The Lotus Eletre represents a significant shift for a brand traditionally known for lightweight sports cars. This electric SUV, while heavier, aims to blend Lotus’ ethos with the demands of a broader market. The Eletre stands out with an impressive interior, strong grip in corners, and high-speed cruising comfort. However, it’s not without drawbacks, including noticeable road noise and a less comfortable ride in urban settings.

Performance and Handling
The Eletre is available in three versions: the standard model, the Eletre S, and the top-of-the-line Eletre R. Both the standard and the S variant are equipped with a 603bhp powertrain, while the Eletre R elevates this to a substantial 905bhp.
During our test drive, we focused on the Eletre S. The SUV’s acceleration is both smooth and progressive, prioritizing a build-up of speed over instant torque delivery. This contrasts with vehicles like the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo 4S or some high-end Tesla models, which offer a more immediate punch off the line. While the Eletre may not deliver the same visceral thrill in the first few seconds of acceleration, its capacity for a relentless increase in speed is impressive and more than adequate for most driving scenarios.
Handling and Dynamics
Lotus has historically excelled in creating cars with superb handling, and the Eletre attempts to carry this legacy into the electric SUV domain. The vehicle exhibits minimal body lean and offers a sharp turn-in, instilling confidence in corners. Despite its heft, it manages to maintain a composed demeanor even during spirited driving. However, enthusiasts might note the absence of a playful, rear-biased dynamic that is characteristic of some of its competitors.
One of the challenges with the Eletre is the translation of Lotus’s renowned lightweight philosophy into a heavier SUV format. While the car handles admirably for its size, there is an inevitable trade-off in agility when compared to lighter sports cars.
Ride Comfort and Road Noise
On motorways and open roads, the Eletre provides a comfortable cruising experience. The suspension deals well with high-speed undulations, keeping the car stable and composed. However, when it comes to urban environments, the ride becomes noticeably less forgiving, with smaller bumps and road imperfections being more pronounced in the cabin.
A significant drawback observed during the test was the level of road noise. At higher speeds, the intrusion of tire and wind noise is more evident than in some rivals, potentially impacting the overall comfort during long drives.

Design and Styling
1. Body Style and Dimensions
The Eletre’s silhouette is a blend of SUV robustness and sporty elegance, reflecting a new direction for Lotus. It’s larger than traditional Lotus models, yet retains a sense of sleek athleticism. The dimensions give it a commanding road presence while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency.
2. Front Fascia
At the front, the Eletre showcases a bold, futuristic face. The absence of a traditional grille, a nod to its electric nature, is compensated by a strikingly designed lower air intake and sleek LED headlights. These elements come together to give the Eletre a distinctive and aggressive look.
3. Side Profile and Wheels
From the side, the Eletre’s profile is characterized by clean lines and pronounced wheel arches, housing large, stylish wheels that contribute to its dynamic stance. The aerodynamic design elements, such as the air channels and sculpted doors, not only enhance its visual appeal but also contribute to its efficiency.
Interior Design
1. Cabin Layout and Materials
Inside, the Eletre takes a significant leap forward in terms of luxury and technology. The cabin layout is driver-focused, with high-quality materials used throughout. Bespoke elements such as Alcantara, real metal switches, and thoughtfully designed touchpoints provide a tactile and premium feel.
2. Seats and Comfort
The seats are a blend of comfort and sportiness, offering support during dynamic driving while ensuring comfort on long journeys. Optional upgrades like the Executive Seat Pack further enhance the rear passenger experience but can limit practicality due to reduced folding capabilities.
3. Dashboard and Infotainment
The dashboard design is clean and uncluttered, dominated by a large 15.1-inch high-resolution touchscreen. This screen serves as the hub for the infotainment system, which, despite being feature-rich, has shown some glitches during testing. The digital instrument cluster is well positioned, providing easy access to crucial driving information.

Battery Capacity and Range
Battery Specifications
The Eletre is equipped with a high-capacity 109kWh battery, which is substantial for an electric SUV. This battery size is a critical factor in ensuring the vehicle’s range and performance align with the expectations for premium electric vehicles.
Range
The standard model of the Eletre promises an impressive range of up to 373 miles on a single charge, while the more powerful Eletre R offers a slightly reduced range of approximately 310 miles. These figures are notable, especially when compared to several competitors in the electric SUV market, as they offer the potential for extended driving without frequent recharge stops. However, it’s important to note that real-world range can vary based on driving conditions, style, and load.
Charging Capabilities
One of the Eletre’s standout features is its compatibility with high-speed charging infrastructure. It can support a maximum charging speed of up to 350kW. This capability allows for rapid recharging, significantly reducing downtime during longer journeys.
Charging Time
When connected to a 350kW charger, the Eletre can recharge its battery from 10% to 80% in approximately 20 minutes. This quick charging time is crucial for making the Eletre a practical choice for both daily use and longer trips. For home charging setups and lower-capacity public chargers, the charging times will be longer, but the Eletre’s battery management system is designed to optimize charging efficiency across different scenarios.

Verdict
The Lotus Eletre marks a significant milestone in the storied history of Lotus, a brand synonymous with lightweight, driver-focused sports cars. With the Eletre, Lotus ventures into the electric SUV market, a segment that’s both competitive and rapidly evolving.
The Eletre impresses with its blend of performance, style, and technology. Its powertrain options cater to a range of preferences, from the adequately powerful standard model to the exhilarating Eletre R. Handling characteristics, while not as playful as some of Lotus’s past creations, strike a commendable balance between sportiness and the practical demands of an SUV.
In terms of design, the Eletre is a standout. It successfully carries Lotus’s design DNA into a new era, boasting an exterior that’s both aggressive and aerodynamically efficient, and an interior that elevates the brand’s standards in luxury and tech.
The battery and charging capabilities of the Eletre are another highlight, offering a competitive range and rapid charging, addressing key concerns of electric vehicle ownership.
However, the vehicle is not without its shortcomings. The infotainment system’s occasional glitches and the ride quality in urban settings, coupled with noticeable road noise at high speeds, are areas that could see improvement.
