18:53 26-11-2025

Chery to launch Lepas, iCaur and Exlantix in Europe

Chery accelerates in Europe: Lepas arrives in Italy with the L8 PHEV, iCaur readies the V27 range-extender, and premium Exlantix brings the ES EV by 2026–2027.

After the strong start of Omoda and Jaecoo in 2024, Chery is accelerating its push into Europe. The company is preparing three new brands for Italy: Lepas is due in 2026, iCaur will follow in 2027, and the premium electric marque Exlantix is slated to arrive before the end of the decade.

First out of the gate is Lepas, a global project that blends the ideas of leap and passion. Its debut model for Italy will be the Lepas L8, a 4.68‑meter crossover. The design features a large grille, vertical headlights, and a pared-back cabin with digital instruments and a sizable portrait display. At launch, the lineup will include a plug-in hybrid: a 1.5‑liter turbo paired with a 204‑hp electric motor for a combined 278 hp. An 18‑kWh LFP battery enables more than 100 km of electric-only driving. The top version is expected to start at about 40 thousand euros. By 2029, Lepas plans to add five more models and aims to reach annual sales of 500,000 cars. The clean styling and pragmatic powertrain read as a value-first proposition, and the EV range looks well judged for daily use.

The second brand, iCaur, leans into a utilitarian aesthetic and the spirit of classic off-roaders. Its European lineup will open with the V27, a large SUV stretching beyond five meters. It will use a range-extended powertrain: a 1.5‑liter turbo gasoline unit works as a generator, while electric drive delivers up to 455 hp and around 200 km of pure electric range. Versions with rear-wheel drive and i-AWD are planned, along with a broad selection of travel-oriented accessories. The concept favors long-distance flexibility without constant charging stops, and the accessories signal a clear adventure bent.

Exlantix will become the flagship of Chery’s all-electric range. The ES is a quick four-door EV on the E0X platform, offering up to 650 hp and a 0–100 km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds. Claimed range reaches 720 km under China’s CLTC cycle. In Europe, the brand is set to arrive in 2026–2027, joined by the ET electric crossover. On paper, the ES is a statement model designed to push the brand upmarket and set the tone for the lineup.