Lotus, known for its low-volume sports cars, has been undergoing a transformation in recent years to appeal to a wider range of luxury car buyers. The British automaker has released two “lifestyle” electric vehicles, the Eletre SUV and the recently unveiled Emeya hyper-GT. Now, Lotus is poised to further expand its appeal with the introduction of a new mid-size electric SUV that will directly compete with the Porsche Macan EV and BMW iX3 when it hits the market in 2026.
Lotus has plans to launch a total of four EVs by 2026, with the Eletre and Emeya already in production. The mid-size SUV, dubbed internally as the Type 134, will be followed by a fully-electric sports car to replace the petrol-powered Emira. The official name of the SUV has yet to be revealed, but Lotus has released a shadowy image that provides a glimpse of its unique headlight design.
According to Lotus’ Vice President of Design, Ben Payne, creating a product that appeals to the large mid-size SUV segment presents a significant challenge. The company aims to balance usability, practicality, and performance while maintaining a unique and distinctive design language. Payne emphasized the importance of evolving and pushing the design language forward, while also considering customer feedback and changing market trends.
The Type 134 is expected to share design elements with other Lotus EVs, including a similar nose design and an active front grille for cooling the battery and motors. Aerodynamic enhancements and a full-length light bar at the rear are also anticipated. The mid-size SUV will play a crucial role in Lotus’ strategy to produce 150,000 cars per year by 2028.
Lotus has already experienced success in sales, surpassing its typical order figures for a calendar year in September 2023 alone. The company aims to price the Type 134 at an average of $70,000 globally. Rather than benchmarking against specific rivals, Lotus intends to ensure the SUV embodies the brand’s 75-year history and upholds the true spirit of what it means to be a Lotus.
The Type 134 will utilize Lotus’ ‘Electric Premium Architecture,’ which can support various wheelbases and battery sizes. It is expected to feature a dual-motor setup for all-wheel drive and benefit from an 800V charging system, allowing for rapid charging times.
FAQ
Q: What is Lotus’ new mid-size electric SUV called?
A: The official name of Lotus’ new mid-size electric SUV has not yet been announced. It is internally referred to as the Type 134.
Q: When will the new Lotus mid-size electric SUV be available for purchase?
A: The new mid-size electric SUV from Lotus is scheduled to go on sale in 2026.
Q: What are the main competitors for Lotus’ mid-size electric SUV?
A: The mid-size electric SUV from Lotus will directly compete with the Porsche Macan EV and BMW iX3.
Q: What is Lotus’ sales goal for the mid-size electric SUV?
A: The mid-size electric SUV will play a crucial role in helping Lotus achieve its goal of producing 150,000 cars per year by 2028.
Q: Does Lotus plan to expand its electric vehicle lineup?
A: Yes, Lotus intends to launch a total of four electric vehicles by 2026, with the mid-size SUV being the third in the lineup.