LEPAS South Africa Market Entry with LEX Platform Vehicles

On December 15, LEPAS South Africa market entry plans were formally confirmed, marking a strategic expansion by LEPAS, a brand under the Chery Group umbrella. The company announced it will begin official operations in South Africa in February 2026, introducing three models—the L4, L6, and flagship L8—designed to address diverse passenger vehicle needs while strengthening Chery’s footprint in the African automotive landscape.
The LEPAS brand was first unveiled locally in November 2025, setting the stage for a carefully phased rollout. Its entry aligns with rising consumer demand for technologically advanced yet versatile vehicles that balance performance, comfort, and safety in emerging automotive markets.
LEX Platform Enables Flexible Vehicle Architectures
The LEPAS South Africa market entry is underpinned by Chery Group’s newly upgraded LEX platform, a modular architecture engineered to support both new energy vehicles (NEVs) and internal combustion engine (ICE) models. This flexibility allows LEPAS to adapt quickly to regional powertrain preferences and regulatory requirements.
Key benefits of the LEX platform include:

• Compatibility with electric and conventional drivetrains

• Optimized structural rigidity for ride comfort and safety

• Scalable dimensions to support multiple vehicle segments

This platform strategy positions LEPAS to respond effectively to future shifts in propulsion technologies without major redesigns.
Interior Space Designed for Comfort and Practicality
Passenger comfort is a central focus of the LEPAS product lineup entering South Africa. The L4 and L8 models emphasize efficient packaging and generous cabin space, supporting both daily commuting and long-distance travel.
Notable interior proportions include:

• L4: 2,700 mm wheelbase within a 4,400 mm overall length

• L8: 2,800 mm wheelbase housed in a 4,688 mm body

These dimensions translate into improved legroom, balanced seating ergonomics, and enhanced overall ride quality for occupants.
Powertrain Performance Tuned for Real-World Driving
The LEPAS South Africa market entry lineup features a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine option, delivering a balanced mix of efficiency and responsiveness. With an output of 115 kW and 235 Nm of torque, the powertrain is calibrated for smooth acceleration and confident highway performance.
Performance enhancements are supported by:

• Intelligent chassis control systems

• Refined suspension tuning for stability

• Optimized torque delivery for urban and highway conditions

This setup ensures consistent driving dynamics across varying road environments.
Safety Engineering Built into Vehicle Development
Safety is integrated into the LEPAS engineering philosophy from the earliest development stages. Vehicles developed on the LEX platform adhere to a comprehensive safety framework consisting of 127 engineering validation standards.
Development highlights include:

• Approximately 95% CAE simulation accuracy during design

• Advanced structural analysis to improve crash performance

• Proactive safety considerations embedded in platform architecture

These measures reinforce LEPAS’s commitment to delivering vehicles that meet global safety expectations.
As LEPAS prepares for its official market launch, the combination of platform flexibility, interior comfort, reliable performance, and robust safety engineering positions the brand to compete effectively in South Africa’s evolving passenger car market.