Making a multi-lane change, British-based sports-car marque Lotus in late March pulled the covers off its debut sport-utility vehicle offering, the battery-powered “Eletre.”
Lotus ambitiously calls it an “all-electric hyper-SUV,” describing it as “bold, progressive and exotic, with iconic sports car DNA evolved for the next generation of Lotus customers” in its press release. (I’ll give its marketing team points for swinging for the fences on this one.)
Lotus says that, numbers-wise, the four-wheel-drive Eletre is aiming for a battery range of 600 km (373 miles) on a full charge; will utilize a battery that exceeds 100 kWh; and should be able to put down a staggering 600 horsepower. Torque figures have not yet been announced.
It amps up charging by being able to top up some 400 km of charge via a 350-kW charger in approximately 20 minutes, which will certainly help the Eletre stay in motion more often. It’s also said to accommodate 22-kw AC charging.
The 2023 Lotus Eletre SUV EV Photo by Lotus
The 2023 Lotus Eletre SUV EV Photo by Lotus
The 2023 Lotus Eletre SUV EV Photo by Lotus
The 2023 Lotus Eletre SUV EV Photo by Lotus
The brand claims the Eletre will do the rare flash from zero to 100 km/h in under three seconds, which if true, puts this SUV in Eletre—err, elite company.
The low-slung sport-ute has a height of 1,630 mm; length of 5,103 mm; width of 2,231 mm; and a 3019-mm wheelbase.
The Eletre is built on an all-new 800V dedicated EV architecture, and uses aluminium and high-tensile steel for increased structural rigidity. The flat battery pack and electric motors are placed close to the ground, creating a low centre of gravity to enhance performance.
There will be two electric motors: one driving the front wheels; and one for the rear wheels. It has a five-link suspension at the rear, with air suspension and damping control being standard. To make it adaptable to varying terrains, the Eletre will offer four drive modes: Range, Tour, Sport, Off-Road, plus a fifth Individual mode.
Styling-wise, the Eletre has a sort of strong character, while also being undeniably svelte. With a depth of design underscored by sharp character lines, razor-thin head- and taillights, and pronounced curves, it blends an aggressive look with modern elegance. The steeply raked windshield should keep wind resistance down as it flows over the rear spoiler.
The 2023 Lotus Eletre SUV EV Photo by Lotus
Speaking of spoilers, Lotus boasts the Eletre wears the “most advanced active aerodynamics package on any production SUV.” We’re not sure about that, but we will say for its first-ever EV SUV, Lotus seems to have created an attractive balance in exterior design.
Ambitiously, the Eletre will have a LIDAR system to support semi-autonomous driving capabilities, and it will be equipped for over-the-air updates. A 15.1-inch infotainment system will thankfully include some hard-touch buttons, and here’s hoping a volume knob is one of them.
Production of the Eletre will begin in China later in 2022. It’s the first of three new “lifestyle EVs” that Lotus plans to reveal over the next four years.
Keyword: Lotus' Eletre 'hyper-SUV' does 100 km/h under 3.0 seconds