 reaches showrooms, Australian buyers will get their first public look at it at the Everything Electric show at Sydney Olympic Park from September 18-20.
