Sourced from China, with extra energy than a Ferrari, Tesla-like tech and an SUV physique that’s as heavy as a LandCruiser, the Eletre is Lotus XXL – and plenty of moons from what the late firm founder Colin Chapman may ever have imagined.
It’s quick, too, at the least in sportiest R guise examined right here.
Two electrical motors make a mixed 675kW of energy, greater than a Ferrari V12.
Throw in 985Nm of torque and it makes many superior huge capability engines appear undernourished.
Regardless of weighing a hefty 2.6 tonnes, the Eletre scorches to 100km/h in 2.95 seconds – all whereas making nearly no noise.
The R mannequin has a twin-speed transmission for its rear motor to assist with acceleration.
There’s no purpose to doubt the supercar-like efficiency claims, both, though in on a regular basis Tour mode the Eletre is borderline relaxed, the prodigious thrust taking a second to construct.
Sport sharpens issues whereas Monitor delivers torque nearly instantaneously for a stupendous laugh-out-loud blast.
Even driving all 4 wheels by way of sticky Pirelli P Zero tyres it’s simple to elicit some wheelspin, particularly on a moist floor.
Firing out of tight corners additionally has the tail squirming, partly due to the rear steering mechanism.
There’s lively aerodynamics, together with a spoiler that pops up on the rear for prime pace stability.
Purpose the Eletre at a nook and it’s clinically efficient, hanging on tenaciously.
Much less endearing is the majority.
There’s no hiding these kilos whenever you ask it to vary route swiftly. These anticipating Lotus litheness will likely be left wanting.
That mentioned, by giant SUV requirements it delivers a slick EV expertise.
Air suspension adjusts the peak and groups with adjustable dampers to help you tailor the driving expertise by delving into numerous drive modes.
It’s a easy choice from one of many steering paddles (the opposite toggles to regulate the regenerative braking).
In Tour there’s a relaxed plushness to the trip, though sharp edges jolt by way of the low profile tyres. Physique roll is fantastically contained, including to driver confidence.
Sport is sharper whereas Monitor is finest left to easy surfaces.
There’s even an off-road mode, one thing that’s wildly bold given the {hardware} beneath.
Inside, the Eletre comfortably accommodates 5 with beneficiant head and leg room, the just about flat ground aiding foot house.
A sizeable 688-litre baggage house takes care of household adventures whereas there’s a bin below the bonnet excellent for storing charging cables.
Slender digital shows in entrance of the driving force and entrance seat passenger present more information and complement the 15.1-inch display, which has crisp graphics and swipe-and-touch menus.
The tech-laden cabin is complemented by ambient lighting and splendid supplies.
A terrific 15-speaker sound system from top-end model KEF offers very good readability, though you’ll be able to’t modify the bass and treble. And the digital slider management slow-to-respond quantity toggle are fiddly.
None of this electrical extravagance comes cheaply, with costs beginning at about $285,000 drive-away for the Eletre S (a extra inexpensive mannequin will slot beneath it later).
The S much less ferocious than the R, with a 0-100km/h declare of 4.5 seconds, however the 450kW and 710Nm ought to suffice for a lot of patrons. And it nonetheless has a head-up show, four-zone air flow, soft-close doorways, powered and heated entrance seats, matrix LED headlights, a powered tailgate, smart-key entry, wi-fi cellphone charger and 23-speaker sound system.
The circa-$345,000 R picks up rear wheel steering, some carbon trim and all that additional grunt.
Each have a 112kWh battery good for 600km in S guise or 490km as an R.
House charging may be accomplished at as much as 22kW for these with three-phase energy, offering a full top-up in 5.8 hours.
An 800V electrical structure permits charging from 10-80 per cent in 22 minutes when utilizing a 350kW ultra-rapid charger.
What the Eletre lacks in driving finesse it makes up for with brutal acceleration, offering an EV different to huge efficiency SUVs.
VERDICT
Three and a half stars
Brimming with tech, the large and heavy SUV is brutally quick – in a really un-Lotus means.
Lotus Eletre R
PRICE From about $345,000 drive-away
WARRANTY/SERVICE 5 yrs/150,000 km, capped servicing not out there
SAFETY Seven airbags, auto emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision warning, driver monitoring, speed-sign recognition
POWER Twin electrical motors, 675kW/985Nm
RANGE 490km
SPARE Restore equipment
BOOT 688L (rear), 46L (entrance)