Five hundred Lepas L4 SUVs arrive in Durban.
- New Chinese automaker Lepas will open its doors to customers on 3 March.
- The carmaker will serve as the premium brand under the Chery Group.
- Lepas has alreay brought in 500 vehicles to ensure enough availability when it officially launches here next month with its L4 SUV.
Another Chinese vehicle entering the South African new vehicle market is hardly a surprise these days, but it is still exciting nonetheless.
Lepas is the latest brand from the East to enter the local playing field. The automaker will serve as the premium brand under the Chery Group.
The automaker plans to launch three models in 2026, starting with the entry-level model to the local line-up, the L4 SUV. The first shipment arrived here in South Africa recently, and the occasion was celebrated at the Transnet Port Terminals, Durban Car Terminal, by Jay Jay Botes, General Manager of Lepas South Africa, and Luke Cao, Lepas’ Country Director.
Lepas SA said that as the L4s rolled onto Mzansi soil for the first time, the event reflected months of preparation and the brand’s readiness to engage customers across the country.
“This was a proud and exciting moment for us,” said Botes. “Seeing the first L4s driven off the vessel and onto our roads made everything feel real. The L4 combines intelligent technology, strong performance, and unmistakable design. We are bringing something truly special to South African drivers.”
Luke Cao added, “South Africa is a significant market for Lepas. Being here to mark this arrival reflects our commitment to the region. We are not just launching a vehicle; we are establishing a brand with a clear vision, premium product, and strong local support network.”
Intelligence from the core
Already making its public debut at the Cape Town Met on 31 January, the brand chose the event to showcase its L4 and L8 SUVs, surrounded by tastemakers and trendsetters.
Lepas L4 models lined up at the port in Durban.
According to the automaker, the Lepas L4 is built on the brand’s advanced LEX platform, which integrates intelligent architecture, safety, and performance into every vehicle. This platform ensures a balanced ride, precise handling, and a solid, safe foundation, allowing drivers to enjoy both comfort and confidence on every journey. It’s too early for Global NCAP safety crash test ratings, especially for #SaferCarsForAfrica, since the vehicle hasn’t been launched locally yet.
The brand claims the L4 has a sculpted exterior, bold front profile, and flowing lines that convey movement even when standing still, while the interior blends premium materials with smart, intuitive technology. Every detail has been designed to command attention and deliver a sophisticated, contemporary driving experience.
Ready for the South African Market
The arrival of the L4 also signals that Lepas’ dealer network is fully operational and ready for customers. Showrooms across major cities and regional centres will soon receive stock, and sales and service teams are fully trained to provide a premium customer experience when doors open nationwide on 3 March.
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Lepas says a robust after-sales network supports the launch, built on Chery, the automaker’s parent company, and proven service expertise. Customers can expect support, ready availability of parts, and a seamless service experience throughout their ownership journey, the brand promises.
Lepas will also launch the L4 to local media on 3 March, which News24 Motoring will be attending in Johannesburg. Look out for our first driving impressions early next month. The mid-sized L6 and flagship L8 will join the local line-up later in the year.
Listen out for more information about Lepas and its new vehicles in the next Driving with J9 Podcast releasing on 2 March.
