Luxury Cars

The new Lotus Eletre is a larger-than-life, ultramodern take on the hyper SUV

When the Lotus Eletre debuted in London in March 2022, it signaled the British carmaker’s transition into a new era of pure electric performance SUVs. Initially, Lotus fans were shocked by how heavy and ultramodern the Eletre was for a Lotus-made car. But the first electric “hyper-SUV with supercar DNA” is proving to be every bit as dynamic as any other model from the celebrated performance automaker.

“Since its inception exactly 75 years ago, Lotus has always been at the cutting edge of innovation, pioneering advances in aerodynamics, active systems and lightweight construction,” says Maximilian Szwaj, managing director of the Lotus Tech Innovation Centre. “Quite simply, the Eletre is the most advanced Lotus ever made.”

The Eletre models much of its character on the iconic Emira. It also reinterprets the aerodynamics of the all-electric Evija hypercar as a larger-than-life SUV, boasting supreme handling, steering, and impeccable aero performance. This is one vehicle that channels airflow – despite, or perhaps because of its size.

The hyper-SUV measures about 5.1 meters long and over two meters wide, carrying a weight of more than 2.5 tonnes. It is by far the largest and heaviest Lotus ever made. Nevertheless, the vehicle manages to maximise power even at lower speeds.

New state-of-the-art technologies include continuous damping control, torque vectoring, Lotus’s ‘Intelligent Dynamic Chassis Control’, as well as lidar sensors and that 5G-capable, all of which is backed by future-proofed hardware and software.

The model’s two variations present quite contrasting styles. The Eletre S takes on a more luxurious feel. Additional features such as the soft door close, privacy glass, configurable ambient lighting, and 23-speaker KEF audio system provide a more indulgent driving experience – but still with 603hp.

The flagship Eletre R is even more focused on performance. It benefits largely from Lotus’s ‘Dynamic Handling Pack’, featuring active roll control and rear steering, as well as the ‘Carbon Pack’, Pirelli P Zero performance tyres, and a sixth drive mode, ‘Track’, which allows for sharper handling (especially in consideration of the car’s girth). This version has a ri-motor powertrain and a two-speed transmission that can push the SUV up to a remarkable 905hp.

A comprehensive list of option packs offers customers a host of customisations, from exterior and interior carbon fibre styling to a variety of colours, materials and finishes

For more information, visit Lotus Cars.

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