First-Ever Lotus SUV Test Mule Spotted Near Company’s HQ

We’ve known to expect a Lotus-badged SUV for many years now, especially after potential patent drawings were leaked back in 2017. Then, last year we had the company’s CEO all but affirm the automobile, followed closely by multiple reports about its underpinnings.

We have our first ever look at a prototype, albeit in an test rat shape, because it is wearing an older Lynk & Co 01 body in an effort to hide its large wheels and low, competitive stance.

Additionally, the fact that it was seen hear Lotus’ headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk, is kind of a dead giveaway.

If you’re wondering why the automaker will select a Lynk & Co shell to hide the automobile ’s underpinnings, keep in mind that Lotus is owned by exactly the same company that possesses both Volvo and Lynk & Co, namely Geely – who holds a controlling 51 percent share from the British sport carmaker.

Also see: Lotus Suggests Access To Geely Platforms Could Help It Build An SUV

There are a number of things we should put on, like the overall fit of these large wheels beneath the wheel arches. The Lynk & Co body has been altered to accommodate the wheels as well as what appears to be a wider track.

What’s even more intriguing though is that elevated voltage decal from the corner of the windshield, that jointly with the taped up fuel cap and absence of any observable exhaust hints, could indicate that the forthcoming Lotus SUV will either be fully electric or partly weatherproof (plug-in hybrid).

Once ready, the Lotus SUV will “go round bends like nothing else in its own segment,” explained the automaker’s chief executive, Jean Marc Gales. The individuals hauler will share parts with the Volvo XC90 and XC60, among them numerous tech pieces like the Swedish manufacturer ’s infotainment system.

In terms of performance, even in case the Lotus ends up with a four-cylinder unit (courtesy of Volvo’s SPA stage ), we understand how great they are at extracting a fantastic deal of electricity from small capacity engines. In other words, we be surprised if this SUV would put down less than 400 HP.