Lotus just shared its first piece of the puzzle as an upcoming global automaker with the Eletre — an all-electric SUV with up to 600 HP!
If you’ve read this and you’re as shocked as I am, we’re all in the same boat. For most of us, Lotus is a brand renowned for making lightweight driver-focused sports cars such as the Elise, Exige, and Evora. However, thanks to increasing demand for SUVs and EVs, even enthusiast-focused brands such as Lotus are making the shift. The Eletre signifies a new era for the UK-based automaker after the Emira.
The electric SUV has a bold and aggressive demeanor with wide openings and sharp-looking DRLs, reminiscent of a Lamborghini Urus. However, it differs from the Lambo in the bottom grille, filled with triangular elements that can open or close based on the amount of air required to cool the electric powertrain. Other interesting design elements include the full-width light bar, Evija-Esque rear air curtains, and an active rear spoiler! (On an SUV!)
Of course, with any Lotus, the design is only one part of the story; most of the clever engineering happens under the hood. As the name suggests, the Eletre features an all-electric powertrain. Lotus built it on its brand-new Electric Scalable Architecture with a high-voltage system. Specifically, it houses a skateboard-style 100+kWh Li-Ion battery pack with a solid 373-mile range. Moreover, the 800V system supports charging speeds of up to 350 kW. All of this juice powers two electric motors that deliver a combined output of 600 hp; as a result, the Eletre can make the 0-60 mph sprint in under 3s and reach 163 mph.
The disadvantage with all this kit underneath is the weight penalty, courtesy of the battery pack. Fortunately, the advantage of flaunting a Lotus badge means the best-in-class handling capabilities. Notably, the first piece of the handling puzzle includes the adaptive air suspension for use in off-road, city, and highway situations. The suspension can automatically adjust the ride height based on the road surface and undulations for a pliant ride.
Lotus also offers customers a choice to upgrade to adaptive dampers and anti-roll bars for even better dynamic responses. Clients can further augment the kit with rear-wheel steering and carbon-ceramic discs on the front and rear.
With the design, handling, and performance boxes ticked away, it’s also about the space that counts inside. Following the theme of lightness, the cabin of the Eletre looks simple yet classy. Lotus achieved this by combining light-toned microfibers and a wool-blended cloth for the dash and door trims that looks sustainable and futuristic.
Moreover, Lotus raised the bar on the screen real-estate from the Emira, fitting the SUV with a 15.9-inch OLED infotainment system. Last but not least, the brand also included ribbon-style displays for the driver and co-passenger, showcasing all the vital information from the car.
The Eletre will be manufactured from 2023 onwards at a new factory in Wuhan, China, for Chinese and EU markets.
If you plan to buy one soon, save at least $135,000 in advance!
Gallery: Lotus Eletre
