2027 Lepas L6 PHEV First Drive: A First Look at the Latest Brand Coming to Booran

Written by Daniel Romero

A new name is about to join the new energy vehicle conversation in Melbourne, and we have had an early look at what it brings to the table.

Chery Group is preparing to add another brand to the new energy vehicle landscape in Australia, and this one is positioned differently to anything the company has offered before. Lepas sits above the value-focused Chery range, the sporty Omoda line and the outdoor-oriented Jaecoo models, built around what the brand describes as elegant European design and a more premium ownership experience.

The first model expected to land locally is the L6, a mid-size SUV roughly comparable in footprint to a BYD Atto 3 or Geely Starray EM-i. It will be offered in both plug-in hybrid and full electric guises, built on Chery's new LEX platform, and is expected to arrive in Australia in late 2026 or 2027 through a dedicated Lepas showroom network.

We recently had the opportunity to spend extended time in the L6 PHEV on roads in China, and wanted to share an early look at what Melbourne buyers can expect when the brand makes its way into the Booran Motor Group family.

What Powers the Lepas L6 PHEV

The L6 PHEV combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 205kW and 365Nm. Lepas claims an electric-only range of around 90 kilometres on the WLTP cycle, with total combined range exceeding 1,100 kilometres. In real-world testing with the battery depleted, fuel consumption settled at a respectable 5.2L/100km, figures that compare well against established hybrid rivals.

For day-to-day Melbourne driving, that electric range covers most household commutes without the engine needing to engage at all, while the total range removes any concern about longer trips out of the city.

Lepas L6 Exterior Design and Colour Options

The L6 wears a clean, curvaceous shape with European-influenced proportions, styling that should sit comfortably in any suburban driveway without drawing unwanted attention, or among the European themed city we spent the first night of our 400km+ road test in. Look closer at the headlights, however, and there is a sharper character at play. The signature "Hunting Eye" LED design carries genuine presence, a detail that suggests this brand has more personality than its first impression lets on.

Colour options are a highlight too. We drove a pearlescent orange example in China, a welcome departure from the white, silver and grey that dominates most driveways. We are hopeful these bolder colours make their way to the Australian range when Lepas arrives at Booran.

Step inside and the L6 offers a modern, well-equipped interior with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control and a panoramic sunroof. The feature set is generous for the segment, and the Sony audio system is a pleasant surprise.

At 4554mm long and 1852mm wide on a 2700mm wheelbase, the L6 is a genuinely large compact SUV, bigger than the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid we offer throughout our group, and approaching the footprint of plug-in hybrid rivals like the BYD Sealion 6. In the petrol segment it lines up closely against the MG HS, while in the full electric space its closest equivalents are the BYD Atto 3 and Geely EX5.

Because the L6 is built from the ground up as a dedicated PHEV and EV platform rather than an adapted petrol design, it makes the most of that footprint in the rear seat.

During more than 300 kilometres as a rear seat passenger, the comfort on offer was genuinely impressive for myself at 5'10" in height, ahead of what you would find in a similarly sized petrol SUV like the Mazda CX-5 and competitive with larger plug-in hybrid options like the Sealion 6. For families who spend real time with passengers in the back, this is a meaningful point of difference, and one our team will be able to demonstrate firsthand once Lepas arrives at Booran.

Extended periods using a phone and laptop in the back seat produced no discomfort or motion sickness, which is not something every vehicle in this class can claim over a long drive.

The Lepas super hybrid system in the L6 works smoothly, with a seamless transition between electric and petrol power that most drivers will never notice in daily use. Performance is brisk thanks to the 205kW combined output, and the cabin stays impressively quiet at highway speeds. This is one of the things I feel most people will appreciate about a plug-in hybrid, you get all the drive benefits of an EV, with the flexibility of petrol top-ups for those spontaneous road trips.

Ride comfort was strong across the open road sections of our test route, with the suspension soaking up longer journeys with ease. In tighter urban conditions there were moments where the ride felt a touch softer than ideal, the kind of character that a local suspension tune, something Lepas has indicated will be developed for Australian roads, should help iron out before the car reaches local showrooms.

What This Means for Booran Customers

Lepas represents a genuinely interesting addition to the new energy vehicle market, and one that Booran Motor Group is excited to bring to Melbourne buyers. The combination of strong rear seat space, efficient plug-in hybrid technology and distinctive styling gives the L6 real potential in a competitive segment that includes the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, MG HS, BYD Sealion 6 and BYD Atto 3, all of which our team can show you.

As we get closer to the Australian launch, we will continue to share updates on specification, pricing and local availability as they are confirmed. In the meantime, if you would like to register your interest in the Lepas range ahead of its arrival at Booran, our team would be glad to keep you informed every step of the way.

Lepas L6 PHEV Specifications

Specifications are based on our overseas model tested and are subject to change for the Australian market.

Booran Motor Group will confirm local pricing and availability closer to launch.