Lotus has revealed the specifications and pricing structure of its Eletre range of electric SUVs. The new EV represents a joint effort between the OEM’s creative team in Coventry, its engineering teams in Raunheim, Germany, and the Lotus Tech engineering and manufacturing teams in Wuhan, China.
At launch, the Eletre will be offered in three trims – Eletre, Eletre S, and the Eletre R – with the choice of two powertrains, Here, the base Eletre and Eletre S offer a 603 hp (450 kW) single-speed version, which provides 523 lb-ft (710 Nm) of torque and a maximum range of 373 miles (600 km). This setup allows both models to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in 4.5 seconds. The powertrain equipped in the premium Eletre R model offers 905 hp (675 kW) of power on a dual-speed system, offering 726 lb-ft (985 Nm) of torque and a 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) time of 2.9 seconds. In addition to its performance-oriented specs, the Eletre R has a maximum range of 304 miles (490 km). All three Eletre models will be built on Lotus’ new Electric Premium Architecture platform and include a 112-kWh battery capable of charging at up to 350 kW. On a rapid charging station, the EV’s 800V system will be able to recharge the battery from 10% to 80% in 20 minutes.
Inside, the Eletre leverages a range of technologies to power its core infotainment functions – some of which have been developed in new collaborations with technology firms. The OEM’s native in-vehicle operating system, called Lotus Hyper OS, leverages Unreal Engine – a 3D graphics engine from videogame developer Epic Games – and can manage over-the-air updates. The system partly draws its processing power from a pair of Qualcomm 8155 SoCs, while a dual-chip system from ECARX similarly works to reduce loading times and render high-resolution graphics quickly. An ECARX-developed Digital Head Unit also makes its debut on Eletre and provides the customer with a fully customisable interface courtesy of a dedicated Driver Information Module. Further collaborations will see the Eletre provide integrated services from HERE Technologies and integrate Dolby Atmos into its KEF speaker system in partnership with Dolby.
These technologies, together, support the Eletre’s infotainment system – which is presented on all three trims with a 15.1-inch OLED centre screen, wireless smartphone charging capabilities, native compatibility for Apple CarPlay and Android Audio, and a 15-speaker KEF Premium Audio system. In addition to enhancing and improving the system over time, Lotus’ OTA updates will also support the EV’s standard deployable LiDAR – which will equip the car with autonomous driving functions as and when market regulations allow them to be used on the road.
The base Eletre provides this system, in addition to five drive modes, a five-seat setup, and sustainable material options, for a starting price of £89,500 (€95,900 in Europe). For £104,500 (€120,990), the Eletre S gains new features, including privacy glass, auto-dimming side mirrors, and soft door close, as well as an enhanced 23-speaker KEF Reference Audio system. At a starting price of £120,000 (€150,990), the range topping Eletre R equips Lotus’ Dynamic Handling and Carbon Fibre premium packages as standard while adding an exclusive Track Mode that alters the EV’s ride height and performance settings.
All Eletre customers will be able to benefit from a variety of premium packages that add new materials and features – including the Parking Pack and Highway Assist Pack that each equip the EV with new ADAS functions. In detailing the Eletre, Lotus re-iterated its intent to launch the EV in Europe, China, and the UK in 2023 while confirming a 2024 rollout for the North America, Middle East, and Asia Pacific regions among others.
