Eletre

Make
Lotus
Segment
SUV

Lotus is beginning a new chapter in more ways than one. Not only is the Emira its last combustion-engined model, but the company known for its charmingly simple sports cars is about to reveal its first SUV. Known as the Type 132 for now, the new electric SUV will be revealed at the end of the month. Lotus has already teased the Type 132 several times, but these teasers have barely given anything away. Fortunately, new patent images submitted by Wuhan Lotus Cars Co., Ltd and published by IP Australia have allowed us to get a much better idea of the 132's appearance.

The images show off a bold, angular design that should give the new Type 132 enough visual theatre to compete with the likes of the Jaguar I-Pace and Ford Mustang Mach-E, although some reports suggest it could be larger than these crossovers, perhaps closer in size to a Porsche Cayenne. In front, there are slim crescent-shaped headlight clusters and an active grille-shutter which will improve aerodynamics. Along the sides, the 132 has a fairly substantial rear overhang and the shape of the rear side windows remind us of the Lexus RX. However, this is clearly a more performance-focused SUV as it sits quite low to the ground. The rear aspect features a full-width taillight bar and, thankfully, no attempt at faux exhaust outlets.

Other interesting details include flush-fitting door handles, an aggressive rear spoiler, and traditional wing mirrors replaced with mirror cameras. We can also see hints of the Lamborghini Urus in the protruding edge of the hood and the wheel design. Overall, it's a sporty-looking design that should do well for the company's first electric SUV. But if the design doesn't impress you, the performance certainly should. Battery sizes should range from 92 to 120 kWh and the Type 132 will be capable of reaching 60 mph in about three seconds. The 800-volt EV charging system means that the battery can be replenished from zero to 80 percent in about 20 minutes. Weight-saving measures like carbon fiber wheels will make the most of the electric powertrain's outputs to make this potent acceleration possible. We'll see the SUV in full on March 29.