LEPAS AURA Concept debuts as brand’s first concept car

LEPAS, a New Energy Vehicle brand under Chery International, made its debut in April 2025 and has since been slowly appearing in some markets. It will also enter the Malaysian market in due course, possibly when the factory at the new Chery Smart Industrial Park in north Selangor begins operations to assemble EVs.

Meanwhile, besides its young range of EVs, LEPAS has also presented its first concept car at the inaugural LEPAS Global Elegant Lifestyle Week in China. Known as the AURA Concept, this vehicle introduces the second evolution of the brand’s Leopard Aesthetics design language.

The AURA Concept serves as a guide for future production models, building upon the porcelain-inspired surfacing previously introduced on the L8 SUV.

Running leopard stance
According to Chief Designer Ivan Dulanovic, the vehicle’s stance is modeled after a running leopard, combining a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a wide posture to establish a grounded presence. Integrated air channels are sculpted directly into the body contours to manage airflow and generate aerodynamic downforce.

The vehicle retains a recognisable LEPAS silhouette, with adaptable lighting and graphics giving customers room to express their individuality. This balance of brand identity and personal expression reflects the brand’s philosophy of quiet confidence and living at one’s own pace.

At the front, the rounded grille and side intake areas are merged into a single black surface. This layout is flanked by distinctive Leopard-Eye headlamps, establishing a family identity intended for future LEPAS vehicles.

Personalised identity
A ‘digital canvas’ at the front of the car can carry adaptable graphics, lighting and animations, while an elliptical rear display opens up new opportunities for personalised taillight signatures.

“The customer could, in a way, become the designer of their own car. Technologies often dictate how the front end looks, but here we invite you to personalise it,” said Dulanovic.

Colours of the day
The exterior finish used on the AURA Concept draws inspiration from natural environments at different times of the day. Three specific finishes were developed: Dawn Pearl, inspired by a Tahitian sunrise; Bacalar Blue, reflecting the turquoise waters of Mexico’s Bacalar Lagoon; and Provence Twilight, capturing the deep violet tones of lavender fields at dusk.

LEPAS enters global NEV landscape, coming to Malaysia soon