Vehicle Overview
The Lotus Eletre marks a bold new chapter for the iconic British marque. Introduced in 2022, this is Lotus’s first electric SUV — and its first foray into the luxury performance crossover segment. Designed to combine supercar DNA with practicality, the Eletre sits in the mid- to full-size premium EV SUV class, competing with the likes of the Tesla Model X, BMW iX, and Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo.
Available in Eletre, Eletre S, and Eletre R variants, it offers escalating levels of performance and luxury.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Eletre | Eletre R |
|---|---|---|
| Power Output | 603 hp (450 kW) | 905 hp (675 kW) |
| Torque | 710 Nm | 985 Nm |
| Drivetrain | Dual-motor AWD | Dual-motor AWD |
| Battery | 112 kWh (usable) | 112 kWh (usable) |
| 0–100 km/h | 4.5 seconds | 2.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 258 km/h | 265 km/h |
| Range (WLTP) | Up to 600 km | Up to 490 km |
| Charging | 350 kW DC fast charging (10–80% in ~20 mins) | Same |
| Dimensions (L/W/H) | 5,103 / 2,135 / 1,630 mm | Same |
| Weight | ~2,520 kg | ~2,640 kg |
Exterior Design
The Eletre’s design stays true to Lotus’s “carved by air” philosophy, with aerodynamic precision shaping every surface. It features active aero elements, a split roof spoiler, and pop-out lidar sensors for autonomous capability.
Highlights include
Aggressive front fascia with matrix LED lighting
Sculpted body lines inspired by the Evija hypercar
22–23-inch wheels with carbon inserts
Hidden door handles and flush glasswork for reduced drag
Available colors like Kaimu Grey, Solar Yellow, and Natron Red
It’s unmistakably futuristic yet recognizably Lotus — athletic, lean, and functional.
Interior, Comfort & Materials
Step inside, and the Eletre feels like a luxury lounge fused with race-car minimalism. The cabin blends sustainable materials (recycled fibers, premium wool-blend textiles) with high-tech interfaces.
Key details
Sports-inspired seats with full electric adjust and ventilation
Minimalist dash with LED strip that reacts to drive modes
Optional 4-seat “Executive” configuration with rear console
Spacious cabin thanks to a flat-floor EV platform
Premium build quality throughout — more Bentley than Elise
Features & Infotainment
Technology takes center stage
15.1-inch OLED touchscreen (folds flat when not in use)
Driver’s digital instrument cluster + passenger display
KEF Reference 3D surround system (up to 2,160W with 23 speakers)
Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Over-the-air (OTA) updates
Customizable drive modes and adaptive chassis systems
Everything feels responsive and intuitive — a massive leap forward for Lotus.
Safety & Ratings
Built with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and lidar-based sensors, the Eletre is among the most technologically advanced SUVs in its class.
Safety features include
Adaptive cruise control with lane centering
Automatic emergency braking
Blind-spot monitoring & cross-traffic assist
360° camera with remote view
Autonomous parking capability
Official Euro NCAP safety ratings are pending for some trims but expected to be 5 stars based on equipment and structure.
Driving Performance
Despite its 2.5-tonne weight, the Eletre drives like a Lotus should — precise, engaging, and shockingly agile.
Dual-motor setup provides instant torque and AWD traction
Adaptive air suspension & active anti-roll deliver a balanced ride
Rear-wheel steering enhances maneuverability
Lotus-developed chassis tuning offers excellent feedback
The Eletre R is blisteringly fast — 0–100 km/h in under 3 seconds, rivaling supercars. Yet, in normal mode, it’s smooth and composed, ideal for daily luxury use.
Fuel Efficiency / EV Range
| WLTP Range | Up to 600 km (Eletre base), 490 km (Eletre R) |
| Charging | 350 kW DC (10–80% in ~20 mins), 22 kW AC onboard |
| Real-world range | ~480–500 km mixed use |
Efficient for its size, the Eletre competes well against the iX and Model X.
Practicality & Everyday Usability
The Eletre blends family-friendly practicality with performance credentials:
| Boot space | 688 litres (front + rear combined) |
| Rear legroom | Excellent in both seat configurations |
Flat floor design improves access and space
Good visibility thanks to high seating position and cameras
Frunk adds extra storage
It’s more than just a fast EV — it’s a genuine daily driver.
Warranty & Maintenance
| Vehicle warranty | 5 years / 100,000 km |
| Battery warranty | 8 years / 160,000 km (70% capacity retention) |
| Service interval | Every 2 years or 30,000 km |
OTA updates reduce workshop visits
Price & Value for Money
| Variant | Approx. Price (UK) | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Eletre | £89,500 | Luxury entry with 603 hp |
| Eletre S | £104,500 | Added KEF audio, adaptive lighting |
| Eletre R | £120,000+ | 905 hp performance flagship |
While not cheap, the Eletre delivers a unique mix of hypercar design, luxury comfort, and EV practicality, making it a strong value proposition in the premium electric SUV market.
Comparison with Rivals
| Model | Power | Range (WLTP) | 0–100 km/h | Price (UK) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lotus Eletre R | 905 hp | 490 km | 2.9 s | £120k+ |
| Tesla Model X Plaid | 1,020 hp | 543 km | 2.6 s | £114k |
| BMW iX M60 | 619 hp | 566 km | 3.8 s | £112k |
| Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Turbo | 680 hp | 452 km | 3.3 s | £125k |
The Eletre strikes a compelling balance between performance and practicality, especially in S trim.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Supercar-level acceleration and handling
Stunning design and aerodynamics
Luxurious, tech-rich interior
Long range and ultra-fast charging
High practicality for a Lotus
Cons
Pricey in R trim
Heavy compared to traditional Lotus cars
Limited dealer/service network
Still new in terms of long-term reliability
Overall Rating
4.6 / 5 stars
Final Verdict
The Lotus Eletre redefines what the brand stands for — bringing performance engineering into the electric luxury SUV space. It’s ideal for tech-forward enthusiasts or families who want supercar performance with SUV comfort. The Eletre isn’t just Lotus’s future — it’s a credible rival to established EV leaders.
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Pros & cons
- Smooth and quiet electric driving character
- Potentially low home-charging costs for regular commuters
- Raised driving position and practical cabin layout
- Useful family-friendly versatility
- Good fit for UK buyers who choose the right trim
- Strong shortlist candidate when total costs are checked
- Final value depends heavily on trim, options and finance price
- Larger wheels can reduce ride comfort and raise tyre costs
- Availability, standard equipment and pricing may vary during the year
- Public charging costs and winter range need checking before purchase
Final verdict
The Eletre is a credible option in the UK market if it matches your priorities. The smartest approach is to decide what matters most - comfort, space, efficiency, performance, image or technology - then compare the exact trim against two or three rivals on the same route and the same finance basis. Choose the version that feels easiest to live with, not simply the one with the longest equipment list.
Buyer checkpoints
| Buyer checkpoint | True Motion Auto view |
|---|---|
| Best for | Drivers wanting quiet electric running and low local emissions, a raised driving position and useful family practicality. |
| Body style | Suv/Crossover |
| Powertrain focus | Electric |
| UK ownership note | Check insurance group, VED, charging or fuel costs and service-plan pricing before buying. |
| Verdict | Worth shortlisting if its size, running costs and equipment match your daily use. |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Eletre good for UK roads?
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What should I check before ordering?
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Specifications, prices and equipment were current at publication and vary by model year, trim and market. Verify final details with a franchised dealer before ordering. Read how we review cars and our editorial policy.