Lotus Unveils Retractable LiDAR; CEO Slams "Periscope" Design, Sparking Controversy

On March 4, at the FORME Technology Launch Event, Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng criticized certain automakers for sacrificing vehicle aesthetics in favor of cramming in features, specifically calling out the "watchtower-style" lidar units. Lotus unveiled a retractable, hidden lidar system that rises from the roof when in use and retracts when not needed, preserving the car’s sleek lines and low drag coefficient—a design move also paying homage to the brand’s iconic pop-up headlights. However, the solution has sparked debate: netizens questioned its lack of true innovation, arguing that the complex mechanism could compromise reliability; others pointed out that since lidar needs to operate continuously, hiding it offers little practical benefit; and some owners expressed concerns that the raised unit could generate significant wind noise at high speeds, negatively impacting the driving experience.