Skip advert
Advertisement

Lotus SUV images leak online

Lotus plans to introduce a lightweight crossover SUV in 2019, which coincides with the patented images leaked onto the web

Lotus SUV front

Patent drawings of what appear to be the upcoming Lotus SUV have appeared online, which is planned to enter production in 2019.

The sketches reveal a typically sleek and sporty crossover SUV that bears similarities to the Porsche Macan in terms of proportions. From the front, a large grille and air vents under the lights can be picked out, but the SUV doesn't appear to adopt any design cues from Lotus' current product range.

Advertisement - Article continues below

• Best 4x4s and SUVs on sale right now

Sketches of the rear show a more coupe-like roofline, similar to the BMW X4. Another notable feature at the back is a prominent rear diffuser, roof spolier and two large exhausts, hinting further high performance. 

The new images could indicate that Lotus' plans to build an SUV have been accelerated since Chinese manufacturer Geeley took a majority stake in the Norfolk-based car company. 

Back in 2015, Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales told Auto Express about the brand’s plan to introduce a lightweight SUV “within the next five years”, with an eye to selling it in the Chinese market first. He said: “[It will be] much lighter and faster than any other SUV currently on offer.”

Lotus is the latest sports car brand to join in on the performance  SUV craze, with Lamborghini and even Ferrari joining in on the act. Alfa Romeo recently set the Nurburgring lap record for SUV’s with a time in under eight minutes courtesy of its Stelvio Quadrifoglio, lapping it quicker than most sports cars.

Would you be tempted by an SUV with a Lotus badge? Let us know what you think below!

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Lotus SUV to be revealed this year and it has the Porsche Macan in its crosshairs
Lotus Type-134 SUV silhouette teaser

New Lotus SUV to be revealed this year and it has the Porsche Macan in its crosshairs

The next addition to the Lotus line-up will feature a brand-new ‘Hyper Hybrid’ powertrain
News
1 Sep 2025
Lotus to cut up to 550 jobs in UK as it eyes up “more sustainable” future
Lotus Hethel factory

Lotus to cut up to 550 jobs in UK as it eyes up “more sustainable” future

Sports car maker has confirmed it will slash its workforce in the UK, but insists Norfolk will remain its home
News
28 Aug 2025
Lotus UK factory future: Hethel plant put 'under review' by Chinese owner
Lotus Hethel factory

Lotus UK factory future: Hethel plant put 'under review' by Chinese owner

Geely weighing up a host of options as it tries to stem huge losses at troubled British sports car firm – including possible closure of Norfolk base
News
4 Jul 2025
The Lotus electric car rebirth is struggling, but will new hyper-hybrids save the day?
Auto Express editor-at-large Phil McNamara standing next to a Lotus Emeyal

The Lotus electric car rebirth is struggling, but will new hyper-hybrids save the day?

Despite huge Chinese investment to electrify Lotus, sports car sales still prop up the loss-making business. Can Lotus achieve take-off?
Features
27 Jun 2025

Most Popular

New Fiat Grande Panda goes on sale with tiny price and big ambition
Fiat Grande Panda La Prima - front cornering

New Fiat Grande Panda goes on sale with tiny price and big ambition

The newly crowned Auto Express Supermini of the Year is available in hybrid or pure-electric form, with the EV offering 199 miles of range
News
1 Sep 2025
Skoda Elroq and Enyaq get Electric Car Grant approval
Skoda Elroq - front cornering

Skoda Elroq and Enyaq get Electric Car Grant approval

Despite some models costing over the £37,000 threshold, Skoda has secured the government grant on its mid-size electric SUVs
News
2 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Enjoy Scandinavian style with the Volvo XC40 for just £296 a month
Volvo XC40 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Enjoy Scandinavian style with the Volvo XC40 for just £296 a month

Swedish company’s popular compact SUV is still effortlessly cool, and great value with our Deal of the Day for 31 August
News
31 Aug 2025