There has been yet another announcement of a Chinese-developed vehicle set to join our market. Lepas is extending their stay in Mzansi with news of the L6 SUV set to join the L4 model bringing with more space, tech and features.
Exterior features
LEPAS draws much of its design philosophy from the leopard, using the animal's agility and movement as inspiration for its vehicles. Exterior equipment varies from 19-inch alloy wheels and receive LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, automatic headlights and LED taillights.
Roof rails add a practical element to the exterior, while the rear spoiler and dual exhaust outlets which is standard across the two available derivatives. Convenience features include keyless entry, remote engine start and stop, push-button start and an electric tailgate. Rain-sensing wipers respond automatically when conditions change.
Interior features include quite a long list
Inside Lepas aim to give consumers a upmarket ambiance all the while keeping good space in mind, the interior offers a 13.2-inch infotainment display, wireless smartphone connectivity and a 540-degree HD surround-view camera system included across the range.
The L6’s cabin is finished in black, with faux-leather upholstery, features a multifunction steering wheel and a modern digital interface. This cabin also consists of a panoramic sunroof, Dual-zone automatic climate control, three USB ports all round and ISOFIX child-seat anchorages.
What the Pantera adds
For drivers who want every box checked, the flagship Pantera raises the bar with an even more comprehensive specification:
- Heated and ventilated front seats with power lumbar support
- An 8-speaker Sony premium audio system
- Multi-colour ambient cabin lighting to set the night-time mood
- Air purification with a water ioniser and ozone system
- Full Level-2 Driver Assistance, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Traffic Jam Assist
The Lepas adds a safety as a plus
Both derivatives are fitted with front, front-side and side-curtain airbags. The Pantera adds a front-centre airbag. The standard safety package features load-limiting and pre-tensioned front and second-row seatbelts, ISOFIX points, child-safety locks, and tyre-pressure monitoring.
It includes ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, and more. Both models come with front and rear parking sensors and various alerts. The 540-degree HD surround-view camera aids in parking. The Pantera enhances safety with Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, and Autonomous Emergency Braking, among other features.
More room to work with
The L6 measures 4,554 mm long, 1,852 mm wide and 1,681 mm tall, with a 2,700 mm wheelbase. Its generous dimensions give it a substantial presence on the road and create plenty of usable room inside.
With all five seats in place, the luggage compartment holds 435 litres. A separate 71-litre compartment beneath the load floor provides useful additional storage for smaller items or anything owners would prefer to keep out of sight.
Folding the 40:60 split second-row backrest increases the main luggage capacity to 1,255 litres, with the lower compartment still available. The roof rails can carry up to 75 kg, adding more flexibility for holidays and outdoor equipment.
What is under the bonnet?
The infamous Chinese beloved 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine. In this application the engine produces 108 kW and 225 N.m whilst the engine is paired to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission that portions power to the front wheels only. Altogether the setup is said to give out a fuel rating of 7.2 L/100 km. Drivers can choose between Eco, Normal and Sport modes, depending on whether the priority is economy, balanced daily driving or a sharper response.
Pricing and peace of mind
| L6 derivative | Price |
| Javan | R469,900 |
| Pantera | R499,900 |
All L6 derivatives are sold with a five-year/150,000 km warranty, a 10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty and a five-year/75,000 km service plan.
Catch the Lepas L6 live in action at its public debut during the Festival of Motoring (28-30 August 2026) at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit.