More than 300 international Test Drive Ambassadors gathered in Wuhu from 19 to 21 October to evaluate a suite of driving and convenience technologies from Chinese premium new-energy vehicle (NEV) brand LEPAS.
Hands-on testing of dynamics and driver aids
The three-day event concentrated on vehicle responsiveness, ride comfort and parking automation. Attendees negotiated simulated urban scenarios including speed bumps, figure-eight slaloms, U-shaped turns and S-bends to judge suspension behaviour, body control and braking performance under real-world conditions.
Parking automation moves centre stage
LEPAS highlighted several parking systems during the demonstrations, from Automated Parking Assist (APA) to Remote Parking Assist (RPA), while promoting its more advanced Super Intelligent Valet Parking (SIVP) available on the L8 plug-in hybrid.
“Automated parking was what impressed me most today. It performed really well, and I think it's a great solution for people who find parking difficult,”
— José Planelles, a Test Drive Ambassador from Borjamotor in Spain, who tested APA at the event.
The SIVP function integrates digital garage mapping with multi-sensor fusion to locate spaces, plan routes and handle tight manoeuvres in enclosed parking areas. It also allows remote vehicle summoning, presenting a practical application of autonomy aimed at easing everyday use for owners.
Everyday convenience beyond driving
Organisers demonstrated Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, powering devices such as coffee machines and catering equipment from the vehicle battery to illustrate how NEVs can serve as mobile power sources for daily activities and events.
- Event: LEPAS Global Elegant Lifestyle Week (inaugural edition)
- Dates: 19–21 October
- Participants: Over 300 Test Drive Ambassadors from around the world
- Highlighted tech: APA, RPA, SIVP (L8 PHEV), Vehicle-to-Load
Feedback gathered from global ambassadors is intended to inform LEPAS's product development and dealer support as the brand aims to translate its design and technology philosophy — described by the company as Leopard Aesthetics, Elegant Technology and Exquisite Space — into everyday motoring experiences.
| Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Automated Parking Assist (APA) | Autonomously maneuvers into parking spaces to reduce driver effort |
| Remote Parking Assist (RPA) | Allows remote control of parking manoeuvres from outside the vehicle |
| Super Intelligent Valet Parking (SIVP) | Autonomous parking within mapped enclosed areas, including vacancy detection and route planning |
| Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) | Supplies electrical power from the vehicle to external devices |
What it means for drivers and the market
For consumers, the demonstrations underline two converging trends in the NEV market: the increasing sophistication of assisted driving and parking technologies, and a focus on utility beyond propulsion, such as using vehicles as portable power supplies. For manufacturers and dealers, ambassador feedback from events like this can accelerate refinement of systems to match everyday user needs and expectations.
LEPAS positions itself as the premium NEV marque of Chery Auto and said it is supported by a growing global network of more than 500 sales and service outlets. The company frames its mission around creating a more elegant mobility life by combining aesthetic design with technological features intended to be visible, tangible and trustworthy on a daily basis.
The Wuhu test drives offered an opportunity to evaluate how those ambitions perform when subjected to the practical demands of urban driving and parking—an area many buyers cite as a key consideration when choosing new vehicles.
