First Look Review: Lepas L4 EV, a no-nonsense challenger to UK compact SUVs

The Lepas L4 EV is confirmed for the UK, where it will offer a smaller urban-oriented electric alternative to the L6 and L8. Ahead of its British arrival in 2027, we travelled to Southeast Asia to explore a global-spec car, examining its design, cabin and space.

Our analysis offers British buyers an early indication of what to expect, although final UK specifications may differ.

Design

Following in the footsteps of the L6, the Lepas L4 EV sports a rounded, largely closed nose with narrow headlights and the brand name spelled out in between.

Large black inserts at the outer edges of the bumper add a nice contrast, while the bonnet that’s scooped out on either side keeps the front easy on the eyes.

Our display car’s turquoise paint contrasted with silver roof rails, dark window pillars and black lower-body cladding, though thankfully the wheel arches remain clean. Conventional pull-type door handles sit along the sides, and the 18-inch wheels combine silver faces with dark, textured sections.

A patterned plastic panel in place of the quarter glass is one of the more distinctive details. At the back, slim tail lamps are enclosed in black horizontal strip carrying the Lepas name. A roof spoiler, vertical lower reflectors and aero-inspired grey lower bumper elements complete what feels like a non-controversial design.

Interior

The right-hand-drive cabin is mostly directed by a portrait-oriented 13.2-inch touchscreen, accompanied by a separate 8-inch instrument display. Patterned dashboard trim runs beneath a slim band of air vents, which stands out in what otherwise is a simple layout.

A row of physical controls is laid out below the touchscreen. The centre console includes a phone-charging pad, a small storage area beneath, and two cupholders, while the steering wheel carries controls on its horizontal spokes, making the design feel familiar and approachable.

Lepas E4 (L4) dashboard

Depending on the market and the variant, features include synthetic leather upholstery, ventilated seating, six-way electric driver’s seat adjustment and four-way manual adjustment for the front passenger. Equipment also includes ambient lighting, a 50-watt wireless charger, a six-speaker sound system, and an electrically operated sunroof.

In the overseas-spec car, luggage capacity is quoted at 508 litres, increasing to 1,334 litres with the rear seats folded. A separate 35-litre front compartment provides storage for the charging cable, and a powered tailgate is included.

Specifications

The overseas-spec Lepas L4 EV model measures 4,420 mm long, 1,817 mm wide and 1,635 mm tall, with a 2,700 mm wheelbase. Ground clearance is 180 mm, while the quoted minimum turning radius is 5.3 metres.

A front-mounted motor produces 160 kW (215 bhp) and 275 Nm (203 lb-ft) of torque, driving the front wheels. Lepas quotes a 0-62 mph time of 7.2 seconds. The 67 kWh LFP battery should be good for around 450 km (280 miles) of WLTP range.

DC charging peaks at 130 kW, with a quoted 30-80% charging time of 20 minutes. A 3.3 kW vehicle-to-load function can supply electricity at a campsite or work site.

MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear arrangement underpin the chassis. The equipment list includes six airbags, 18 driver assistance functions, tyre-pressure monitoring and a panoramic camera system.

First Drive Experience

Lepas L4 EV first drive experience

Shortly after examining the design and comfort of the Lepas L4 EV, we had the opportunity to take it for a brief test drive. Our first impressions suggest that it could serve as a capable urban commuter on European roads.

The L4 EV feels brisk off the line and sufficiently quick for its city-focused role. We had no complaints about its handling, either. The suspension absorbs small bumps and minor road imperfections well, which should make it comfortable on poorly surfaced urban streets and uneven British B-roads.

Pricing & Release Date

Lepas has yet to announce UK pricing for the L4 EV, but it’s not hard to imagine a starting price of around £30,000 when it reaches dealers in 2027, taking on the likes of the Volvo EX30 and the Ford Puma Gen-E.