A revived Lotus will soon introduce something very different from its usual fare: a 5.1-metre electric SUV.
The Lotus Eletre, at least in Europe and the UK, will be offered in three different variants with two different powertrains.
A spokesperson for the Australian distributor Lotus said: “Eletre intends to enter the Australian market.
“We’re currently working on a basis until some time in 2024.”
Local pricing and specifications are yet to be finalized.
Europe and the UK will be among Eletre’s first markets, with deliveries set to begin in the first half of 2023.
THAN: Lotus Eletre EV SUV costs about 200,000 USD
The SUV range will include Eletre, Eletre S and Eletre R variants, all of which use 112kWh batteries.
Base model and production Eletre S 450kW power and 710Nm torque, good for a 0-100km/h time of 4.5 seconds.
These models have 600km of the range is claimed during the more rigorous WLTP test cycle, however this is with 20-inch wheels – a free option – and not the standard 22-inch wheels.
Dual engine Eletre R has 675kW and 985Nmreduced 0-100km/h time to 2.95 seconds but reduced range 490km.
Lotus says it’s the fastest dual-motor electric SUV with a top speed of 265km/h, though Tesla claims the 0-100km/h time will be quicker Pattern X Plaid in 2.6 seconds.
The R comes with Track Mode, which offers a lower ride height, more performance-oriented settings for the dampers and anti-roll control, a fully open active grille, and launch control.
The company says it will only take 20 minutes to charge any Eletre from 10 to 80% using a DC fast charger. It has 800V architecture and can support DC charging up to 350kW.
Eletre’s focus is said to be as much on its technology as it does on performance.
Active safety and driver assistance features powered by LiDAR technology and support for over-the-air updates mean the system “will be fully ready when specific market regulations allow for AD levels more advanced”.
Lotus also said it still plans to introduce technology that will allow customers to drive their own cars on the Nurburgring.
All models have a 15.1-inch OLED central screen running Lotus Hyper OS. The system ran on two Qualcomm 8155 System-On-Chips chips, and Lotus used the Unreal Engine – a game engine better known for use in Fortnite – to deliver real-time 3D content.
Lotus promises its operating system to deliver the best visual effects and interactive features in its segment.
The Digital Head division from global mobile technology company ECARX debuts on Eletre, offering a fully customizable display and a floating ultrathin one billion color OLED touchscreen.
Lotus says the platform provides “server-grade computing power” and can be continuously updated throughout the vehicle’s life with over-the-air updates.
Navigation services, including EV range assistant and predictive routing, can also update over the air. These have been provided by HERE Technologies, the Eletre being the first vehicle to combine the audio technology of Dolby Atmos and KEF Audio.
Elsewhere in the interior, you’ll find a leather alternative, plus new man-made fibers for the carpets and insoles. Both are 100% recyclable and 100% recyclable.
When it comes to size, the Eletre is far behind Lotus’s current models.
It measures 5103mm long, 2135mm wide with a camera mirror, or 2231mm with a regular mirror, and measures 1630mm to 1636mm tall.
It sits on a 3019mm wheel and has a ground clearance of 187mm to 194mm.
Overall, it’s only 50mm shorter from nose to tail than BMW X7and 231mm wider.
Luggage capacity is 611L with four seats or 688L with five seats, expanding to 1532L when the second row is folded.
The company has detailed pricing for the UK and European markets.
In the UK, it will start from £89,500 (AU$159,924) in base guise, rising to £104,500 (AU$186,775) for the Eletre S and £120,000 (AU$214,490) for the Eletre R .
For reference, a BMW iX M60 – probably the closest thing to a current Eletre rival – retails for £116,905 in the UK.
It’s also worth noting Polestar 3 and Volvo EX90 – like Lotus, these two brands are also part of the thriving Geely empire. It’s unclear if more components are shared at this stage.
While the domestic specifications are yet to be announced, the standard Eletre will come with the following in Europe and the UK:
- Active air suspension
- Torque vector
- Matrix LED headlights
- Active front grille
- 22 inch forged wheels
- 15.1 inch OLED touch screen
- KEF Premium sound system 15 speakers 1380W
- 12-way power front seats
- Four-zone climate control
- Wireless phone charger
Optional is the Executive Seat Package with four (instead of five) seats.
Lotus says there are five different wheel designs, six interior designs, six brake calipers and an initial choice of six exterior colors. The latter includes Natron Red, Galloway Green, Stellar Black, Kaimu Grey, Blossom Gray and Solar Yellow.
Eletre S adds:
- Configurable ambient light
- Privacy Glass
- Active rear spoiler
- Door opens and closes softly
- Illuminated side sills
- KEF Reference 2160W 23-speaker audio system
Finally, Eletre R adds:
- Lotus dynamic processing package
- Carbon fiber pack
- Glossy black wheels
- Stainless steel pedals
- High performance tires
You can add the R’s two bundles to other Eletre models, along with optional packages such as the Comfort Seat Package and the Ceramic Brake Package.
Optional driver assistance technology is available in the Park Assist and Highway Assist Packages.
The company says the Eletre “takes the soul of the latest Lotus sports car – the Emira – and the revolutionary gas performance of the all-electric Evija superbike, and reinterprets them as a Hyper-SUV.” “.
“The launch of Eletre is the natural next step for Lotus. Two-seater sports cars aren’t for everyone, and we want to bring a Lotus for every stage of your life. Matt Windle, corporate vice president and chief executive officer of Lotus Cars said.
THAN: Everything Lotus Eletre
