Lotus, the renowned British automaker known for its lightweight and high-performance sports cars, is breaking away from tradition with its latest offering. The Lotus Eletre is an all-electric SUV that marks a significant departure from the brand’s usual lineup. Built in China and set to hit the U.S. market in 2023, the Eletre aims to compete with other electric SUV models such as the Audi e-tron and BMW iX. However, what sets the Eletre apart is its striking resemblance to the Lamborghini Urus.
The Eletre is Lotus’ first foray into the SUV segment, representing a bold move for the company. It will be available in three configurations: Base, S, and R. The base price is expected to be below $85,000, making it a more affordable option compared to its competitors. For those looking to maximize range, the base or S trim would be the recommended choices. Both variants come equipped with a 603-horsepower electric powertrain and an estimated driving range of approximately 315 miles per charge.
Under the hood, the Eletre boasts a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup that delivers 603 horsepower. This power allows the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. While the Eletre offers impressive performance and comfort, it doesn’t quite match the agility of Lotus’ sports cars. However, the range-topping R configuration takes things up a notch with a staggering 905 horsepower and an estimated zero-to-60-mph time of only 2.7 seconds.
In terms of range, the Eletre is equipped with a 109.0-kWh battery pack that provides approximately 315 miles of driving range for the base and S trims. The high-performance R variant offers a slightly lower range of around 260 miles per charge. To determine its real-world fuel economy, the Eletre will undergo a 75-mph highway fuel economy-and-driving range test.
Inside the cabin, the Eletre offers a luxurious experience with its choice of materials. Microfiber, stitched leather, wool-blend fabric, and milled bronze accents adorn the interior, giving it an upscale feel. The SUV can be configured as a four-seater with individual rear buckets or as a five-seater with a three-place rear bench. The sport seats are designed for long-haul comfort, and the switchgear features aluminum construction with knurled details reminiscent of luxury brands like Bentley.
The Eletre comes equipped with a large 15.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that runs on Geely’s ECARX platform. It offers standard features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional upgrades including a head-up display and a premium audio system with 23 speakers and 1500 watts.
In terms of safety, Lotus claims that the Eletre will have semi-autonomous driving capabilities thanks to LIDAR sensors mounted on the roof and front wheel arches. These sensors retract when not in use, maintaining the sleek design of the SUV. While specific driver-assistance features have not been detailed yet, standard safety features are expected to include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature.
When it comes to warranty and maintenance coverage, Lotus falls short compared to its competitors. The Eletre comes with a limited warranty of three years or 36,000 miles, along with a powertrain warranty of the same duration. However, there is no complimentary scheduled maintenance included.
In conclusion, Lotus is venturing into new territory with the Eletre, its first electric SUV. While it deviates from the brand’s traditional lightweight sports cars, the Eletre offers impressive performance, a luxurious interior, and a competitive price point. With its striking design and powerful electric powertrain, the Eletre is set to make a splash in the electric SUV market when it arrives in the U.S. in 2023.
