The Bulgarian automotive market is preparing for another serious shake-up, after it became clear that the new LEPAS brand is planning its official debut in the country in 2026. The brand operates under the umbrella of the Chinese giant Chery Group – a company that has held the leading position in car exports from China for over two decades and is already known in our country through the Omoda and Jaecoo brands.
The name of the new player is inspired by the combination of the words for leopard, jump and passion. The brand informs us that the philosophy of LEPAS relies on the so-called “leopard aesthetics“, combined with consumer-oriented technologies and a focus on sustainable mobility. The manufacturer's ambition is to position itself as the preferred choice for customers looking for an elegant lifestyle and modern drivetrains in the new energy segment.
The brand's expansion in Bulgaria will begin in stages, with the main emphasis on SUV models. The first car we will see on domestic roads is the L8 model. It will appear around mid-2026 and will initially be offered as a PHEV (plug-in hybrid). The model is aimed at the higher segment of crossovers, where competition is traditionally serious.
A little later, in September of the same year, the range will expand with the compact SUV model L6. A wider variety of drivetrains is planned for it, with customers being able to choose between a fully electric version (BEV) and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). This model will compete for attention in the popular A segment, where practicality and efficiency are leading factors.
The finale of the first wave of premieres will be set by the smallest representative in the family - L4. Its electric version is expected on the market in our country in September 2026, and two months later, in November, its PHEV modification will be launched. With this diverse line of hybrid and fully electric models, LEPAS makes a clear statement that it plans a long-term presence in Bulgaria, relying on the experience of Chery Group and the growing interest in alternative fuels. Stay tuned for more details.