Lotus Eletre launched as brand’s first electric SUV  

Lotus has conducted the world premiere of its new Eletre model, representing two milestones in the history of the automaker. Apart from being the brand’s first electric vehicle (EV), this is also the first SUV by a marque known primarily for sports cars.  

The model was largely kept under wraps until recently, when images taken from its Australian patent filing surfaced online under the Type 132 codename. Two days before launch, Eletre was revealed as the production name for the electric SUV.

“The Eletre, our hyper-SUV, is a new performance car from an iconic performance car brand and it will appeal to independent-minded and adventurous driving enthusiasts,” said Lotus Group CEO Qingfeng Feng, describing it as a turning point for the brand.

The Eletre marks a number of firsts for Lotus

Slated to headline a new range of lifestyle and performance EVs that Lotus will launch annually through 2026, the Eletre marks the first time that a Lotus model will be made in China, at a modern production facility located in Wuhan. 

Exterior 

The Lotus Eletre stands 5,103 mm long, 2,231mm wide, and 1,630mm high on a 3,019mm wheelbase. Some 96mm are shaved off from the width if the EV is equipped with the Electric Reverse Mirror Display that substitutes the exterior mirrors for an array of video cameras. 

A sleek profile defines the Eletre's aesthetics

Crisp edges define the Eletre’s exterior, showing aesthetic cues derived from both the Emira and Evija sports cars especially on the sculpted hood. Sleek technical light clusters are found on the leading edge, incorporating the daytime running lights and directional indicators. 

The main headlamps are located just below, slightly recessed with a smoked effect, hovering over the active front grille that automatically opens and closes for aerodynamics and cooling the electric powertrain. Muscular front fenders terminate in air vents that enhance the shape of the doors, all of which feature flush handles and are surrounded by 23-inch machine-cut alloy wheels with carbon fiber inserts. 

Both sides of the tailgate also carry vents for optimal air flow 

A raked windshield combines with the high beltline to produce a silhouette that conveys motion, with the roofline flowing dramatically towards the rear, terminating in a distinctive split roof spoiler. The LED ribbon light spans the width of the tailgate, bookmarked at each end by more air vents, and sports four colors to indicate an array of functions, from unlocking the vehicle to showing the battery’s charge status.        

Interior 

The Eletre’s cabin reflects the sleekness of the exterior, rendered in ultra-premium materials. Customers can choose between a five-seat or four-seat layout, both featuring synthetic microfibers in the upholstery combined with advanced wool-blend fabric that is 50 percent lighter than leather. 

Twin displays are found on the driver and front passenger view

Even with striking aesthetics, the Eletre’s interior also showcases utility with practical storage spaces throughout. A storage tray on the center console offers wireless phone charging, and twin cupholders sit flush to the surface until they’re needed. There’s even room on the door panels for bottles up to one liter in size.

Tech & Safety     

Twin displays facing the driver and front passenger measuring less than 30mm high show key vehicle and journey information, also customizable for music selection or nearby points of interest. Between them is a massive 15.1-inch OLED landscape touchscreen monitor that automatically folds away when not needed.  

Even the rear occupants have their own touchscreen

Further vehicle data can be accessed by a heads-up display on the driver’s side, featuring augmented reality (AR) technology. An angled 9-inch touchscreen with wireless charging is also located on the second-row armrest for rear occupants. Analog switches and voice commands complement the digital interface. Standard on the Eletre is a 15-speaker KEF surround sound system, upgradable to a 23-speaker setup.     

Advanced driver assistance technologies on the Eletre include Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Support Front (CMSF), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Child Presence Detection (CPD), and Emergency Rescue Call (E-Call). 

The Eletre is also the first vehicle in the world to use deployable light detection and ranging (lidar) sensors hidden on the roof and front wheel arches, working with the available camera system to enable autonomous driving capabilities. More features can be unlocked with over the air (OTA) software updates, using the Eletre’s 5G connectivity.      

Powertrain

An all-new 800v dedicated EV architecture underpins the Eletre, using aluminum and high tensile steel for the necessary rigidity to protect the onboard battery pack. Two electric motors, one for each axle, are powered by batteries rated at over 100 kilowatt-hours, producing 600 horsepower and a maximum range of 600 kilometers. 

The Eletre is equipped with a high-voltage power distribution system

All it takes is 20 minutes with the 350-kilowatt charger to deliver an initial range of 400 kilometers. Lotus claims that the Eletre can accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in less than 3 seconds, aided by its carbon fiber and aluminum construction as well as the all-wheel drivetrain. 

Standard on the Eletre are air suspension and Continuous Damping Control (CDC), accompanied by available options such as active ride height, active rear axle steering, and torque vectoring. Four drive modes regulate parameters such as steering, damper settings, and powertrain response.  

Pricing

Lotus has yet to confirm pricing for the new Eletre, but reports suggest that it will start at around £100,000 (more than Php 6.8 million). The model will go on sale in China, the U.K., and Europe by 2023.

See more new vehicle releases at Philkotse.com.