New Lotus SUV will be a Porsche Macan rival

Lotus has confirmed it will reveal its competitor to the Porsche Macan before the end of the year. And it will feature the ‘Hyper Hybrid’ powertrain technology.

So far there is just this single (top) teaser image available. The as-yet-unnamed SUV will launch in China first in early 2026.

Known currently as the ‘Type 134’ it was destined initially to be fully electric. However, following the EV slowdown, Lotus is adding hybrid power to its cars to boost appeal.

The huge and still growing popularity of mid-size SUVs should give Lotus some hope for the future as it will significantly hike sales figures. Currently, the firm has delivered under 3000 vehicles in the first half of this year. And factory capacity in Wuhan, China, is 150,000 units per annum. 

By 2028, every model in the Lotus range will feature its new hybrid technology. That includes the Emira mid-engined sports car which will come with plug-in hybrid power from 2027. 

The new SUV will debut the Lotus Hyper Hybrid technology, followed by Eletre and Emeya also in 2026, and another new model due out in 2027.

The Hyper Hybrid tech will enable an “EV-centric driving experience”. There will likely be over 160km of zero-emissions range and a combined range in excess of 1000km. 

The Hyper Hybrid acts as a range-extender, meaning the petrol engine won’t drive the wheels but merely generate energy to power the e-motors and recharge the battery. 

Lotus says to expect ultra-rapid charging speeds thanks to a 900V electrical architecture. It will also feature on-the-move charging ability.

Expect also a pure-electric version of the SUV to sell alongside the Hyper Hybrid. 

The Type 134 will use a shortened version of the Eletre’s ‘Electric Premium Architecture’ platform. It can accommodate wheelbases ranging from 2998mm to 3100mm, and various battery sizes. 

The Type 134 will likely run a 92kWh battery, and should have a dual-motor set-up for all-wheel drive.

Lotus says the SUV will have broad appeal. It has to balance usability, practicality and performance. Moreover, it must stand out. So you’ll see a continuation of the existing styling language and DNA, but a simplified expression of it.

So the Type 134 will likely resemble the Eletre, Emeya and Emira up front, probably with an active front grille. The petals open to help cool the battery and motors underneath. Otherwise, they are closed to help improve aerodynamic efficiency.