Lotus’ imminent rival to the Porsche Taycan, an electric sedan code-named Type 133, has been spied winter testing above the Arctic Circle in Europe ahead of a launch planned for later this year.
The sedan will be the second model in the brand’s non-sports car lineup following the Eletre crossover and images show a slippery, aerodynamic design with elements of the Eletre, such as the slim headlights.
The car has been described as an E-segment entry by Lotus, meaning it’ll rival the Taycan as well as the Tesla Model S, BMW i7 and Mercedes-Benz EQS. It is expected to be sold globally.
The new model will be built at Lotus’ new factory in Wuhan, China, which is where all cars from the Lotus Tech lifestyle division will be produced. Lotus, owned by China’s Geely Holding Group, will continue to make sports cars at its Hethel plant in Norfolk, England. The Type 133 has been designed in Lotus Tech’s design center in Coventry, England.
The Eletre crossover is available for preorder in the U.K. and is priced from between £89,500 ($108,000) and £120,000 depending on spec following its global reveal a year ago
The Type 133 is expected to carry over the Eletre’s drivetrain, meaning it could be available with both an 603 hp entry powertrain and 905 hp flagship. The Eletre uses a 112 kilowatt-hour battery for a maximum range of 373 miles.
The Type 133 will be followed by a midsize electric crossover sitting below the Eletre.