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Chery's latest sub-brand bound for Australia has unwrapped its most affordable electric car yet following the unveil of the Lepas L4 EV at the Beijing motor show.
Previewing a more affordable Chinese take on premium European all-electric small SUVs like the BMW iX1, Volvo EX30 and inbound Mercedes GLA, the new L4 EV will be joined by a plug-in hybrid version and sit below the larger Toyota RAV4-rivalling L6 and L8, when sales start this October.
Measuring in at around 4415mm long, 1817mm wide and standing 1630mm tall, the L4 EV has a relatively large 2700mm wheelbase, which is around 70mm longer than the Chery E5, providing more space.
The Lepas L4 is the first vehicle to be built on Chery's new LEX platform that is highly rigid and allows the firm to fit its latest advanced tech. The platform also benefits from input from the Chinese car giant's R&D hub, which is why it gets a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension.
In the future, Chery says it wants to engineer its cars to both have a European-tuned suspension and, once that's achieved, it will go ahead and tailor the ride and handling for markets like Australia.
Chery hopes the Lepas L4's more European look and higher-grade interiors will attract a more upmarket buyer, although when the brand arrives in the latter half of this year, we don't expect it to come with BMW or Benz-like pricing and for it to still undercut the X1 and GLA.
From launch, we'll miss out on the base 80kW 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol, or a punchier 108kW 1.5 turbo petrol, and instead be offered the new all-electric version unveiled in Beijing.
Driven by a single 150kW front e-motor that will draw power from a 67kWh battery, that will blend brisk performance and a range of around 450km.
A second plug-in hybrid will be available from launch that produces 205kW and 350Nm of torque with an undisclosed battery but will come with up to 90km of EV range on the WLTP test cycle.
Inside, the Lepas L4 like the rest of the range comes with an 8.0-inch instrument cluster and a larger 9.9-inch infotainment screen.
Standard kit includes a 360-degree camera view, parking sensors, auto headlamps and half-leather seats.
High-grade models offered in some markets add roof rails, keyless go, a premium sound system, six-way power adjustable heated and ventilated seats and adaptive cruise.
While the strategy is to position the Lepas brand eventually as a real BMW or Benz rival, for now insiders suggest the new Euro-inspired models will command a five per cent price premium over Omoda and Jaecoo models to ensure it builds up enough volume to sustain the brand.
It's thought Lepas Australia will release full details of the inbound Lepas L4 EV and the larger L6 and L8 closer to launch, including details of what trims and powertrains Australians will be offered.
