Lotus is ready to make waves in the automotive world as it gears up to unveil its highly anticipated competitor to the Porsche Macan before the year wraps up. This exciting debut marks the first appearance of the British manufacturer’s groundbreaking ‘Hyper Hybrid’ technology, a game-changer in the SUV landscape. Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng broke the thrilling news during the company’s Q2 financial results call, revealing that this yet-to-be-named SUV will first hit the streets of China in early 2026, before spreading its wings to Europe and other markets shortly thereafter.
The plans for Lotus to introduce a mid-size SUV, codenamed ‘Type 134’, were first unveiled back in 2021. Initially slated to be a fully electric powerhouse, the company has since pivoted from its earlier ambition of going 100% electric by 2028, showcasing a new strategy aimed at boosting customer appeal through hybrid technologies. With the automotive world rapidly evolving, this timely shift could help Lotus reclaim its place in a market that’s increasingly leaning toward hybrid and electric vehicles.
This year has been a tumultuous one for the iconic sports car manufacturer. In the first half of 2025, Lotus faced significant challenges, recording a staggering net loss of over €270 million. These results underscore the urgent need for innovation and a revitalized lineup. Fortunately for Lotus, the burgeoning popularity of mid-size SUVs offers a glimmer of hope. This segment has become a focal point for many automotive brands, and the arrival of Lotus's new model could significantly uplift sales figures. In stark contrast to the 4,904 vehicles sold in the same period last year, Lotus has only delivered 2,813 new cars so far in 2025, indicating a pressing need for change.
The Lotus factory in Wuhan, China, plays a pivotal role in the company’s future, with the capacity to produce 150,000 units per year. As the birthplace of the electric Emeya four-door GT and the Eletre flagship SUV, the facility is critical for Lotus's ambitions. Despite the potential of these electric models, the brand sold fewer than 7,000 units of its lifestyle EVs in 2024, emphasizing the urgency of bringing new offerings to the forefront.
Rumor has it that the new SUV is set to arrive with a competitive starting price of around €80,000, strategically positioned against rivals including the BMW X3 and Porsche Macan Electric, which commands a price starting well above €80,000. The financial implications of this competitive pricing are particularly interesting – will Lotus still hold onto this goal as plans continue to evolve?
Lotus's commitment to hybrids is unwavering; by 2028, all models in the lineup will feature this innovative technology. Among these is the Emira mid-engined sports car, which is slated to introduce plug-in hybrid options starting in 2027. The SUV format of the Type 134 is essential to this future trajectory, as it will be the first to utilize the revolutionary Hyper Hybrid system.
Anticipation is high! Although specific technical details remain cloaked in mystery, Lotus has tantalizingly hinted that its Hyper Hybrid setup promises an "EV-centric driving experience" with over 160 kilometers of zero-emission range. When combined with the petrol engine, the total range could exceed an impressive 1,000 kilometers. Rather than traditional hybrids, this setup will function more as a range-extender, with the petrol engine acting solely as a generator for the electric motors.
In terms of performance, the Hyper Hybrid powertrain is poised to deliver unparalleled charging capabilities, thanks to an advanced 900V electrical architecture. On-the-go charging will guarantee uninterrupted electric performance—even during high-speed accelerations and challenging weather conditions. It's expected there will also be a pure-electric version available for those who prefer to go entirely electric.
The Type 134 will share its foundation with the flagship Eletre, built on a compact variant of the ‘Electric Premium Architecture’ platform engineered for EVs. It accommodates wheelbases from 2,998mm to 3,100mm and various battery sizes, with speculation surrounding a more compact battery—possibly about 92kWh in capacity—making it a lighter alternative. Like its larger siblings, the Type 134 will likely employ a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system.
Lotus has revealed only a tantalizing glimpse of the Type 134 through a shadowy teaser image showcasing its headlight design. In a recent interview, Ben Payne, the vice president of design for Lotus, emphasized the challenging yet exciting nature of entering the mid-size SUV segment. “To penetrate this market successfully, we need to create a product that resonates with a broad audience,” he expressed.
Payne's vision points to a distinctive design ethos, merging usability, practicality, and performance while maintaining Lotus's unique identity. He assured that the design would evolve, strategically responding to customer feedback and shifting market trends. Based on these insights, we can anticipate that the Type 134 will carry forward design elements from the Eletre and Emeya, all the while setting itself apart with innovative features, such as an active front grille, ensuring optimal performance and aerodynamics.
In summary, Lotus is on the brink of an electrifying evolution. With the Type 134 poised to hit the market, the brand has the potential to redefine itself in the competitive landscape of mid-size SUVs, carving out a niche that marries technological innovation with performance-driven design.