Lotus SUV design revealed in patent diagrams

Images of the 2021 Lotus SUV have been discovered online, showing what the now Geely-owned brand has in mind for the first high-riding model in its history.

The model bears the design hallmarks of the Evora and Elise, albeit on a raised, chunky body, with dramatic design lines across the sides of the car’s body. The images first surfaced on Chinese car site PCAuto.

From first appearances, the narrow gaps between the wheels and body suggest little suspension travel or articulation - further confirming that it’ll be focused on-road performance, like the Porsche Macan, rather than a more rugged appeal like the Ariel Nomad.

Following reports that the brand will take some production to China, it’s likely that the brand’s first SUV will be built there, given the market’s importance and the SUV’s likely popularity there.

Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales confirmed that the SUV would handle “like nothing else” and will maintain the brand’s lightweight, aerodynamic focus. Gales referred to the car as a crossover rather than an SUV, though, further suggesting an on-road focus.

Although Lotus has a relatively small 1500-unit annual volume, compared with Porsche’s 240,000 sales per year, the SUV will undoubtedly help to close the cap.