New hybrid version of Lotus Eletre gets an unusual name for the Chinese market
Lotus has introduced a hybrid version of its electric SUV, the Eletre. However, for the Chinese market, the car will be sold under a new name — Lotus For Me. Outside of China, the model will retain its original Eletre name.
The car, which the manufacturer calls a “hyper-SUV,” is built on a new X-Hybrid architecture. Its key technical specifications include:
Lotus describes the PHEV as a “hyper-SUV” with its new X-Hybrid architecture.
Impressive Performance and Efficiency
The new Lotus For Me demonstrates outstanding performance. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds and covers a quarter-mile in 11.16 seconds. Even more impressive are the efficiency figures. The claimed electric-only range is 418 kilometers, and the total range in hybrid mode exceeds 1,400 kilometers. According to official WLTP measurements, fuel consumption can be as low as 0.07 liters per 100 km, although such conditions are difficult to replicate in real-world use.
The battery supports fast charging at 6C power, allowing it to be charged from 30% to 80% in just 8 minutes.
Exterior and Technical Details
Externally, the new model is practically indistinguishable from the regular electric Eletre. The changes are limited to new badges, the presence of exhaust pipes, and additional ventilation openings at the front.
Under the body, the same technologies as in the base model remain: a 48-volt active stabilizer system, dual-chamber air suspension, and adaptive dampers. Despite the installation of the hybrid powertrain, the car’s weight has remained approximately the same — from 2575 to 2626 kilograms depending on the trim.
Sales Plans and New Tuning Standard
Sales of the Lotus For Me will begin in China this month. The model is expected to arrive on the European market in mid-2026, and later that same year it will become available in North America, the Middle East, the Asia-Pacific region, and other markets.
The presentation of the new model was accompanied by the announcement of the proprietary engineering standard Lotus Tuned Specification (LTS). The manufacturer describes it as a holistic system developed jointly with key suppliers to integrate crucial components such as brakes, active stabilizers, and suspension elements.
The appearance of a hybrid version of the Eletre under the name For Me for China clearly indicates the strategic importance of this market for Lotus. The localization of the name is part of a deeper adaptation to local preferences. The car’s technical specifications, particularly the long range and ultra-fast charging, appear to be a direct response to customer demands for combining a powerful car with practicality for long trips. The success of this model could determine the brand’s future global strategy for combining electric vehicle technologies with traditional engines in the high-performance car segment.