Lotus, famous for lightweight sports cars, has gone electric... and massive! The Eletre R is the brand's first-ever SUV, a 'hyper-SUV' that blends family practicality with mind-bending performance. It's a bold new chapter for the British brand, now built in China, aiming to take on the likes of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT but with a plug. With a new price tag of around €145,990 and used examples appearing near €129,995, it’s a serious bit of kit for those wanting supercar speed in a practical package that redefines the Lotus ethos for the electric age.
As the Eletre is still fresh on the scene, having launched in 2023, the 2025 model year brings refinements rather than a radical overhaul. Expect the latest over-the-air software updates to enhance the slick infotainment system and potentially tweak performance modes and driver-assistance features. Lotus is continually honing the Eletre's digital experience, ensuring the tech feels as cutting-edge as the performance. For the R trim, this means keeping its performance credentials razor-sharp against new rivals entering the hyper-SUV fray. It's all about small gains to stay at the top.
The Eletre R looks like it’s been beamed in from the future. Its design is all about ‘porosity,’ with air channeled through the bodywork for epic aerodynamics and cooling. The R trim amps up the aggression with carbon fibre details and a sportier stance. At 5103 mm long and 2019 mm wide, it has serious road presence, but its sleek roofline keeps it looking athletic, not bulky. Features like the active rear spoiler, imposing 22-inch wheels, and optional camera-based side mirrors scream high-tech, making it a true head-turner that honours Lotus’s performance heritage.
Inside, the Eletre R is a stunning blend of luxury and tech. Sustainable materials meet a massive 15.1-inch central OLED screen running on Unreal Engine for unbelievably slick graphics. It's surprisingly practical too, with a standard five-seat layout and ample space for passengers. Luggage room is sorted with a generous 611-litre boot, expanding to 1532 litres with the seats folded. Chuck in the handy 46-litre frunk for charging cables, and you’ve got a cabin that’s as smart and spacious as it is sporty. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
Hold on tight! The Eletre R is a rocket ship. Its dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors unleash a staggering 675 kW and 985 Nm of torque through an all-wheel-drive system, launching this beast from 0-100 km/h in a jaw-dropping 2.9 seconds. Top speed is a blistering 260 km/h. Despite its 2725 kg weight, it's still a Lotus, featuring active roll control and rear-wheel steering for shockingly agile handling. Selectable regenerative braking modes help recoup energy, but this car is all about delivering an electrifying, supercar-scaring driving experience.
Powering the Eletre R is a substantial 109 kWh usable battery pack. Green Cars Compare's real-world estimate suggests a range of around 376 km, with an efficiency of 3.45 km/kWh – that's the price for all that performance! The real party trick is its 800V architecture. Via its CCS Type 2 port, it can charge at a staggering 367 kW, going 10-80% in about 20 minutes. At home, the standard 22 kW AC on-board charger provides a full charge overnight, ensuring you're ready for another day of warp-speed travel.
The Eletre is packed with cutting-edge safety tech, headlined by its deployable LIDAR system that future-proofs it for advanced autonomous driving. While it's yet to be tested by Euro NCAP, the standard equipment list on the R trim is mighty impressive. Every Eletre R gets a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a high-definition 360-degree camera system. This Lotus isn't just about going fast; it’s designed to keep you and your family exceptionally safe with the latest hardware on the market.
Lotus backs the Eletre with a solid warranty package, providing peace of mind for this high-tech machine. Owners receive a comprehensive vehicle warranty, typically for five years or 160,000 kilometres. The crucial high-voltage battery is covered for a longer period, usually eight years or 160,000 kilometres, with a guarantee against significant degradation. While specific complimentary maintenance plans can vary by region, the reduced service requirements of an EV mean fewer trips to the dealer compared to a complex internal combustion hyper-SUV, keeping running costs in check.
