ELECTRIC car maker LEPAS has announced full pricing and specification of its premium segment SUV - the L8 - which will launch the brand in the UK when it goes on sale in July.

Designed from the wheels up for Europe and enhanced for British roads, the L8 will be offered in two distinct and appropriately named trim lines.

The first, ‘Essence' model from the Chinese manufacturer offers everything the modern driver needs, with outstanding levels of technology, safety and comfort.

Meanwhile, ‘Elevate' models add everything the modern driver could possibly want, with in-car luxury and refinement taken to the next level for a truly high-end experience.

Prices for the L8 PHEV Essence begin at £34,900 while the L8 PHEV Elevate starts at £37,900.

Both variants are powered by the state-of-the-art LEPAS Super Hybrid ecosystem, featuring a highly efficient 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine mated to a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), electronic gear selector and a next generation 18.4kWh battery which can be DC fast charged from 30 to 80 per cent in as little as 20 minutes.

This powertrain can deliver a combined range of up to 745 miles, a pure electric range of up to 56 miles and a highly efficient combined fuel consumption of up to 403.5 mpg. CO2 emissions are just 21g/km, qualifying the L8 to drive free-of-charge in London's ultra-low emissions zone.

A fully electric L8 will follow in 2027.

The L8 will arrive in LEPAS showrooms in September, with pre-order opening in July and the first deliveries to customers in September.

The LEPAS L8 embodies a design philosophy inspired by one of nature's most captivating predators-the leopard - and evidence of this can be seen everywhere.

With flowing lines and muscular haunches the L8's form captures both the power of a leopard in full run and its grace and constant readiness when at rest.

At the front, the signature ‘Diamond Mesh' grille evokes the texture and rhythm of a leopard's coat while the distinctive ‘Leopard's Eye' daytime running lights give the model a mesmerising and menacing stare.

Externally, the only difference between Essence and Elevate models is the wheels. Each model comes with stylish diamond-cut alloys but while the Essence rides on 19-inch wheels, the Elevate strikes a more commanding pose on larger 20-inch wheels.

Both variants come with LED headlights with Intelligent High Beam Assist and LED rear lights, an acoustic laminated windscreen for noise reduction, electrically adjustable heated and power-folding wing mirrors and privacy glass on the rear windows and rear windscreen.

Elevate models also have acoustic laminated front windows for extra soundproofing, alongside Active Engine Noise Cancellation for a super quiet cabin, as well as puddle lights built-in to the wing mirrors.

From the start, LEPAS' designers and engineers worked towards the goal of making the L8 as ‘intelligent than your smartphone and comfortable as your home'.

Built on LEPAS's own highly advanced LEX platform, the L8's 2,800mm wheelbase has allowed the designers to create a truly cavernous interior.

In the back, with the front seats in a normal driving position, rear passengers can stretch out with just under a metre of rear legroom (970mm) for limo-like levels of comfort.

Both Essence and Elevate models come with a long list of interior creature comforts as standard, including panoramic sunroof with sunshade, dual-zone-climate control, keyless entry and go and remote engine start, which allows users to de-ice the car remotely while also pre-heating or pre-cooling the cabin.

Elevate customers though will enjoy a significant tech upgrade with a hands-free power tailgate, heated windscreen and power-adjustable front seats with heating, cooling and massage functions. While a 256-colour ambient interior mood lighting system and in-car fragrance technology make it possible to create the perfect vibe.

Safety features include an array of advanced systems designed to protect occupants and other road users.

Essence drivers are supported by the same core suite of protective ADAS technologies as those choosing the Elevate.

This includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB), emergency lane-keeping (ELK) and front distance monitoring (FDM) as well as driver assistance functions such as adaptive cruise control (ACC) and intelligent speed limit control (ISLC).

All L8's are equipped with 10 airbags maximum protection of all passengers in the event of a collision.

The Elevate does offer customers an upgrade on the Essence in a number of areas. Front parking sensors are added in addition to a 540 degree panoramic camera system, advanced parking assist (APA) and a remote parking assist (RPA) which allows the vehicle to steer, brake, and shift gears into or out of a parking space while the driver stands outside.

Features include a13.2-inch central waterfall touchscreen display, a connected navigation system, the ‘Hello LEPAS' AI-powered voice assistant, 4G connectivity, wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 50W wireless phone charging with active cooling, and four USB ports front and back.