by Lotus Eletre: The Electric SUV That Surprised
Electric vehicles have long ceased to be the future—they are now a reality. The British brand Lotus, known for its sports cars, has introduced the Eletre—an electric SUV that has sparked controversy among the brand’s fans. Can a company that has always emphasized lightness and sportiness release a heavy crossover?
Some believe that Lotus founder Colin Chapman is “turning in his grave” over such a move. However, history already has examples of sports brands successfully entering the SUV market. The Porsche Cayenne, initially criticized, later became a hit and allowed the company to continue developing the 911. Perhaps the Eletre is a similar step for Lotus.
Technical Specifications
Interior and Comfort
The Eletre’s interior impresses with its quality and thoughtfulness. The steering wheel looks like a premium accessory, and the infotainment system based on two Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chipsets works flawlessly. The large 15.1-inch screen with graphics powered by Unreal Engine 5 is one of the best on the market.
“Virtually every element of the interior is upholstered in leather or Alcantara, creating a sense of luxury”
Rear passengers enjoy power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, as well as a four-zone climate control system. The trunk holds 688 liters, expanding to 1523 liters with the seats folded.
Dynamics and Handling
Despite weighing nearly 2.6 tons, the Eletre impresses with its handling. The suspension with adjustable ground clearance ensures comfort, while the precise steering makes it feel like a true Lotus. The brakes deliver excellent performance—stopping from 100 km/h in just 2.6 seconds.
However, there are drawbacks. The matrix headlight system works too “actively,” constantly adjusting the light beam even for minor objects. The Eletre’s efficiency is also not ideal—the real range is about 400-450 km instead of the claimed 500 km.
Conclusions
The Lotus Eletre is a bold step into the future for the brand. It combines luxury, technology, and unexpectedly good handling for an SUV. Although some aspects, such as the headlight system or efficiency, need refinement, the Eletre proves that Lotus can create not only lightweight sports cars but also competitive premium crossovers.
