by Hybrid Lotus Eletre enters the European market
Despite its impressive characteristics, the fully electric Lotus Eletre has not gained great popularity. The reason was not only the high price, but also buyers’ reluctance to pay a premium for an electric SUV of this class. This prompted Lotus to introduce a hybrid version first in China, and now in Europe.
The new model, known as the Eletre X, is a plug-in hybrid. It is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, a 70 kWh battery, and a 900-volt architecture. The total output is 939 hp and 935 Nm of torque. This is 34 hp more than the electric version Eletre R, although the torque figure is lower (1335 Nm for the electric model).
Lotus claims that the Eletre X can accelerate to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, and accelerating from 80 to 160 km/h takes only 3.88 seconds. Even more important is the driving range: thanks to the large battery and 52-liter fuel tank, the hybrid can travel over 1200 km without refueling. On electric power alone, the car covers 350 km. Additionally, charging the battery from 20% to 80% at a fast station with 350 kW power takes only 9 minutes.
Two versions to choose from
Two modifications of the Eletre X will be available. The flagship version H1000 delivers 939 hp and 935 Nm of torque. The entry-level version H550 has a power of 542 hp but retains the same torque of 935 Nm. It accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, and the top speed is limited to 210 km/h. For comparison, the H1000 reaches 230 km/h. Both versions have the same 70 kWh battery, 900-volt system, and driving range.
Key features inherited from the electric version include a 48-volt active roll control system, dual-chamber air suspension, dual-valve adaptive dampers, front double-wishbone suspension, and powerful Brembo brakes.
Prices and competitiveness
The cost of the hybrid turned out to be quite attractive. In Germany, the base electric version of the Eletre starts at €95,990, while the new Eletre X H550 costs from €96,990. The flagship H1000 is priced at €119,990, which is significantly cheaper than the top electric version, whose price exceeds €150,000. Thus, the H1000 looks like a very advantageous offer.
The introduction of the hybrid Eletre X could significantly change Lotus’s position in the premium SUV market. The combination of high performance, substantial driving range, and a more accessible price makes this model attractive to a wider range of buyers who previously hesitated due to the limitations of pure electric vehicles. Particularly important is the fact that the hybrid is not only cheaper than the electric flagship but also offers more practicality due to the ability to quickly refuel, eliminating the range anxiety issue. This could be a key argument for European customers looking for a powerful yet versatile vehicle.
