Lotus Eletre Hyper-SUV
Lotus, the renowned performance brand, continues its global transformation with the introduction of the groundbreaking Eletre hyper-SUV. This extraordinary model represents a new generation of pure electric performance SUVs, incorporating the core principles and DNA that Lotus has cultivated over its illustrious 75-year history of sports car design and engineering. The Eletre combines these elements to create an enticing new lifestyle vehicle that appeals to Lotus enthusiasts and a fresh wave of customers seeking exceptional dynamic performance, captivating design, and the practicality of a versatile and spacious family-focused vehicle, equipped with cutting-edge digital technology for enhanced safety and convenience.
The Eletre remains true to the essence of Lotus. It draws inspiration from the latest Lotus sports car, the Emira, and incorporates the revolutionary aerodynamics of the all-electric Evija hypercar, reimagining them in the form of a hyper-SUV. This remarkable vehicle offers class-leading ride and handling, precise steering, and superior aerodynamic performance—areas in which Lotus has long been a pioneer and industry leader across its road cars and race cars. Additionally, the Eletre embodies the hallmark features that have made Lotus great from the very beginning: exquisite design, efficient and elegant engineering solutions, a seamless integration of technology, craftsmanship of the highest caliber, the use of advanced materials, and a commitment to innovation and pushing boundaries.
The Eletre proudly continues the tradition of Lotus road cars with names beginning with the letter “E,” symbolizing its significance as the first accessible electric vehicle (EV) and the brand’s inaugural foray into the SUV segment. In some Eastern European languages, “Eletre” means “Coming to Life,” which serves as a fitting connection as this model marks the start of a new chapter in Lotus’ illustrious history.
Born from a collaboration between highly experienced and dedicated Lotus teams in the UK, Germany, and China, the Eletre embodies the ethos of “Born British, Raised Globally.” This collaborative effort encompasses the product definition and attributes teams at the Hethel headquarters, the design teams at the UK Creative Centre (UKCC) in Coventry, the engineering and dynamics teams at the Germany Innovation Centre (GIC) in Raunheim, and the Lotus Tech engineering and manufacturing teams in Wuhan.
Since its world premiere in London in March 2022, the Eletre has garnered immense interest worldwide, with thousands of customers already placing deposits to secure their own. The car is available in three different versions: Eletre, Eletre S, and Eletre R, with a choice of two powertrains. Deliveries have commenced in China and will follow in other global markets, including Europe and the UK, later this summer.
Mike Johnstone, Group Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer of Lotus, emphasized the Eletre’s driver-centric nature, stating, “Like every Lotus, the Eletre is first and foremost a car ‘For The Drivers.’ Its DNA is 100% Lotus, with exceptional dynamic performance. It’s also the most advanced Lotus ever, blending that performance with comfort, practicality, versatile space, cutting-edge tech, and modern luxury design into a vehicle that brings the Lotus experience to a whole new group of customers for the first time.”
Johnstone also noted that while two-seater sports cars may not appeal to everyone, the Eletre and other fully electric lifestyle models recently announced by Lotus provide a range of highly desirable vehicles that cater to customers’ diverse needs at different stages of their lives. This expansion represents a natural progression for the brand and an exciting development, as Lotus continues to prioritize delivering outstanding performance across various market segments.
Maximilian Szwaj, Vice-President of Lotus Technology and Managing Director of GIC, highlighted Lotus’ legacy of innovation and technological advancements. The Eletre epitomizes this tradition by combining fundamental Lotus qualities with state-of-the-art technologies. It features deployable LIDAR sensors, future-proofed hardware and software, and a cutting-edge 5G-capable infotainment system powered by Lotus Hyper OS, which offers unrivaled performance in visual effects and interactive feedback. The Eletre stands as the most technologically advanced Lotus ever created.
The Eletre boasts an extensive list of standard features, including active air suspension, continuous damping control, torque vectoring, Lotus Intelligent Dynamic Chassis Control, 22-inch 10-spoke forged wheels (20-inch five-spoke in European markets), Matrix LED headlights, Adaptive Cruise Control, Visual Park Assist, four-zone climate control, 12-way electric-adjust front seats, head-up display, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and a 1,380W 15-speaker KEF Premium Audio system.
The Eletre S, tailored for luxury-seeking customers, enhances the standard specification with additional features such as soft door close, privacy glass, an active rear spoiler, configurable ambient lighting, illuminated side sills, an air quality system, a 2,160-watt 23-speaker KEF Reference Audio system, and 22-inch 10-spoke forged wheels in grey with a diamond-turned finish.
As the performance-oriented flagship model, the Eletre R benefits from the Lotus Dynamic Handling Pack, Carbon Pack, Pirelli P Zero performance tires, gloss black wheels, and a dedicated sixth Drive Mode: Track.
Customers have the opportunity to further personalize their Eletre by choosing from a range of option packs, including the Executive Seat Pack, Comfort Seat Pack, Extended Carbon Fibre Pack, Interior Carbon Fibre Pack, Parking Pack, and Highway Assist Pack. The Lotus Dynamic Handling Pack and Carbon Packs are also available as options for the Eletre and Eletre S, with the Eletre R featuring the Ceramic Brake Pack (available for the Eletre S in European markets). Standalone options are also offered for greater customization. Interior customization options encompass a wide range of colors, materials, and finishes. The Eletre is currently available to order, with pricing starting at £89,500 in the UK and €95,990 in Europe. Pricing for other regions will be announced in due course.
The Eletre represents a technical tour de force, showcasing Lotus’ longstanding commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technology. It represents the culmination of 75 years of pioneering achievement in ride and handling, steering, aerodynamics, and active systems. The Eletre underwent an exhaustive global engineering development program, enduring testing over more than one million miles in some of the world’s most challenging environments, including the demanding Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany. By seamlessly blending the fundamental elements of Lotus dynamics with advanced chassis and driving safety technologies, state-of-the-art electric powertrains, and a luxurious and spacious interior featuring world-class infotainment, the Eletre ushers in a new era for Lotus, captivating performance car drivers worldwide.
The Eletre offers more innovation, technology, capability, and appeal than ever before. With a range of up to 600km (373 miles), the convenience of fast-charging from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes, and acceleration from 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in an astonishing 2.95 seconds in the flagship R model, the Eletre optimizes the benefits of electrification to deliver an unparalleled driving experience.
The instant torque and all-wheel drive traction provided by the two electric motors, combined with active air suspension, grant the Eletre a new level of capability: the ability to continue driving where the road ends and a towing capacity of up to 2,250kg.
The Eletre ensures a safe and relaxing driving experience with its comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Features such as Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Highway Assist (HWA), Collision Mitigation Support Front (CMSF), Traffic Sign Information (TSI), and many more contribute to enhanced safety and peace of mind.
Additionally, the Eletre boasts a 29-inch head-up display with semi-augmented reality, overlaying contextual graphics onto the road view to help drivers maintain focus. The smartphone app includes a remote parking function, enabling Eletre owners to effortlessly maneuver the vehicle into tight parking spaces while outside the car. The suite of advanced sensors is future-proofed to enable over-the-air (OTA) updates, providing further advancements in automated driving capabilities.
European customers benefit from a five-year/150,000km vehicle warranty and an eight-year/200,000km battery warranty. In the UK, customers receive a five-year/100,000-mile vehicle warranty and an eight-year/150,000-mile battery warranty. Additionally, all customers enjoy five years of pan-European roadside assistance.