Source: MIIT
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) published the 402nd batch of its Road Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Enterprises and Products Announcement on December 5, 2025, listing the Lotus FOR ME as a newly declared model. The filing identifies the FOR ME as the first plug-in hybrid model from Lotus and the plug-in hybrid counterpart to the all-electric Eletre coupe-SUV.
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The FOR ME keeps the same dimensions as the Eletre, measuring 5,103 mm in length, 2,019 mm in width, and 1,636 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,019 mm. The curb weight is listed at 3,055 kg or 3,080 kg depending on the variant. The model uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged plug-in hybrid system, generating 205 kW from its internal-combustion engine, while the electric motor setup has not yet been disclosed.
A notable element in the filing is the use of a retractable lidar module. The sensor can extend or retract depending on operating conditions, allowing the vehicle to balance aerodynamic efficiency with advanced perception capabilities.
Source: MIIT
The appearance of the FOR ME in regulatory filings follows Lotus’s broader strategic shift. The 2026 Lotus Eletre entered the Chinese market in September 2025 with a starting price of 558,000 CNY (c. $78,900). In November 2024, CEO Feng Qingfeng said that the company would not proceed with its 2028 full-electrification plan. Lotus instead aims to develop a “super hybrid” system combining ultra-fast charging with a turbocharged internal-combustion engine, targeting a driving range exceeding 1,000 km (621 miles).
For the Chinese market, the FOR ME introduces a hybrid option into a segment where plug-in hybrids continue to command significant share. The Eletre’s position as a premium performance-focused SUV suggests that the FOR ME will slot into a similar bracket with a different powertrain philosophy. Pricing and launch timing for the FOR ME have not been disclosed in the filing, but the Eletre’s pricing provides a reference point.
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Technical details in the regulatory submission focus on the powertrain, dimensions, and sensing hardware. Information such as battery capacity, system output, acceleration, and charging speed will typically be provided at a later stage. The coupe-SUV body layout remains consistent with the Eletre, and no additional configuration changes are listed.
The introduction of the FOR ME reflects Lotus’s evolving product planning as it expands beyond pure EV development. As the company advances its “super hybrid” strategy, the next phase will show how hybrid technology is integrated alongside its existing electric platforms in China’s premium SUV segment.
Conversion rate: 1 USD = 7.071 CNY as of December 6, 2025
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