Lepas L6 Australia: Chery's New Electric SUV Launching in October 2026
Chery's Lepas sub-brand launches its first Australian model in October 2026 — the L6, a mid-size electric SUV with 440km WLTP range, LFP battery and extensive standard kit. Two independent sources have confirmed the core specs. Pricing has not yet been announced.
Who is Lepas — and who makes it?
Lepas is a dedicated battery-electric sub-brand created by Chery, the Chinese state-owned automaker that also produces the Omoda and Jaecoo models sold in Australia. Chery is the longest-running Chinese passenger-car exporter, with two decades of overseas sales and, as of H1 2026, 69 per cent of its revenue coming from international markets. The Lepas L6 is its first Australian model and the flagship of a new BEV-only label designed to stand apart from Chery's existing product family through bolder styling and a fully electric drivetrain.
The L6 sits on the LEX platform, developed specifically for Lepas BEV products. Chery has confirmed at least two further Lepas models for Australia — the larger L8 PHEV and the smaller L4 EV — giving the brand a roadmap rather than a single-model gambit. The vehicle is being handled by Lepas Australia, headed by Chief Operating Officer Lucas Harris.
Key specifications
The Lepas L6 is a front-wheel-drive mid-size electric SUV measuring 4,570mm in length. It is powered by a single front-mounted electric motor producing 160–165kW and 275Nm of torque — two sources give slightly different figures for power, suggesting pre-production spec sheets were in circulation at the time of publication. Both sources agree on 275Nm torque, LFP battery chemistry and a 440km WLTP range claim.
The battery is LFP (lithium iron phosphate), with The Driven quoting 67.1kWh and WhichCar quoting 65kWh — a minor discrepancy that may resolve when the official spec sheet is confirmed at launch. Energy consumption is stated as 17.5kWh/100km across both sources. DC fast charging covers 30–80 per cent in approximately 22 minutes; AC charging specifications have not yet been released. Ground clearance is 210mm, and the vehicle has a 750kg braked tow rating.
Standard equipment
The Lepas L6 arrives well-equipped for the segment. Technology highlights include dual screens (8.88-inch driver display, 13.2-inch infotainment), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice-command system, eight-speaker Sony audio, 50W wireless charging and heated and ventilated front seats. A panoramic sunroof with power shade, powered tailgate and ambient lighting are also standard.
Safety kit is comprehensive: seven airbags, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure prevention, 360-degree cameras, automatic and remote parking assistance — all standard. The L6 will be on display at the Everything Electric show at Sydney Olympic Park from 18–20 September 2026, ahead of a formal launch in October.
Market context
The Lepas L6 enters a segment already seeing strong activity from Chinese-brand EVs. At 4,570mm long and with a 67kWh battery, it sits close to the Geely EX5 and slightly above the MG S5 EV in dimensions. Australia's EV market hit a historic milestone in August 2026: battery-electric vehicles outsold petrol, diesel and hybrid cars in the same month for the first time, with BEV taking 24.9 per cent of new-car sales (27,078 units).
The L6 also arrives in the same month that Leapmotor's B05 and the Geely EX2 received five-star ANCAP ratings under the new 2026 Stages of Safety criteria — an encouraging sign for smaller Chinese-brand EVs competing on safety grounds. Chery's own financial position remains solid, with CNY 63.4 billion cash on the balance sheet as of H1 2026 and 69 per cent of revenue now generated overseas.
Frequently asked questions
- When does the Lepas L6 go on sale in Australia?
- The Lepas L6 is confirmed for an October 2026 launch in Australia. It will make its first public appearance at the Everything Electric show in Sydney on 18–20 September 2026. Pricing has not yet been announced.
- What is the Lepas L6's range in Australia?
- Two independent Australian sources confirm approximately 440km on the WLTP cycle. This is a pre-launch figure; the official spec sheet will be released closer to the October launch date.
- Is Lepas the same as Chery, Omoda or Jaecoo?
- Lepas is a separate sub-brand owned by Chery — the same Chinese group behind Omoda and Jaecoo. It uses the LEX platform developed specifically for BEV-only models and is marketed independently with distinct styling.
- What battery does the Lepas L6 use?
- The L6 uses a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. Sources differ slightly on capacity — 65kWh (WhichCar) versus 67.1kWh (The Driven). The official figure will be confirmed at launch.
- How fast does the Lepas L6 charge?
- DC fast charging covers 30–80 per cent in approximately 22 minutes, according to both confirmed sources. The exact charging power in kW has not yet been released. AC charging specs are also pending.
Keep reading
Put the numbers to work
Turn a WLTP figure into a realistic UK winter range, or see what salary sacrifice saves on your tax band.