With the recent popularity of SUVs and electric vehicles, it’s not the biggest surprise that many automakers such as Lamborghini, Aston Martin, and more recently Ferrari released their own versions of an SUV. No prior knowledge or announcement was given when Lotus released the “first-ever Hyper-SUV,” which was a shock to everyone. Appearing out of something that would look like a Ferrari concept, the Eletre boasts all the sporty curves and design that you would expect from Lotus, only it is missing an engine. That’s right- the Lotus Eletre is an electric vehicle, only the second in the brand’s history and the first one to be a production model.
According to Lotus, the Eletre provides, “A true Lotus experience. Optimal structural rigidity and active dynamics, combined with a perfect blend of high power and torque, provide the kind of performance that is expected from a Lotus. With powerful electric motors and a low center of gravity, this new icon makes ordinary driving, extra.”
Competing with cars like the DBX and the Urus, which are priced well above the $200,000 dollar mark, the Eletre is the ultimate steal for its performance. Its pricing is speculated to start under the six-figure mark, which is well within the budget for many potential customers, especially those locally looking to buy a family-focused electric vehicle.
SUVs are a completely new concept for Lotus. Lotus remained a sports-car-only manufacturer even after other luxury car brands like Bentley and Porsche broke with tradition and introduced their first SUV. With SUVs appearing to be the future of the car industry, it was inevitable that Lotus would release its own at some point. Lotus used many of its classic sports car tactics in the design and production of the Eletre, as one might anticipate and see with its design language.
Performance-wise, Lotus will introduce the SUV with a dual-motor powertrain capable of producing over 750 horsepower and powered by a 100-kWh battery. Lotus claims that the Eletre would accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 3.0 seconds and reach a max speed of 161 miles per hour. The claimed range on the European Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure cycle is around 373 miles. This equates to approximately 332 miles on a more stringent EPA test. When connected to a 350-kW charger, the Eletre’s 800-volt electrical design allows the battery to be charged to provide 248 miles of range in 20 minutes. This redefines the idea of “supercharging.”
The Eletre’s interior is conspicuously featured in high-end materials and displays. There is a slimmed-down natural LED driver’s display that displays vital information to the driver, such as speed, charge level, and range. Lotus chose this means to free up the display from unnecessary clutter. The front passenger also gets one of these ultra-thin displays, but it shows other information, such as what’s on the radio and local areas of interest.
“The Eletre represents a momentous point in the history of Lotus,” says the director of management Matt Windle. “This car has the soul of a Lotus and the usability of an SUV,” he continues. “We’re confident it will delight performance car customers and offer a distinct alternative to the segment’s established players.”
