As a brand that’s known for small, petrol-powered sports cars, news of Lotus’ full-sized, fully-electric Eletre SUV came as a surprise to most.
Today’s reveal of the design of the Eletre crossover follows the release of details of the vehicle that is to be the first SUV built by Britain’s Lotus – a brand now owned by China’s Geely.
At 5.1-metres long, the Eletre is slightly longer than a BMW iX, and while a weight figure is yet to be officially announced, the large 112kWh battery will surely push it over the 2-tonne mark.
The Eletre is only 50mm shorter than a BMW X7
Lotus has confirmed that the Eletre range will consist of the Eletre, the Eletre S and the Eletre R, all of which will use the same battery, and electric all-wheel drive system.
The Eletre, and Eletre S will make 450kW/700Nm, and be able to hit 100km/h in 4.5 seconds. They will also get an electric driving range of up to 600km.
That range figure indicates that the large SUV will consume as little as 18.7kWh/100km in combined driving.
The range-topping Eletre R will hit 100km/h in 2.95 seconds
At the top of the range will be the Eletre R, which will make 675kW/985Nm, and be able to hit 100km/h in 2.95 seconds. It will also become the fastest dual-motor electric SUV with a top speed of 265km/h.
Driving range for the range-topping Eletre R sits at 490km according to the WLTP testing cycle, indicating a consumption of 22.9kWh/100km.
All Eletre models use the same 800-volt electric architecture, and can support a charging rate of up to 350kW.
A single screen sits in the centre of the Eletre’s dash
The Eletre R also gets a ‘Track Mode’ which will lower the suspension, and stiffen up the ride for less body roll.
The extent to which the Eletre shares components with two fellow Geely premium electric SUVs – the Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3 – is not yet known, though the Eletre appears to utilise a similar Lidar system to its Swedish crossover cousins.
As you’d expect, Lotus plans on lapping the Nurburgring with the Eletre, but not just to chase a lap record. The brand is also working on technology that will let the SUV lap the ‘ring autonomously.
You won’t find any leather at all throughout the interior of the Eletre
On the inside, it’s clear that Lotus was chasing a futuristic aesthetic with a minimalistic theme. Just one 15.1-inch display will sit in the centre of the dash, and use an operating system based on the Unreal Engine.
Despite its size, seven seats aren’t an option for the Eletre, as buyers will have the choice between just four and five. At 611L, luggage space stays inline with the segment.
Though pricing and specification has been released for British and European markets, local information is still yet to be revealed.
