The Lotus Eletre S storms onto the scene as the brand's first-ever "hyper-SUV," brilliantly blending legendary handling with cutting-edge electric performance. This isn't your grandad's Elise; it's a bold, China-built statement for the electric era. The 'S' trim hits the sweet spot, delivering staggering power and luxury without the extreme price tag of the top-tier Eletre R. Positioned as a direct rival to premium German EVs, it offers a unique blend of exotic design and family-friendly practicality. With a new price of €124,090 and used examples hovering around €112,900, it’s a premium proposition.
As the Eletre is still fresh from its 2023 launch, the 2025 model year focuses on refinement rather than radical change. Key updates are expected through over-the-air (OTA) software enhancements, further sharpening the advanced infotainment system and tweaking the driver-assistance features. Lotus continues to expand its global service network and may introduce new colour palettes or interior trim options to broaden personalization. For the Eletre S, this means the already formidable package of performance and luxury tech just gets more polished and reliable with every software push.
The Eletre’s design is pure theatre, with a "carved by air" philosophy evident in every vent and winglet. Its porous design isn't just for show; it actively channels air for improved range and downforce. The S trim boasts an aggressive stance, complemented by standard 22-inch wheels and a sleek, intimidating front fascia with deployable LiDAR sensors. This is a massive machine, measuring 5103 mm in length, 2019 mm in width, and 1630 mm in height. Its sharp, futuristic lines and active rear spoiler ensure it turns heads like a true Lotus.
Inside, the Eletre S is a revelation, swapping spartan Lotus tradition for sustainable luxury and state-of-the-art tech. The cabin is dominated by a stunning 15.1-inch central OLED screen, powered by Unreal Engine for slick graphics, alongside slim displays for the driver and passenger. Passenger space is generous in the standard five-seat layout. For your gear, there's a huge 611-litre boot, which expands to a massive 1532 litres with the seats folded. Plus, a handy 46-litre frunk is perfect for stashing charging cables. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
Don't let its size fool you; this SUV has the soul of a sports car. The Eletre S packs a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, using Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors on both axles to unleash a mighty 450 kW and 710 Nm of torque. That's enough grunt to launch this 2595 kg beast from 0-100 km/h in a blistering 4.5 seconds, all the way to a top speed of 250 km/h. Standard air suspension and active dynamics mean it carves through corners with shocking agility, yet remains a comfortable cruiser when you want it to be.
Under the floor sits a substantial 109 kWh usable battery pack. According to Green Cars Compare's proprietary calculations, this delivers a realistic real-world range of 446 km, with an efficiency of 4.09 km/kWh. Thanks to its advanced 800V architecture, charging is ferociously fast. It can accept a staggering 367 kW at a compatible DC fast charger, zapping the battery from 10-80% in about 20 minutes. For AC charging, a powerful 22 kW on-board charger is standard. The CCS Type 2 port ensures full compatibility across Europe.
The Eletre S comes armed with a formidable array of safety tech, earning it a top 5-star rating from Euro NCAP. Its deployable LiDAR sensors are the centerpiece of an advanced driver-assistance suite that is standard on this trim. This includes Highway Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping for relaxed motorway journeys, along with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a comprehensive 360-degree camera system. This hardware makes the vehicle technologically future-proof for even more advanced autonomous features via future updates.
Lotus backs the Eletre with a comprehensive warranty package for peace of mind in the European market. The vehicle is covered by a 5-year / 150,000 km basic warranty. The crucial high-voltage battery is protected by a separate 8-year / 200,000 km warranty, which guarantees it will retain at least 70% of its original health. As a new player in the premium EV space, long-term reliability is still being proven, but its backing by parent company Geely provides a solid engineering and manufacturing foundation for the brand's electric future.
