When you think of Lotus, you likely envision lightweight sports cars like the Elise or the Exige—machines built for pure driving thrill, stripped of excess, and engineered to dance through corners. But with the all-electric Lotus Eletre, the legendary British marque has taken a bold leap into the future, one that challenges its own legacy while embracing a new kind of performance: the electric hyper-SUV.
Yes, you read that right—a Lotus SUV. And not just any SUV, but a high-performance, all-electric luxury vehicle that competes with the likes of the Tesla Model X Plaid, BMW iX M60, and even super-SUVs like the Lamborghini Urus. In many ways, the Eletre represents a radical departure for Lotus, but it also stays true to its DNA in surprising ways.
Electrifying Design
The Lotus Eletre is unlike anything Lotus has ever built before. Visually, it’s dramatic and futuristic, with aggressive lines, active aerodynamics, and proportions that scream performance. The sharp LED headlamps, prominent rear diffuser, and a roofline that slopes like a coupe give it a distinctive presence. It looks fast even when parked.
But this isn’t style over substance. Lotus engineers have carefully sculpted the Eletre to deliver active aerodynamic benefits, including a three-stage rear spoiler, grille shutters, and a vented bonnet. These aren’t just cosmetic; they help manage airflow for better efficiency and cooling—a hallmark of Lotus engineering.
Despite its SUV form factor, the Eletre maintains a low center of gravity thanks to its skateboard-style EV platform, which houses the battery under the floor. It’s a large vehicle, but its visual mass is well controlled with tight overhangs and a sleek profile.
Performance: Hypercar DNA Meets EV Power
Lotus calls the Eletre a “hyper-SUV,” and while that might sound like marketing hype, the numbers back it up.
Depending on the trim, the Eletre offers up to 905 horsepower, with dual motors driving all four wheels. The base model delivers around 603 hp, while the top-spec Eletre R rockets from 0 to 60 mph in under 2.95 seconds—on par with some supercars.
Torque vectoring, adaptive air suspension, and active anti-roll systems ensure it handles more like a Lotus than any SUV has a right to. Critics who feared that an electric SUV would dilute the Lotus essence have been pleasantly surprised—this is still very much a driver’s car, just in a much more versatile and practical shell.
Top speed? Over 165 mph. Range? An impressive up to 373 miles (WLTP) depending on configuration. With ultra-fast 800V charging capabilities, you can top up from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes, making long-distance electric travel not just possible but convenient.
Technology and Interior
Step inside the Eletre and you’re met with a tech-laden, luxurious cabin that mixes futuristic minimalism with driver-focused functionality. A slim OLED display spans the dash, complemented by a 15.1-inch central infotainment screen that folds away when not in use.
There’s also a head-up display with augmented reality, a premium KEF audio system, and sustainable materials used throughout the cabin, aligning with Lotus’s green performance ethos.
The seating is spacious, with room for five adults (or four, in the Executive rear-seat configuration). Rear passengers enjoy generous legroom, panoramic views, and access to their own touchscreen controls, making the Eletre as much a luxury lounge as a performance machine.
The Bigger Picture: A New Era for Lotus
The Lotus Eletre is more than just a new model; it’s a statement. Now owned by Geely (which also owns Volvo and Polestar), Lotus has access to the resources and EV platforms to compete globally. The Eletre is the first in a line of new electric vehicles, with more to come—including a four-door coupe and smaller SUVs.
By launching with an SUV, Lotus acknowledges the shifting tastes of global consumers. SUVs dominate the premium segment, and if Lotus is to thrive in the 21st century, it needs to evolve. But the brilliance of the Eletre is that it manages to do so without compromising the core values of performance, innovation, and driver engagement.
Final Thoughts
The Lotus Eletre is a masterclass in reinvention. It’s bold, fast, tech-savvy, and unapologetically modern. While purists may initially balk at the idea of a Lotus SUV, a few minutes behind the wheel—or even just soaking in its presence—may change their minds.
This isn’t Lotus selling out. It’s Lotus stepping up.