Lepas L4 EV: The electric "Leopard" that promises to conquer the streets of Romania in 2026
If until now the European car market was accustomed to the invasion of Omoda and Jaecoo models, a new "predator" from the family of the Chinese giant Chery is preparing to enter the scene. Lepas, the new brand that emphasizes "accessible elegance", has officially confirmed that the purely electric version of the L4 model will be the big star of the Beijing Auto Show (April 24 - May 3, 2026).
The best news for our drivers? The Lepas L4 EV is coming to Europe and, implicitly, to the Romanian market.
From Milan to Beijing: A rapid rise
The brand's European debut took place recently at the prestigious Milan Design Week, where Lepas caught all eyes with its larger models, the L6 and L8. If the event in Italy was about style and lifestyle, the Beijing Show is about pure technology.
The L4 EV is positioned as a B-segment SUV, strategically designed for urban jungles, where agility and a small footprint are essential.
Exterior Design: "Leopard Aesthetics"
Lepas does not shy away from metaphors. The design language, dubbed Leopard Aesthetics, attempts to capture the dynamism of the feline in full motion.
- Front: The LED headlamps are extremely thin, with a light signature reminiscent of a "leopard's gaze".
- Silhouette: The lines are fluid yet athletic, designed to maximize aerodynamics – a crucial factor for an electric vehicle.
- Rims: Specific design to reduce rolling resistance while providing a premium look.
Interior: Cutting-edge technology and "Cloud Comfort"
Inside, the Lepas L4 EV refuses to look like a "budget" model. The Chinese have opted for a mix of soft-touch materials and a massive digital interface.
- Center screen: A 13.2-inch portrait display dominates the center console, integrating most of the car's functions.
- Seats: Called "Cloud Comfort," these are designed to reduce fatigue in traffic jams.
- Connectivity: Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard, along with a 540° camera system (which allows you to see even "under" the car).
Performance, Battery and Safety
Although full technical details will be officially "unleashed" in Beijing, we already know that the L4 EV is based on the Chery Group's modular NEV (New Energy Vehicle) platform.
| Specification (Estimates) | Details |
| Battery | Approximately 50 - 55 kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | ~ 400 km |
| Charging | 30% - 80% in about 20 minutes (at DC fast chargers) |
| Motor Power | ~ 150 - 180 HP |
When it comes to safety, Lepas makes no compromises for the European market. The model is equipped with 8 airbags (including a central airbag between the front passengers) and a full assistance package (ADAS) that includes autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control with a "traffic crawl" function.
When does it arrive in Romania and at what price?
The launch strategy for Romania is already established. Chery Group will introduce the Lepas brand in our country starting in the second half of 2026.
- Launch in Romania: The Lepas L4 EV is scheduled to arrive in Romanian showrooms in September 2026. The PHEV (plug-in hybrid) version will follow in November.
- Estimated price: Although official prices have not been announced, the brand's positioning is between the mass and premium segments. For the local market, we expect the Lepas L4 EV to start at around 28,000 - 32,000 Euros (before the application of Rabla Plus subsidies), becoming a serious rival for models like the MG ZS EV or the upcoming Renault 4 E-Tech.
Conclusion
Lepas seems to have figured out the recipe for success: a compact SUV that looks expensive, drives electrically, and doesn't completely empty your bank account. It remains to be seen whether the "leopard" will adapt just as well to our challenging streets.
What is your first impression of the "Leopard Aesthetics" design — do you think this more aggressive style will appeal better to the young Romanian audience than the conservative lines of European manufacturers?