Lotus Type 132 SUV teased

Lotus has begun gearing up for the launch of what's set to become its biggest-selling model, releasing its first official teaser of the 2022 Lotus Type 132 SUV.

Created to rival current pure-electric SUVs like the Audi e-tron, Mercedes-Benz EQC and the Tesla Model Y, among others, the high-riding Lotus (codenamed Type 132) will be all-new from the ground up to ensure it can compete.

Set to be based on Lotus' fresh Premium Architecture that has been designed and developed specifically for electric vehicles, the Type 132 will be powered by large batteries ranging from 90kWh to 120kWh.

Versions powered by the biggest batteries should have a range of up to 650km.

No details have been released concerning what will drive the first Lotus SUV, but the company said its Premium Architecture can be driven with multiple electric motors that will see the fastest versions capable of an incredible 0-100km/h time of less than 3.0 seconds.

And the British sports car-maker's SUV will not only be quick in a straight line. Thanks to an 800V architecture, it will be among the fastest to charge in its class – at a rate of up to 350kW.

That could see an 80 per cent top-up taking a little over 20 minutes.

Sadly, Lotus hasn't revealed much in this teaser. All we have to go on is what appears to be a hexagonal-pattern lower air intake that looks like it might incorporate active elements to favour either cooling or optimised aero.

One of four EVs for the brand that will launch over the next five years, the first model being readied by Lotus will be joined by a larger SUV and four-door Porsche Taycan rival.

Expect Lotus to continue to tease more of the Type 132 in the coming weeks in the lead-up to its reveal.