The innovative all-electric Lotus Eletre SUV is now available to order in the UK and Europe. Comprehensive pricing details have also been confirmed for all of the carmaker’s key markets in Europe.
Lotus refers to the Eletre as a “technical tour de force,” and few would argue with that description. It serves as the company’s first ‘mass market’ electric vehicle after the limited-run Evija hypercar and will be sold in standard Eletre, Eletre S, and Eletre R configurations, all of which have two electric motors and all-wheel drive.
Kicking off the range is the base model, equipped with two electric motors and a single-speed transmission. It pumps out an impressive 603 hp and 523 lb-ft (710 Nm) of torque and can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in a rapid 4.5 seconds while topping out at 160 mph (258 km/h). Giving this model its go is a large 112 kWh battery pack with a claimed 373-mile (600 km) range under the combined WLTP cycle.
Watch: Lotus Has A Lot Riding On The Eletre – So How Good Is It?
Despite being the entry-level version, the Eletre is very well equipped. Among the standard features are active air suspension, continuous damping control, torque vectoring, 22-inch wheels, Matrix LED headlight, adaptive cruise control, virtual park assist, and a 15-speaker audio system.
Sitting in the middle of the range is the Eletre S. It has an identical powertrain to the standard model, producing the same power and having the same range. Distinguishing it is its focus on luxury. As such, it has things like soft close doors, privacy glass, an active rear spoiler, configurable ambient lighting, illuminated side sills, an air quality system, a 2,160-watt 23-speaker KEF audio system, and 22-inch wheels. It can also be optioned with carbon ceramic brakes.
The Eletre family is topped out by the R. It rocks two more powerful electric motors with a monstrous 905 hp and 985 lb-ft (1,335 Nm) of torque. While its top speed only increases marginally to 165 mph (265 km/h), its 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time does fall to 2.95 seconds. It has a quoted range of 304 miles (490 km). Fitted as standard to the Eletre R are carbon ceramic brakes with 10-piston AP Racing calipers at the front.
In Track Mode, the active front grille will remain open at all times, another feature unique for the Eletre R. Additionally, the Eletre R is equipped with Intelligent Active Roll Control, Active Rear Steering, the carbon pack, Pirelli P Zero tires, and gloss black wheels.
There’s plenty more to like about the Eletre. These include a 48-volt system with electromechanical actuators that vary output torque to alter roll stiffness. Lotus has also developed a rear-wheel steering system for the SUV and a unique range of 22-inch and 23-inch Pirelli P Zero and P Zero Corsa tires.
The aforementioned 112 kWh battery pack uses an 800-volt architecture and also has a sophisticated thermal management system to allow for precise control of heating and cooling. Charging from 10-80% through a 350 kW charger takes just 20 minutes.
While Lotus has confirmed that the order books are open for the Eletre, it has not yet said when deliveries will begin.
