It’s a 4WD, 600hp SUV that can launch 0-60mph in a blink – and it’s electric.
The all-new Lotus Eletre is being billed – by Lotus – as the world’s first electric Hyper-SUV and a new breed of pure electric SUVs.
It also marks the evolution of Lotus from a boutique UK sports car company into a global performance brand designed for what Lotus describes as “the next generation of Lotus customers”, whatever that means.
Lotus, of course, is the latest sports car company to market an SUV. Lamborghini has one, the Urus. The Ferrari Purosange SUV launches in 2023. But they are not “hyper”. And as far as we know, they aren’t available in taxicab yellow like the Eletre.
The Eletre incorporates the core principles and Lotus DNA from over 70 years of sports car design and engineering.
The company’s famed expertise in ride and handling, steering and optimised aerodynamics have been carefully and respectfully evolved.
The Eletre is inspired by the latest Lotus sports car – Emira – and the revolutionary aero performance of the all-electric Evija hypercar, reinterpreting them as a Hyper-SUV.
The Eletre (pronounced El-etra) delivers several firsts for Lotus – the first five-door production car, the first model outside sports car segments, the first lifestyle EV, the most ‘connected’ Lotus ever, packed with technology and offering sport performance.
Lotus Eletre Features
The Eletre is 4WD, has a battery capacity that’s over 100kWh and with power from 600hp. Based on an 800V system, a 350kW charger will deliver a 400km range in just 20 minutes.
It is built on Lotus’ all-new and highly versatile Electric Premium Architecture, which is to be the basis for a range of new, premium lifestyle performance electric vehicles..
The low-to-the-ground design means outstanding handling, and the EPA can easily adapt to accommodate various battery sizes, motors, component layouts and intelligent driving technologies.
According to Edmunds, one of my go-to automotive sources, there’s a standard-equipment augmented reality heads-up display that keeps key information in the driver’s sight line. A large, 15.1-inch touchscreen handles nearly all of the car’s major functions, and tucks away when it isn’t needed.
There is also a screen in the back between the two captain’s chairs in the four-seat configuration. A five-seater with a full bench is available, too.
European versions of the Eletre will feature cameras that act as the rear car’s side mirrors for a cleaner profile, and screens at either side of the dashboard display what the cameras are seeing.
Since that technology is not yet legal in the U.S., American buyers will have to settle with conventional side-view mirrors.
The Eletre will also come with a suite of advanced driver aids as optional. That includes adaptive cruise control, front cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist and collision mitigation.
The Lotus Eletre is on sale now globally, with first deliveries in 2023.
No pricing has been announced. But – as the saying goes – if you have to ask, you probably can’t afford it.
Built in Wuhan, China
The Eletre is the first in a new range of premium lifestyle performance electric vehicles to be built at an all-new state-of-the-art production facility in Wuhan, China.
The car has been ‘Born British, Raised Globally’, with design led by the UK, supported by teams in China, Sweden and Germany. The design has been led by an international team based at the Lotus Tech Creative Centre in Warwickshire, UK.
Matt Windle, Managing Director, Lotus Cars, commented: “The Eletre is a bold and revolutionary new car, delivering on our commitment to move Lotus into completely new automotive segments as we widen our global appeal and accessibility. This is a momentous point in our history and a clear signal of our ongoing desire to transform our business. It is a true Lotus, and we’re confident it will delight performance car customers and offer a distinct alternative to the segment’s established players. The Eletre has the soul of a Lotus and the usability of an SUV.”
Qingfeng Feng, CEO, Group Lotus, added: “The Eletre, our Hyper-SUV, is a new performance car from an iconic performance car brand and it will appeal to those who love the thrill of driving. It is a unique combination of beautiful design, exceptional dynamic performance and everyday usability. The Eletre marks a turning point for our business and brand.
“The Eletre is a compelling alternative for those who desire a true driver’s car but whose lifestyle demands something more practical than a traditional sports car. And it’s only the start for Lotus – there is much more to come.”
Peter Horbury, Senior VP, Executive Advisor, Design, Lotus, commented: “The Eletre is a rare creative opportunity in performance car design – the chance to start with a blank sheet of paper. The result is a ‘Hyper-SUV’ that is genuinely different to what’s on the market; the Eletre signals the start of a new era of pure electric SUVs.”
For more information visit www.lotuscars.com
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