Chery Expands India Patent Portfolio With Lepas L4 EV And Exeed RX PHEV Ahead Of JSW Motors Debut
- Team Autopunditz
- Jul 13
- 3 min read
Chery Automobile continues to strengthen its intellectual property presence in India with the design patents of two more global SUVs—the Lepas L4 EV and the updated Exeed RX Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV). While patent filings do not necessarily confirm a commercial launch, they indicate the Chinese automaker's intent to protect these products in one of the world's fastest-growing passenger vehicle markets.
The latest filings come at a time when Chery is widely expected to enter India through its partnership with JSW Motors, which is preparing to launch a new passenger vehicle brand focused on new-energy vehicles (NEVs). Several Chery-derived models have already been spotted testing in India, suggesting that the company's India strategy is gathering momentum.
Chery's Growing Patent Activity In India
Over the past year, Chery has significantly expanded its portfolio of patented vehicles in India. Models already protected include:
Jetour T2
Jaecoo J5
Jaecoo J7
Tiggo 7L
Tiggo V (formerly T1TP)
Lepas L6
QQ3 EV
Exlantix concepts
The addition of the Lepas L4 and Exeed RX further broadens the company's future product options should it decide to introduce multiple SUVs under the upcoming JSW Motors brand.
Lepas L4 EV Targets Premium Compact SUV Buyers
The newly patented Lepas L4 EV is among the latest products from Chery's premium electric sub-brand, Lepas. Unveiled globally at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, the SUV has been designed primarily for international markets with styling inspired by contemporary European design trends.
Dimensions
Specification | Value |
Length | 4,415 mm |
Width | 1,817 mm |
Height | 1,630 mm |
Wheelbase | 2,700 mm |
These dimensions place the SUV squarely in the premium compact electric SUV segment.
Powertrain
Global specifications include:
67 kWh battery pack
150 kW (202 hp) front-mounted electric motor
Front-wheel-drive layout
Claimed driving range of approximately 450 km
In addition to the fully electric version, Chery also offers a plug-in hybrid variant featuring:
Up to 90 km pure electric driving range
Combined output of 205 kW (approximately 275 hp)
Peak torque of 350 Nm
Feature Highlights
The Lepas L4 is expected to offer a comprehensive feature list, including:
9.9-inch infotainment touchscreen
8-inch digital instrument cluster
360-degree camera
ADAS safety suite
Adaptive cruise control
Ventilated front seats
Premium sound system
Semi-leather upholstery
Updated Exeed RX Brings Premium Plug-in Hybrid Technology
The second vehicle patented is the refreshed Exeed RX, Chery's premium coupe-style SUV that recently received a comprehensive exterior redesign for global markets.
The facelift introduces:
Larger cascading front grille
Connected LED daytime running lights
C-shaped front bumper elements
Sharper LED headlamps
More premium exterior detailing
The same vehicle is marketed under different names depending on the region, including:
Exeed RX
Chery Yaoguang C-DM
Omoda C9
Esteo RX (Russia)
Long-Range Plug-in Hybrid Powertrain
One of the biggest highlights of the updated Exeed RX is its advanced plug-in hybrid system.
Global specifications include:
Combined driving range of up to 1,400 km
Battery options:
19.5 kWh
34.5 kWh
Pure electric range of up to 210 km
Available in both 2WD and AWD configurations
Inside, the SUV features a premium digital cabin dominated by a 24.6-inch curved dual-screen setup, integrating two 12.3-inch displays for infotainment and instrumentation.
What Could This Mean For India?
Although design patents are primarily filed to protect intellectual property, Chery's increasing number of India-specific filings suggests a structured long-term approach rather than isolated legal formalities.
The company has already established a technology partnership with JSW Motors, which is expected to introduce a range of SUVs based on Chery platforms. Industry reports indicate that the first products could include rugged SUVs, premium crossovers and electrified models tailored for Indian buyers.
Given the Indian government's continued push towards electrification and growing consumer acceptance of hybrid technologies, both the Lepas L4 EV and Exeed RX PHEV could become strong candidates for the future lineup if market conditions align.
Auto Punditz Analysis
Chery appears to be laying the groundwork for one of the broadest future product portfolios among new entrants to the Indian market. Rather than relying on a single flagship model, the company is protecting a diverse mix of electric, hybrid and conventional SUVs across multiple sub-brands.
The Lepas L4 would give JSW Motors a premium compact electric SUV capable of competing in India's rapidly expanding EV segment, while the Exeed RX could introduce a technologically advanced plug-in hybrid alternative in the premium SUV space—a category that remains largely untapped in India.
While neither patent confirms an imminent launch, Chery's sustained patent activity, combined with ongoing product testing and its partnership with JSW Motors, indicates that the company is preparing a comprehensive product strategy for the Indian market rather than a limited model rollout.
