Overview – Lotus Eletre
Lotus has released its first-ever SUV, the Eletre, which has two versions – the ‘S’ and ‘R’ – starting at £89,500 (approx $110,000), with the ‘R’ version providing up to 900bhp. The Eletre is full of modern features such as active air suspension, LED headlights, a 112kWh battery, and a 15-speaker KEF audio system. It has been designed from the outset as an EV, taking advantage of its benefits and compensating for its drawbacks.
The Lotus Electra is a highly anticipated electric crossover SUV that boasts a powerful battery-powered engine, advanced aerodynamics and air suspension with active ride height control. It is a product of the brand’s transformation under Chinese giant Geely, and it has the potential to redefine what the modern Lotus can be.
Lotus Eletre – Energy And Carbon Efficiency
The Lotus Eletre is on the high end of emissions at 116 gCO2/mi (72 gCO2/km) carbon emissions figure, which is higher than even the Ford Mustang Mach-E SR AWD’s 108 gCO2/mi (68 gCO2/km) and the Jaguar I-Pace EV400’s 112 gCO2/mi. Overall, the Lotus Eletre’s carbon emissions figure is on the high end compared to other electric vehicles on the market, making it a less perfect option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
EV Engine, Power and Performance
The Electra is offered in three variants: the Eletra, the Eletra S, and the top-of-the-range Eletra R. All variants feature a dual motor system and have a combined output of 603bhp for the Eletra and Eletra S and 905bhp for the Eletra R. The Eletra R is the world’s fastest dual motor production SUV and can reach 0-62mph in 2.95 seconds, while the other two models have a 0-62mph time of 4.5 seconds. All variants come with a 112kWh battery that offers a range of 304 miles for the Eletra R and 373 miles for the other two models.
The basic Eletre has 600bhp and 524lb ft of torque, and the top-spec Eletre R has 900bhp and 727lb ft. It has a 50 to 75mph acceleration time of 1.9 seconds, and a ‘Lotus Hyper OS’ operating system. It has a track mode exclusive to the ‘R’ version which lowers the ride height, stiffens the suspension, and opens the active grille for maximum cooling.
Interior Comfort and Cargo Dimensions
The interior of the Electra is designed to be minimalist, driver-focused and modern. It features a slim info strip, a 15.1-inch landscape-orientated central infotainment screen with 5G data compatibility, a smartphone app, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto mirroring, a 1,380-watt KEF stereo, and regen-adjust and drive mode paddles.
The front seats are super-slim race-style items and the rear is a 3-person bench with impressive legroom. A 4-seat layout with individual rear chairs is also available, although this reduces boot space from 688-litres to 611-litres.
The Eletre has seats that adjust in 12 different ways, climate control adjustable for four separate zones. The ‘S’ version has 611 litres of boot space, and the ‘R’ version has 688 litres.
Infotainment, Tech and Connectivity
The Electra comes with an array of tech and connectivity options, including a 15.1-inch OLED touchscreen system powered by two Qualcomm 8155 ‘system on chips’, and a 2,160-watt, 23-speaker KEF audio system in the ‘S’ version, with Lotus’s latest Hyper OS operating system, a dedicated smartphone app, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone-mirroring.
The car has 5G data compatibility, a Head-up display, a 360-degree surround view of the car, intelligent driving technologies, launch control, grippier tyres, a ‘Track’ driving mode to firm up the dampers and lower the ride height, active aerodynamics, air suspension with active ride height control, adaptive damping, torque vectoring, active rear axle steering, and carbon ceramic brakes. It also has LIDAR, active rear spoiler, auto-dimming mirrors, 22-inch forged wheels, and 23-inch wheels as an optional extra.
Safety Features
The Electra is equipped with a range of safety features, including lidar sensors placed around the body, which will allow for level four self-driving capability when legislation permits. There is also a ‘Highway System Pack’ and ‘Parking Pack’ option available to widen the suite of driver assets.
It has security systems such as active air suspension, torque vectoring, LED headlights, and a four-zone climate control.
Warranty Information
The Electra comes with a five year warranty as standard in the UK, as well as roadside assistance across Europe for five years after vehicle purchase.
Final Thoughts
The Electra is a testament to the brand’s transformation under Geely, offering a powerful engine, advanced tech, and driver-focused interior in a sleek, modern package. It is a car that will draw in those who have long admired the brand, as well as those looking for a car that offers a new standard of driving involvement.
The Eletre has been designed to provide performance and luxury, taking advantage of its electric engine, power and performance, interior comfort and cargo dimensions, and infotainment, tech and connectivity. It has been designed from the outset as an EV, taking advantage of its benefits and compensating for its drawbacks.
Basic Information
| Make | Lotus |
| Model | Eletre |
| Car Body | Sedan |
| Number Of Seats | 5 people |
Estimated Energy Efficiency
| Efficiency (mi/kWh) | 3.3 mi/kWh |
| Efficiency (km/kWh) | 5.4 km/kWh |
Engine
| Horsepower | 603 HP (612 PS) |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 4 seconds |
| Towing Weight | No data |
Charging
| Charge Port | Type 2 |
| Charge Time | 10h45m |
| Fast Charge Power Max | 46 kW DC |
| Fast Charge Time | 59 min |
Safety
| Adult Safety Rating | none |
| Child Safety Rating | none |
Purchasing
| Available | UK,Netherlands,Germany |
| Date Of Availability | March 2023 |
| Estimated Price | £89,500 / $109,800.00 |
Estimated Carbon Efficiency (Grid/Country Dependent)
| USA | 116 gCO2/mi (72 gCO2/km) |
| Iceland | 9 gCO2/mi (6 gCO2/km) |
| Canada | 25 gCO2/mi (25 gCO2/km) |
| France | 31 gCO2/mi (20 gCO2/km) |
| Efficient Gas Car | 272 g CO2/mi (170 g CO2/km) |
Battery
| Size (kWh) | 112.0 kWh |
| Voltage (V) | 800 V |
Range
| WLTP Range (km) | 600 |
Dimensions
| Car Length | 201 inches (5103 mm) |
| Car Width | 79 inches (2000 mm) |
| Car Height | 64 inches (1630 mm) |
| Cargo (Trunk or Boot) Volume | 22 cu ft (611 L) |
| Frunk Volume | 2 cu ft (48 L) |
