Lotus built its name in motorsport and for producing lightweight road cars with exceptional handling. Most recently, however, the Chinese Geely-owned automaker has dipped its boot into the EV world, introducing the Eletre SUV, its first utility and debut electric vehicle. We’re now learning of another electric SUV called Type 134, a smaller model with performance leanings and sleek style.
Lotus executives believe the 134 could make up half its annual sales in the next five years, accounting for around 75,000 vehicles annually. Though it will be smaller than the Eletre, landing at about the same size as a Porsche Macan, the Type 134 will share some of its larger sibling’s tech. We also know that it will be Lotus’ most affordable vehicle yet, if over $100,000 can count as affordable.
The SUV will follow the release of the electric Type 133 sedan and, despite its usable cargo space, Lotus said it would remain an engaging and lively vehicle to drive. That’s important for a car that the automaker plans as its torch-bearer for half of the next decade. Company executive Mike Johnstone told Autocar that “a lot of effort has gone into ensuring the future cars that we introduce to the market handle in a way that you would expect a Lotus to handle.” He doubled down on the sentiment later, saying, “It isn’t just an electrified SUV with a Lotus badge on it: it’s been engineered from the beginning to look, feel and drive like a Lotus.”
The Type 134 will have plenty of company when it arrives. Porsche is expected to release the electrified Macan after software-related delays, and there’s always the Tesla Model Y Performance. Lucid will likely have its SUV out around the same time, and if it offers anywhere near the performance of the Air sedan, the entire segment is in trouble. There are even a surprising number of mass-market brands with super-quick SUVs, including the Kia EV6 GT, but the question for all of them is if they can keep up with the Lotus when the roads get twisty.
