A well-equipped, polished SUV, the Lepas L6 makes a good first impression but faces the difficult task of establishing a new brand in one of South Africa’s most competitive segments.
There is nothing particularly wrong with the Lepas L6. In fact, viewed in isolation, it is a rather accomplished mid-size SUV. The problem is that South Africa’s market is no longer short of rather accomplished mid-size SUVs.
At R499,900, the flagship L6 Pantera we recently tested over a week lands almost precisely in the thick of the action. It goes up against the likes of the Haval H6 2.0T Luxury at (R495,500), Chery’s own Tiggo 8 Pro 1.6TGDI 290T LS at R499,900 (although it is closer in size to the Tiggo 7), and the MG HS 1.5T Comfort at the same price point.
On paper, that puts the Lepas under some pressure. Its 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine produces 108 kW and 225 Nm, sending power to the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The H6, meanwhile, offers 170 kW and 380 Nm from its 2.0-litre turbo, while the MG HS produces 125 kW and 275 Nm. The Tiggo 8 Pro is also more powerful, with 137 kW and 275 Nm from its 1.6-litre turbo.
Where the L6 fights back is on specification. The Pantera gets heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a powered tailgate, 13.2″ infotainment display, 19″ alloy wheels, Sony audio, and an extensive suite of driver assistance systems. It also has a 540-degree camera system, and Lepas backs the car with a five-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty and a five-year/75,000 km service plan.
THE URBAN PROPOSITION
On the road, refinement is arguably the L6’s strongest attribute. Around town it is quiet, comfortable and easy to place, with nicely weighted steering and a generally relaxed character. The cabin feels spacious, with generous rear-seat accommodation and a useful luggage compartment.
The 1.5T is adequate rather than exciting, however, and throttle response can feel hesitant at low speeds before the DCT suddenly delivers more shove than expected. Fuel consumption is reasonable rather than remarkable, with real-world use settling into around 8.5 l/100 km during our time with the car.
Styling is where Lepas has attempted to create some separation. The front end has an assertive, leopard-inspired treatment, while the slim lighting and flowing bodywork give the L6 a more upmarket appearance than its price suggests. The rear light bar, however, is becoming increasingly familiar across Chinese SUVs, and the overall effect is handsome rather than genuinely distinctive.
And that, ultimately, is my biggest reservation. Lepas is a Chery Group brand positioned around elegance, technology, and lifestyle appeal. Still, the L6 doesn’t quite feel different enough from the increasingly extensive family of products coming from the same stable. It is not directly a Tiggo 8 underneath (using Chery’s newer LEX platform), but the broader Chery DNA is unmistakable.
LAST WORD
For a new brand trying to establish itself in an already crowded market, being competent may not be enough. Lepas needs a compelling reason for buyers to choose it over the many similarly priced alternatives.
Interestingly, that reason may already be on its way. The all-electric L6 EV made its South African debut at the 2026 Festival of Motoring and is now available for pre-order. Its limited-time launch package includes a 7 kW home charger and installation, together with a R5,000 charging voucher.
With 160 kW and a claimed range of up to 450 km, and Vehicle-To-Load (V2L) capability, the EV could give Lepas the point of difference its petrol-powered L6 currently lacks. The petrol L6 is a polished and well-equipped SUV, but it enters a segment where polished and well-equipped are increasingly the norm. The L6 EV, by contrast, could give this new brand something far more valuable – a reason to stand out.
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR | Images © LEPAS SOUTH AFRICA
