The Lotus Eletre marks a historic moment for the iconic British sports car manufacturer, Lotus. Known for crafting lightweight, razor-sharp sports cars like the Elise, Exige, and Evora, Lotus has now stepped boldly into the world of electric mobility. The Eletre isn’t just Lotus’s first electric vehicle; it’s also their first SUV — a move that might have shocked purists but has undoubtedly caught the world’s attention.
Dubbed the “Hyper SUV” by Lotus, the Eletre blends the brand’s racing DNA with futuristic electric technology. It aims to take on the luxury EV market, competing against names like the Tesla Model X, Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo, and Lamborghini Urus (in spirit, if not directly).
In this blog, we’ll take a detailed look at the Lotus Eletre — from its stunning design and cutting-edge technology to its mind-bending performance and luxurious interiors.
Table of Contents
A Bold Leap for Lotus
For decades, Lotus was known for building sports cars that followed founder Colin Chapman’s philosophy: Simplify, then add lightness. But the market has changed. SUVs dominate sales charts globally, and electrification is the future of the automotive industry. The Lotus Eletre is Lotus’s strategic answer to stay relevant and profitable.
By creating an all-electric SUV, Lotus can tap into a broader customer base while also showcasing their engineering expertise in a completely new segment. The Lotus Eletre is designed and engineered to be fast, agile, luxurious, and sustainable — all at the same time.
Exterior Design – Aerodynamics Meets Aggression
One glance at the Lotus Eletre and you know it’s not your average SUV. The design is aggressive, athletic, and unmistakably futuristic. Lotus’s design team has given it a low, wide stance that instantly communicates performance.
Key Exterior Features:
- Active Aerodynamics – The Eletre features active front grille shutters that open and close based on cooling and aerodynamic needs.
- Sculpted Bodywork – Sharp creases and flowing lines channel air efficiently around the car, reducing drag and boosting range.
- Slim LED Headlights – The split headlight design gives the Eletre a menacing look, while the DRLs emphasize its width.
- Panoramic Glass Roof – Enhances the feeling of space and luxury inside.
- Massive Wheels – Available up to 23 inches, they fill the arches perfectly and add to its commanding road presence.
The Lotus Eletre’s design is not just for show — every curve and vent has been crafted to improve aerodynamics. This focus on airflow management is deeply rooted in Lotus’s motorsport heritage.
Dimensions and Road Presence
The Lotus Eletre is a large SUV, but its proportions are sporty.
- Length: Around 5.1 meters
- Width: Around 2.2 meters with mirrors
- Height: Approximately 1.6 meters
- Wheelbase: Over 3 meters
These generous dimensions translate to impressive interior space, while the long wheelbase aids stability and comfort at high speeds.
Interior – Luxury Meets Technology
Step inside the Lotus Eletre and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels like it belongs to a high-end luxury EV rather than a stripped-down sports car. Lotus has embraced modern luxury with premium materials, advanced technology, and a focus on comfort.
Highlights of the Interior:
- Minimalist Dashboard – The dashboard features a sleek, horizontal layout with a slim digital strip in place of traditional gauges.
- Massive Touchscreen – A 15.1-inch OLED central infotainment screen handles navigation, media, and vehicle settings.
- Premium Materials – Recycled fabrics, Alcantara, and fine leather elevate the cabin’s feel while staying eco-conscious.
- Advanced Ambient Lighting – Customizable colors enhance the driving mood.
- Spacious Seating – Available in 4-seat luxury configuration or 5-seat practicality.
The Lotus Eletre also features over-the-air (OTA) updates, ensuring the infotainment and vehicle software stay up to date.
Performance – The Hyper SUV Credentials
Lotus may have entered the SUV segment, but they haven’t forgotten their performance roots. The Eletre is available in multiple variants, with the range-topping Eletre R delivering hypercar-like performance.
Powertrain and Performance Figures:
- Electric Motors – Dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup.
- Eletre Base Model – Around 603 hp, 0–100 km/h in about 4.5 seconds.
- Eletre R – Up to 905 hp, 0–100 km/h in just 2.95 seconds, making it one of the fastest SUVs in the world.
- Top Speed – Around 265 km/h for the R variant.
The Lotus Eletre uses a Lotus-developed platform optimized for EV performance, with advanced torque vectoring and adaptive air suspension. This ensures it can handle like a sports car despite its size.
Battery, Range, and Charging
The Lotus Eletre is built on an 800V electrical architecture, allowing for ultra-fast charging.
- Battery Capacity – 112 kWh
- Range – Around 600 km (WLTP) for standard versions.
- Charging Speed – 10–80% in just 20 minutes using a 350 kW DC fast charger.
This means the Eletre is not just powerful, but also practical for long-distance touring.
Driving Dynamics – Lotus DNA Intact
Lotus has worked hard to ensure the Eletre still feels like a Lotus from behind the wheel. Advanced chassis control systems, rear-wheel steering, and a low center of gravity (thanks to the battery placement) make it remarkably agile.
Key Driving Tech:
- Adaptive Air Suspension – Adjusts ride height and firmness in real time.
- Active Roll Control – Keeps the SUV flat during aggressive cornering.
- Regenerative Braking – Adjustable levels for energy recovery and driving feel.
Technology and Safety
The Eletre is loaded with cutting-edge technology.
- Lidar-Based Autonomous Driving Hardware – Future-proof system ready for higher levels of autonomous driving.
- Driver Assistance – Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition.
- Infotainment – High-resolution screens, premium audio from KEF, and AI-based navigation.
Sustainability Focus
Lotus has incorporated sustainable materials wherever possible. Recycled fibers, natural wool blends, and eco-friendly manufacturing processes align with the brand’s goal of reducing environmental impact.
Price and Market Positioning
The Lotus Eletre is aimed at the premium electric SUV segment.
- Expected Price in India – ₹2.5 crore to ₹3 crore (imported, CBU).
- Global Pricing – Around £90,000–£120,000 in the UK, depending on the variant.
Competitors
While the Eletre is unique in its positioning, it competes with:
- Tesla Model X Plaid – Similar acceleration but more minimalistic design.
- Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo – Sporty driving, lower ride height.
- Aston Martin DBX707 – Petrol-powered but equally luxurious.
Verdict – The Future of Lotus
The Lotus Eletre represents a new chapter for Lotus. It combines the brand’s performance DNA with modern luxury, cutting-edge EV technology, and SUV practicality. For purists, it might feel like a departure from the brand’s roots, but for the future of the company, the Eletre could be the game-changer that ensures Lotus thrives in the electric era.
With blistering performance, a striking design, and a focus on sustainability, the Eletre proves that Lotus can evolve without losing its soul.