Following the arrival of the L4, Lepas South Africa is dialling up the heat with the all-new L6, a larger, sharper and feature-packed SUV built to impress.
- The L6 is available in two derivatives, Javan and Pantera, both powered by a 108 kW/225 Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
- Measuring 4,554 mm long and riding on a 2,700 mm wheelbase, the L6 offers 435 litres of luggage space, increasing to 1,255 litres with the second row folded.
- Key features include a panoramic sunroof, 13.2-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 50 W wireless charging, 19-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting and a 540-degree HD surround-view camera system.
Following the successful introduction of the L4, Lepas South Africa is expanding its local range with the larger L6. The new SUV is available in two derivatives, with the Javan priced at R469,900 and the Pantera at R499,900, bringing more space, stronger road presence and a broader standard specification to the line-up.
Feline-Inspired Design Meets Modern Comfort
The L6's design takes cues from the fluid agility of a hunting leopard. The influence can be seen in its confident proportions and crisp exterior details, giving the SUV a distinctive appearance while retaining the clean, contemporary shape buyers expect in this segment. The result gives the L6 a little visual pounce without overplaying its feline inspiration.
The five-seat cabin is spacious and well-equipped, with a panoramic sunroof, 13.2-inch infotainment display, wireless smartphone connectivity and a 540-degree HD surround-view camera system included across the range.
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.
Easygoing Turbocharged Performance
The 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine produces its maximum 108 kW at 5,500 r/min, while 225 Nm of torque is available between 1,750 and 4,000 r/min. Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Drivers can choose between Eco, Normal and Sport modes, depending on whether the priority is economy, balanced daily driving or a sharper response.
Claimed combined fuel consumption is 7.2 L/100 km, while the 51-litre fuel tank should make the L6 well suited to longer journeys. Electric power steering, MacPherson-strut front suspension and independent rear suspension complete the mechanical package.
Generously Equipped as Standard
Both the Javan and Pantera ride on 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 give the L6 a sportier appearance.
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.
The electrically adjustable and heated side mirrors fold automatically, making them particularly useful in tighter parking spaces, while all four windows have one-touch operation and anti-pinch protection. A panoramic sunroof with an integrated sunshade is standard on both derivatives, giving the cabin a more open, airy feel.
A Comfortable, Connected Cabin
The L6's cabin is finished in black, with faux-leather upholstery, a multifunction steering wheel and a modern digital interface. The driver's seat offers six-way electric adjustment, while the front passenger receives four-way electric adjustment.
Dual-zone automatic climate control allows the driver and front passenger to choose individual temperature settings, with rear air vents serving the second row. An N95-level filtration system helps maintain cabin air quality, while the heated and cooled centre armrest compartment can keep drinks or other items warm or chilled.
Other useful details include a damped glove compartment, second-row reading lights, a folding rear centre armrest and ISOFIX child-seat anchorages.
The 13.2-inch infotainment display provides Bluetooth, radio, offline voice recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. Two Type-C ports are fitted in the front, while rear passengers receive one USB and one Type-C port.
A 50 W wireless charging pad is also standard, offering high-output wireless charging for compatible devices.
What the Pantera Adds
For drivers who want every box checked, the flagship Pantera raises the bar with:
- Heated and ventilated front seats with power lumbar support
- An 8-speaker Sony premium audio system
- Multi-colour ambient cabin lighting
- 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
Safety and Driver Assistance
Both derivatives are fitted with front, front-side and side-curtain airbags. The Pantera adds a front-centre airbag. The standard safety package also includes load-limiting and pre-tensioned front seatbelts, load-limiting second-row seatbelts, ISOFIX mounting points, mechanical child-safety locks and a tyre-pressure monitoring system.
ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Control are standard, along with Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, an electronic parking brake and Auto Hold.
Front and rear parking sensors are fitted to both models, along with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Blind Spot Detection, Door Opening Warning, Lane Change Assist and Multi-Collision Braking.
The standard 540-degree HD surround-view camera system provides a detailed view of the area around the vehicle, making it easier to navigate tight parking spaces and narrow entrances.
On the Pantera, the driver-assistance package expands to include Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Headlight Control, Emergency Lane Keeping, Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning.
Autonomous Emergency Braking can detect vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, while Traffic Jam Assist, Integrated Cruise Assist and Lane Departure Prevention provide additional support in traffic and on longer journeys.
The Next Step for Lepas
“The launch of the L6 is an important next step for Lepas in South Africa,” said Jay Jay Botes, General Manager of Lepas and Chery South Africa.
“The L4 introduced South Africans to Lepas, and the L6 builds on that foundation with more space, greater comfort and an even broader range of technology and safety features. It gives us a stronger presence in the local SUV market and begins to show what customers can expect as the Lepas range continues to grow.”
Pricing and Peace of Mind
- L6 Javan: R469,900
- L6 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, taking place from 28 to 30 August 2026 at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit.
Explore the all-new Lepas L6 at Thorp Lepas or contact the Thorp team to arrange a viewing and test drive.