After 70 years of building compact two-door sports cars, Lotus has revealed its first SUV – the all-new, all-electric Eletre.

Known until two days ago only by its codename, Type 132, the Eletre is the first of four Lotus EVs due by 2026, joining a coupe-sedan (due in 2023), a smaller mid-size SUV (2024), and a new sports car co-developed with France’s Alpine (2026).

As is befitting its sports car legacy, Lotus is emphasizing the performance capabilities of its new SUV, stating that it takes the “heart and soul of the latest Lotus sports car – the Emira – and the revolutionary aero performance of the all-electric Evija hypercar, and reinterprets them as a Hyper-SUV.”

Underpinning the new Eletre is the brand’s highly versatile Electric Premium Architecture, which incorporates a low-mounted battery pack, and uses aluminium and high-tensile steel to deliver “outstanding handling” and “exceptional dynamics”.

The SUV is 4WD, has a battery capacity that’s over 100kWh and power outputs starting from 600hp, allowing the vehicle to complete a 0-100km/hr sprint in under three seconds.

Lotus says that a 350kW charger will deliver 400km of range in just 20 minutes. The car’s target maximum WLTP driving range is c.600km. It also comes with the ability as standard to accept 22kW AC charging, which, where available, reduces the time plugged in.

Technology includes the most “advanced aerodynamics package on any production SUV” and intelligent driving technologies such as the world’s first deployable Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system in a production car. Add in a dynamic walk-up sequence that delivers a moment of theatre every time the driver approaches the car, and it’s clear the Eletre is a statement in itself.

“The Eletre is a bold and revolutionary new car, delivering on our commitment to move Lotus into completely new automotive segments as we widen our global appeal and accessibility,” said Matt Windle, Managing Director of Lotus Cars.

“It is a unique combination of beautiful design, exceptional dynamic performance and everyday usability, for those who dare to look beyond the conventional, and marks a turning point for our business and brand,” added Qingfeng Feng, CEO of Group Lotus.

The Electre measures 5,103mm long and 1,630mm tall, riding on a 3,019mm wheelbase, and occupying between 2,135mm and 2,231mm of space in a parking spot – the former width figure achieved with the available door-mounted side cameras, and the latter with traditional mirrors.

Externally, Lotus highlights the car’s ‘porosity’ – which it terms as “the aerodynamic principle of air flowing through the car as well as under, over, and around it” – with air channelled under the front bumper, along the bonnet, through the front wheel arches, and across the rear spoiler.

Matrix LED headlights feature up front, placed above active grille shutters arranged in a triangular pattern, and a mix of carbon fibre and aluminium. The taillights are comprised entirely of a single LED strip, with scrolling indicators.

Filling the wheel arches (albeit optional) are 23″ alloy wheels with carbon-fibre inserts, which hide available carbon-ceramic brakes with 10-piston callipers. A power-opening charging flat features, as do retractable door handles.

Inside, Lotus takes the Eletre to an unprecedented new level.

Available with four or five seats, the vehicle’s pews are trimmed in a wool-blend fabric claimed to be 50 per cent lighter than traditional leather. Carbon-fibre offcuts are reprocessed to create the trim inlays, while microfibre is used for key touchpoints.

An ultra-slim display acts as the car’s instrument cluster – showing speed, range, battery percentage and other key details.

A 15.1″ OLED touchscreen is in the centre of the dashboard that’s able to fold flat when not in use.

Other interior highlights include a ‘blade’ of light that stretches across the cabin that can change colour to convey incoming phone calls, changing cabin temperature or vehicle charge status. Also available is a wireless phone charging front and rear, a 9″ rear touchscreen, and a panoramic sunroof.

The suite of active safety features includes adaptive cruise control, traffic sign information, door opening warning, front and rear cross-traffic alert, as well as lane change and lane keep assist among others.

The Lotus Eletre is on sale now across global markets, with the first customer deliveries in 2023 starting in China, the UK and Europe.

Source: Lotus | Lotus Eletre: The World’s First Electric Hyper-SUV

30 March 2022