On Tuesday 25 October 2022, Lotus unveiled its new all-electric hyper-SUV called Eletre in a live stream titled “Unleash the Future”. Deliveries of the Eletre series are expected to begin in early 2024 and promises speed, range, and luxury that will dwarf most of the competitors’ offering. It will be available in three models—Eletre, Eletre S, and Eletre R—having either dual or single-speed powertrains.
A single-speed powertrain has the capacity of producing 603 horsepower (450 kilowatts) and 523 pound-feet (710 Nm) of torque. However, the powerful Eletre R is equipped with a dual-speed powertrain system with a capacity of 905 hp (675 kW) and 726 pound-feet (985 Nm) of torque.
While the physical difference between the three models may not be profound, the real difference is in the acceleration and performance. While Eletre and Eletre S can go from 0—62 miles per hour in 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 160 mph, the more powerful Eletre R can achieve the same feat in 2.95 seconds and reach 165 mph.
The Eletre and Eletre S will have a range of 373 miles (600 km) while the Eletre R will have a max range of 309 miles (490 km) according to Europe’s WLTP testing criteria. However, the three models all have a 112-kilowatt-hour battery which can recharge from 1%–80% in just 20 minutes. In addition to being Lotus’ first EV, the Eletre is also the company’s first four-door vehicle.
“The unveiling is the next logical phase for Lotus,” said Matt Windle, the vice president and managing director of Lotus Group. “We understand that not everyone fancies a two-seater vehicle and we want to offer diversity for everyone in every stage of their life. The Electre is the beginning of that diversity.”
| Version | Eletre | Eletre S | Eletre R |
| Max power | 450 kW | 450 kW | 675 kW |
| Max torque | 710 Nm | 710 Nm | 985 Nm |
| Top speed | 258 km/h | 258 km/h | 265 km/h |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h (0—62 mph) | 4.5 seconds | 4.5 seconds | 2.95 seconds |
| Acceleration 80-120 km/h (50—75 mph) | < 2.2 seconds | < 2.2 seconds | < 1.9 seconds |
| Battery capacity | 112 kWh | 112 kWh | 112 kWh |
| Charging time 10-80% (fast charger) | 20 mins | 20 mins | 20 mins |
| Max range (WLTP) | 600 km | 600 km | 490 km |
| Ground clearance (on 20″ wheels) | 188 mm | 188 mm | 188 mm |
| Trunk capacity (5 seats) | 688 liters | 688 liters | 688 liters |
| Trunk capacity with rear-seats folded | 1,532 liters | 1,532 liters | 1,532 liters |
Impressive interior features of the Eletre series
The Eletre will first be sold in China, Europe, and the UK before it will become available to other regions. However, the company also revealed advanced plans to bring the SUV to Asia Pacific, Middle East, and North America regions.
Fans of the brand will have 6 colors to choose from namely Solar Yellow, Blossom Gray, Kaimu Gray, Stellar Black, Galloway Green, and Natron Red. Also, the Eletre will feature five different wheel designs (20-inch, 22-inch, and 23-inch) and six caliper colors.
The variety is not limited to the outside alone. Lotus is also offering six unique interiors. To make the Eletre more environmentally friendly, the automaker will use artificial fibers for the cargo liner and carpets. Also, an environmentally friendly leather alternative will be used in the cabin.
The Eletre features a large 15.1-inch fully customizable ultra-slim floating on-billion-color OLED touchscreen. During the unveiling, the company also announced that the touchscreen display will be powered by the “Lotus Hyper OS”.
The operating system is modeled from the “Unreal Engine” technology that is popular in the video game industry. Lotus uses the technology to create a 3D content experience for users. The sound experience is powered by Dolby Atmos using Eletre’s proprietary KEF speaker system.
While the Eletre and Eletre S shares a lot of similarities, the latter offers myriads of premium add-ons including adjustable ambient lighting, privacy glass, a 23-speaker KEF Reference Audio sound system, air quality system, and an active rear spoiler.
Ambitious autonomous driving plans for the Eletre
The Eletre will come with lidar sensors which the automaker says will offer increased assisted driving experience and higher-level autonomy “as soon as market regulations permit it”. The company has been testing it on the Nürburgring circuit with the promise of making it possible to drive the Eletre autonomously there.
The launch price of the Lotus Eletre base model in the UK is £89,500 ($103.500). This should vary slightly as the company rolls out the car in other regions. The Eletre S will go for £104,500 ($121,000) while the Eletre R will be available for £120,000 ($138,950). Many believe that the Eletre series may become the company’s most popular model in its 75-year history.
