Though millions of sedans are sold each year, SUVs and crossovers are now far more popular prodding even exotic and boutique automakers to produce high-riding vehicles of their own. Ferrari, Lamborghini and Aston Martin each have one, and now the British brand Lotus (now majority-owned by Chinese automaker Geely) is joining the fray after decades of making a home for itself in the sports car industry.
The 2024 Lotus Eletre SUV is a massive technological step forward for the brand that, over its 71-year history, has focused on simplicity and lightness. Those two ideas don't seem like they make sense with the bigger and more complicated body style and battery-electric powertrain, but surprisingly, they pair up more naturally than one might guess.
"The Eletre is aimed at a new generation of Lotus customers – those who value the world-class dynamic performance and striking design which have always been a part of the Lotus experience, and those looking for a more versatile and spacious family-focused vehicle," a Lotus representative told Newsweek.
The car is, "the most advanced Lotus yet, and the blend of performance with comfort, practicality, versatile space, cutting-edge technology and modern luxury design makes it more complex than ever before," they said.
The Eletre takes a mix of design attributes from the company's last gasoline-powered vehicle, the Emira, and its first electric vehicle (EV), Evija.
The layout starts with a mid-engined look, with the passenger cab positioned more forward than an average SUV. The Eletre R test vehicle was covered in Blossom Gray paint, which is a metallic gray with an iridescent pink hue that shows itself in certain lighting condition. It could best be described as a modern, but more restrained version of Ford's Mystichrome finishes of the 90's and 2000s.
Aerodynamics were learned from the Evija and Emira sports cars leading to a low (and therefore efficient) drag coefficient of 0.26. The active front grille features individual triangle apertures that open and close depending on cooling needs.
The active rear spoiler, working with the fixed roof spoiler, automatically adjusts between three positions, depending on vehicle speed, acceleration, braking and drive mode setting. During hard braking events it deploys up to 34 degrees to help slow the Eletre down, passing on the sensation of a skydiver when they deploy their parachute mid-flight.
Three different versions of the car are available, Eletre, Eletre S and Eletre R – with the choice of two powertrains. The Eletre R was tested and is the fastest of the bunch with a whopping 905 horsepower (hp) from two electric motors. The Eletre and Eletre S still deliver a supercar-like 603 hp.
At over 5,400 pounds the Eletre isn't a lightweight like its predecessors, but it is similar in its power-to-weight ratio. The Lotus Elite and Exige were underpowered even by the standards of the day, but they were so light it made them feel like much faster cars.
The same is true here as the Eletre R is as quick as any electric vehicle we've tested with a sub-3-second zero-to-60 time. The R has six drive modes with Track being the most aggressive. Takeoffs from a stop in that setting can make passengers physically ill if they're not ready for it. The acceleration continues for as long as the driver wants to keep their foot down, given there's enough battery power to make it happen.
Power is almost as impressive on the freeway and in passing situations. Eletre has a top speed of 161 miles per hour (mph) and seems as quick at 80 mph as it does at 20.
In addition to Track, Eletre has Tour, Range, Sport, Off-Road and Individual drive modes. Off-Road loosens up the traction control on dirt and rocky surfaces to keep momentum going. Range mode optimizes the power and climate for maximum efficiency.
More important than power is control. Lotus continues its reign of creating precision instruments that handle similar to vehicles half their size with Eletre. Unlike the Lotus vehicles of yore the Eletre does have power steering, but the tuning on it, combined with the 23-inch rims and Pirelli P-Zero tires make for a drive that's almost as perfect as the two-seat vehicles the British brand is famous for.
The electric power steering motor is installed on the steering rack, making for a more natural feel and the steering ratio is also quick, taking just 2.5 turns to go from lock-to-lock. Optional rear steering makes the Eletre R even sharper, effectively shrinking the car when at slow speeds in a parking lot and lengthening it when changing lanes at high speeds for extra stability.
The Lotus Eletre R has a range of 304 miles in the European test cycle, which usually translates to about 22 percent higher than the U.S.'s Environmental Protection Agency fuel mileage tests. That would put the Eletre R at about 237 miles of all-electric range on a single charge. With its 800-volt electrical system the SUV can charge from 10 to 80 percent in 20 minutes on a DC fast charger.
The cabin, though full of technology, does feel simple and Polestar-esque, especially before initializing the car's operating system. The stiff, leather-wrapped, bucket-style seats hug the driver before the central infotainment screen and two flanking screens (one for driver, one for passenger) illuminate.
The central touchscreen infotainment touchscreen measures 15.1 inches and comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Eletre comes equipped with 5G Wi-Fi, is over-the-air capable and a has voice assistant technology.
A 29-inch head-up display (HUD) projects graphics, navigation and advanced driver assist systems ahead of the driver.
Most of the spacious cabin is swathed in leather and suede. There are storage spaces for phones and drink holders that pop up flush when not in use. There are limited physical controls, only for climate and gear selection.
It comes in four- or five-seat configurations, both available with a rear touchscreen that is located on the center console and not storable when unused.
All seats enjoy the panoramic roof that offers 10 different settings for the amount of light transmitted into the cabin.
The Eletre has two options for audio systems from KEF. One is a 1,380-watt, 15-speaker setup the other is a 2,160-watt, 23-speaker system.
Lotus hasn't announced a US price yet but told Newsweek one would come well-equipped for about $150,000.
The Eletre, on sale in the third quarter of 2024, is not exactly as simple as Lotus' previous gasoline entries, but it is as simple as an electric SUV can be, keeping with the ethos of the company that began by simplifying and lightening race cars. Like Lamborghini's SUV, and Porsche's, the Lotus Eletre may just become its best seller.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Jake Lingeman is the Managing Editor for the Autos team at Newsweek. He has previously worked for Autoweek, The Detroit ... Read more
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