Unveiled globally on March 29, 2022, the Lotus Eletre marked a significant departure for the iconic British marque, being their first production SUV and first vehicle produced in China.
The "R" variant, the top-tier performance model, was part of this initial rollout, showcasing Lotus's intent to apply its performance DNA to a new, electrified segment.
Designed at the Lotus Tech Creative Centre in West Midlands, England, the Eletre series represents a bold step towards a globalized, electrified...
Unveiled globally on March 29, 2022, the Lotus Eletre marked a significant departure for the iconic British marque, being their first production SUV and first vehicle produced in China.
The “R” variant, the top-tier performance model, was part of this initial rollout, showcasing Lotus’s intent to apply its performance DNA to a new, electrified segment.
Designed at the Lotus Tech Creative Centre in West Midlands, England, the Eletre series represents a bold step towards a globalized, electrified future for the brand, under the ownership of Geely.
While retaining some of the sculpted, aerodynamic cues reminiscent of Lotus’s traditional sports cars like the Evija, the Eletre R reimagines the brand’s philosophy for the SUV segment.
Its aggressive styling, characterized by active aerodynamics, a distinctive grille with active vents, and flush door handles, signifies its high-performance aspirations.
Despite its SUV stature, design elements like its “porosity” allow air to flow through the vehicle, improving aerodynamics and efficiency.
The Eletre R is built on Lotus’s Electric Premium Architecture (EPA), a dedicated 800V platform designed for future C-segment and E-segment electric models.
Powering the Eletre R are dual electric motors, delivering a colossal 905 horsepower (675 kW) and 726 lb-ft (985 Nm) of torque.
This immense power allows the Eletre R to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 2.85 seconds, with a top speed of 165 mph (265 km/h).
The R variant also features a 2-speed gearbox for the rear motor, a key differentiator from the other Eletre trims.
A 112 kWh (gross) lithium-ion battery provides an estimated WLTP range of 490 km (approximately 304 miles). Advanced chassis technology, including active roll control and rear-wheel steering, further enhance its dynamic capabilities, offering a “Track” driving mode for maximum performance.
The Lotus Eletre R is positioned as a premium electric hyper-SUV, with a starting price around £120,000 in the UK and approximately $145,000 in the US (though US pricing can vary significantly due to tariffs).
Its combination of groundbreaking performance, luxurious interior packed with cutting-edge technology (including LiDAR sensors for advanced driver assistance, a 15.1-inch OLED touchscreen, and a 5G-enabled infotainment system), and striking design aims to redefine the electric SUV landscape.