Overview
The Lotus Eletre represents a radical shift for the legendary British brand, transitioning from lightweight two-seater sports cars to a high-performance, fully electric hyper-SUV. Manufactured in China, under parent company Geely, the Eletre aims directly at luxury performance electric SUVs such as the Porsche Cayenne Electric, Polestar 3, and BMW iX. Built on Lotus's bespoke 800V Electric Premium Architecture, the lineup is categorized into 2 power outputs: the 600 series and the flag-ship 900 series. It delivers hypercar-rivaling acceleration alongside grand tourer refinement, redefining the brand's identity for the modern electric age.
Design
Measuring 5,103 mm long and over 2 metres wide, the Eletre boasts an imposing, cab-forward silhouette that borrows aerodynamic designs from the Evija hypercar. The exterior features aggressive air flow where air is channelled through ducting in the front bonnet, wheel arches, and rear bumper to minimize drag and boost high-speed stability. Active front grilles open only when cooling is required, while an active floating rear spoiler adjusts through multiple positions depending on driving mode. Slim matrix LED headlights compliment the front, with flush deployable door handles and optional side camera mirrors in place of traditional mirrors. The 900 series distinguishes itself with aggressive lightweight carbon-fibre body trim and massive alloy wheels ranging up to 23 inches in diameter.
Interior
Inside, the Eletre swaps traditional minimalist sportiness for ultra-premium materials and heavy technology. The cabin features sustainable leather-alternative textiles, real carbon accents, and high-end metal controls. At the centre of the dashboard sits a crisp 15.1-inch OLED touchscreen running the Lotus Hyper OS software, complemented by ultra-thin LED strip displays for both the driver and front passenger alongside an augmented reality, 29-inch head-up display. Audio is handled by a 15-speaker or optional 23-speaker KEF sound system featuring Dolby Atmos. Ergonomics are suited for long-distance driving with supportive seats fitted with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, while ambient light strips reflect drive modes and vehicle status.
Performance & Powertrains
Both variants utilize a massive 112 kWh battery pack running on an 800V architecture. The Eletre 600 features dual electric motors generating 603 bhp and 710 Nm of torque, executing 0-62 mph in 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 160 mph. The official range for 600 models spans between 304 and 373 miles depending on trim. The range-topping Eletre 900 adds an upgraded rear motor with a two-speed transmission, pushing total output to a staggering 905 bhp and 985 Nm of torque. This propels the 900 from 0-62 mph in just 2.95 seconds up to a 165 mph top speed, with the range at 254 to 310 miles. DC rapid charging peaks at 350 kW, allowing a 10% to 80% recharge in approximately 20 minutes on a capable high-power charger. Air suspension with continuous damping control comes standard, providing surprising agility for a car weighing over 2.5 tonnes.
Practicality
Despite its sport-focused driving dynamics, the Eletre functions as a highly practical family luxury vehicle. The rear boot provides 688 litres of storage space, expanding to 1,532 litres with the split-folding rear seats stowed. An additional 46-litre frunk provides dedicated storage for charging cables. Occupants enjoy generous rear legroom and headroom owing to a long 3,019 mm wheelbase. Small item storage throughout the cabin includes motorized drop-down cupholders, deep door bins, and floating centre console storage.
Buying
The Lotus Eletre range starts at £84,990 for the entry-level Eletre 600, rising to £104,990 for the highest-spec 600 Sport SE trim. The flagship Eletre 900 Sport variants demand between £129,990 and £139,990 depending on the carbon package. All models come comprehensively equipped, including active air suspension, matrix LED headlights, 22-inch alloy wheels, matrix infotainment, and driver assistance systems as standard. The EV Hub recommended configuration is the Eletre 600 which represents the sweet spot in the lineup. While the 900 offers explosive hypercar acceleration, the 600 delivers more than enough real-world performance with 603 bhp while maximizing the range at 373 miles at a significantly lower price.