L8 Release Performance Test Is Problematic

KatadataOTO – Lepas L8 ready to be marketed in Indonesia in the near future. The Chinese manufacturer plans to announce the unit price using the IIMS 2026 event.

Before the vehicle is put on sale, KatadataOTO had the opportunity to test the toughness of the SUV PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle).

Located at the Police Traffic Corps Training Center, Serpong, Lepas built an arena to prove vehicle quality.

The organizers prepared a long straight track, braking, zig-zag, speed bumps, and a special parking area.

Photo: special

It is interesting because the track was rain-soaked, causing several sections to be flooded. This makes it suitable for testing the car's reliability.

“After the opening of the first global dealer yesterday, several customers tried it directly. They were quite impressed with the car's performance, feeling comfortable with the cabin space, including the suspension and body roll,” said Lalu Indra, Product Manager of Lepas Indonesia in Serpong (29/01).

All participants are invited to test the Lepas L8 unit in the prepared arena. KatadataOTO itself received the first opportunity.

The track itself starts with driving straight at full speed. Then we have to perform full braking and a quick turnaround.

Then the vehicle is faced with a zig-zag area that demands hand skill. Next the car must cross a speed bump at high speed and finish with reverse parking.

Reverse parking is facilitated by a rear-camera feature and is displayed on a 13.2-inch monitor.

Unfortunately after our group, the same Lepas L8 vehicle experienced issues. A loud noise was heard from beneath the hood, followed by the car being undrivable.

Upon closer inspection, a hole was seen in the metal near the transmission box. In general, that partLepas L8" src="https://thumb.katadata.co.id/frontend/thumbnail/2026/01/30/zigi-697c574761ce5-lepas-l8_665_374.jpg" title="Lepas L8" />

The CV Joint itself is an important component on a car's axle. It functions to transmit power from the transmission to the wheels.

The car became undrivable after crossingas Indonesia confirmed that a part was broken.

“This is a bumpy test; under normal conditions as a customer, the speed would never be 80 - 100 km. The CV Joint must absorb vibrations and the car has repeatedly gone back and forth,” said Lalu Indra Wirabhakti, Product Manager Lepas Indonesia in Serpong.