Calling the Lotus Eletre an SUV is a departure from the sports car legacy that made Lotus famous. However, Lotus understands that in order to sustain a profitable car company, it must cater to the mass market. The Eletre is Lotus’ attempt to create a vehicle with mainstream appeal, while still incorporating its unique design and performance elements.
The styling of the Eletre is unconventional and eye-catching. Its proportions are difficult to gauge in photos, but its low roofline gives it a tall wagon-like appearance. While it may not be conventionally beautiful, the unique design serves a purpose. Every vent and cut-through on the Eletre contributes to its aerodynamic performance, resulting in an impressive drag coefficient of 0.26. This makes it one of the most aerodynamic SUVs on the road, which in turn enhances its driving range.
Underneath its unconventional exterior, the Eletre is relatively straightforward. It features a 112-kWh lithium-ion battery pack arranged in a traditional skateboard style. Both the base version and midrange Eletre S come with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, producing 603 horsepower and 524 lb-ft of torque. This allows the Eletre to accelerate to 62 mph in a respectable 4.5 seconds. The range-topping Eletre R utilizes the same battery pack but adds a 2-speed transmission to its rear electric motor, resulting in 905 horsepower and 726 lb-ft of torque. This allows the Eletre R to accelerate to 62 mph in a lightning-fast 2.9 seconds.
While the Eletre R offers impressive performance, launching the vehicle lacks the usual thrill associated with performance EVs. Rather than the instant acceleration commonly experienced in EVs, the Eletre takes a millisecond before it takes off. At higher speeds, the Eletre can feel a bit unwieldy, with some front-end movement and a floaty sensation. This may come as a surprise to those familiar with Lotus’ legacy of handling excellence.
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However, the Eletre performs admirably in autocross settings. It feels well-composed and eager to dive into turns, thanks in part to its active air suspension and 48-volt-powered active anti-roll bars. On public roads, the Eletre accelerates smoothly and provides a comfortable ride, although it’s difficult to gauge its performance on broken pavement.
The Eletre offers four levels of regenerative braking, allowing drivers to choose their preferred level of regen through paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. The transition between regenerative and mechanical braking is smooth, with no sudden changes in feel. Unfortunately, due to road regulations and traffic conditions during the review, the reviewer was unable to test the Eletre’s performance capabilities fully.
In terms of driving assistance technology, the Eletre comes standard with a pop-up lidar system mounted on its roof. While the current iteration of its driver-assistance features is basic, Lotus claims that the lidar system prepares the vehicle for future autonomous applications. However, the lane-departure warning system is noted to be overly sensitive, chiming even when the vehicle gets close to a side line.
Inside, the Eletre features a 15.1-inch multimedia display powered by Epic Games’ Unreal Engine. The system offers detailed graphics and quick response times. However, it does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The vehicle’s audio system, a combination of KEF and Dolby Atmos, is touted by Lotus but lacks customization options for bass, treble, balance, or fader.
The interior of the Eletre impresses with its luxurious appointments and high-quality materials. Soft leather surfaces, real metal switchgear, and the option for Alcantara create a premium feel. The vehicle offers ample legroom and decent headroom in both the front and rear seats. Cargo space measures 21.6 cubic feet behind the rear bench, expandable to 54.1 cubic feet with the seats folded flat.
Overall, the Lotus Eletre positions itself as a well-rounded electric luxury crossover. It combines unique design elements, impressive performance, and luxurious features, putting it in direct competition with other electric luxury SUVs such as the Mercedes-Benz AMG EQE SUV or BMW iX M60. While it may be a departure from Lotus’ sports car heritage, the Eletre demonstrates the brand’s willingness to adapt and cater to a wider audience.
