Lotus Type 132 electric SUV teased, debut next year

KUALA LUMPUR: A couple of months back, Lotus detailed its Vision80 strategy that focuses on its transformation to a global EV brand ahead of striking the 80th year of formation in 2028. As a part of the plan, the automaker targets to launch four new electric vehicles by 2026. Here comes the first official glimpse of one of them, which is codenamed as Type 132 and is set to hit the market next year. 

In the teaser video, we can see the operation of the active grille shutter of the car which is positioned on the lower portion of the front bumper. It controls the airflow into the cooling radiators and offers “enhanced frontal aerodynamics.” The clip also showcased the aggressive bumper and a carbon fibre front splitter.

As for the Type 132 battery pack, Lotus announced that the EV will be equipped with battery packs ranging between 92 to 120 kWh. These will use the most “advanced 800-bolt high-speed EV charging system.”. It can be recharged from zero to 80% battery in almost 20 minutes. In terms of performance, the Lotus upcoming SUV will run from zero to 96 kmph only in almost three seconds.

Based on the company’s new platform known as “Lotus Premium architecture,” the EV will be positioned in the European E-segment. Thus, it will rival the likes of the Tesla Model X, BMW iX, Mercedes-Benz EQE, Audi e-Tron, and more.

After launching the new Type 132, Lotus will bring the Type 133 E-segment four-door coupe in 2023, the Type 134 D-segment SUV in 2025, and the Type 135 electric sports car in 2026. All these models are categorized as the brand’s “premium lifestyle vehicles” and will be based on the same architecture that underpins C- to E-segment cars with wheelbases ranging between 2,889 and 3,100 mm.

Also read: Lotus Emira V6 First Edition full specs and price unveiled