Lotus, the renowned British automotive manufacturer, has officially opened the order books for its groundbreaking all-electric SUV, the Lotus Eletre, in the United Kingdom and Europe. The company, acclaimed for its engineering prowess and high-performance vehicles, has positioned the Eletre as its first mass-market electric offering, following the success of its limited-run Evija hypercar. Alongside the availability announcement, Lotus has revealed comprehensive pricing details for its key European markets.
The Lotus Eletre has been aptly described as a “technical tour de force,” earning praise for its cutting-edge design and exceptional capabilities. This remarkable SUV will be offered in three configurations: the standard Eletre, the Eletre S, and the range-topping Eletre R, each featuring dual electric motors and all-wheel drive.
Leading the lineup is the base model, equipped with two electric motors and a single-speed transmission. It impresses with a power output of 595 horsepower and an astounding 523 lb-ft (710 Nm) of torque. Accelerating from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in a mere 4.5 seconds and reaching a top speed of 160 mph (258 km/h), the Eletre showcases remarkable performance. Powering this model is a substantial 112 kWh battery pack, which claims an impressive range of 373 miles (600 km) under the combined WLTP cycle.
See also: 5 Interesting Fact About Lotus Eletre Electric Hyper-SUV
Despite being the entry-level variant, the Eletre comes generously equipped with a host of standard features. These include active air suspension, continuous damping control, torque vectoring, 22-inch wheels, Matrix LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, virtual park assist, and a premium 15-speaker audio system.
Positioned in the middle of the range, the Eletre S shares the same powertrain as the standard model, ensuring identical performance and range. However, it distinguishes itself with a greater emphasis on luxury. Notable additions to the Eletre S include soft-close doors, privacy glass, an active rear spoiler, configurable ambient lighting, illuminated side sills, an air quality system, and an astonishing 2,160-watt 23-speaker KEF audio system. Carbon ceramic brakes are also available as an optional upgrade.
See also: Lotus Eletre specifications : Everything You should know
At the pinnacle of the Eletre lineup lies the performance-focused Eletre R. This variant boasts two additional powerful electric motors, resulting in an awe-inspiring power output of 893 horsepower and an incredible 985 lb-ft (1,335 Nm) of torque. Although its top speed only sees a slight increase to 165 mph (265 km/h), the Eletre R achieves a blistering 0-62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration time of just 2.95 seconds. With a quoted range of 304 miles (490 km), the Eletre R comes standard with carbon ceramic brakes featuring 10-piston AP Racing calipers at the front.
The Eletre R introduces an exclusive feature in the form of the active front grille, which remains open at all times when in Track Mode. Furthermore, it is equipped with Intelligent Active Roll Control, Active Rear Steering, the carbon pack, Pirelli P Zero tires, and gloss black wheels.
The Lotus Eletre boasts several other remarkable features, such as a 48-volt system with electromechanical actuators that adjust torque output to enhance roll stiffness. Lotus engineers have developed a rear-wheel steering system for the SUV, ensuring exceptional agility and precise handling. Additionally, the Eletre offers a unique range of 22-inch and 23-inch Pirelli P Zero and P Zero Corsa tires to further optimize performance.
See also: The Electric Lotus Eletreās Advanced LiDARs May Enable Level 4 Autonomy
The impressive 112 kWh battery pack of the Eletre incorporates an advanced 800-volt architecture, accompanied by a sophisticated thermal management system for precise control of heating and cooling. Notably, the vehicle can be charged from 10% to 80% using a 350 kW charger in just 20 minutes, exemplifying the Eletre’s focus on efficient charging capabilities.
While Lotus has opened the order books for the Eletre, the company has yet to provide specific details regarding the commencement of deliveries. With its exceptional performance, advanced features, and luxurious offerings, the Lotus Eletre SUV has undoubtedly made a significant impact in the competitive electric vehicle market, solidifying the brand’s commitment to innovation and sustainable mobility.
