British automaker Lotus has officially opened the U.S. order books for its highly anticipated electric “hyper-SUV.” Initially unveiled in the spring of 2022, the vehicle is poised to arrive on American soil by the year’s end.
Marking Lotus’s inaugural foray into the SUV segment, this forthcoming vehicle, to be manufactured in China, represents a departure from the marque’s traditional lineup. While maintaining a performance-driven ethos, the new SUV boasts enhanced size and spaciousness compared to its predecessors. Despite potential reservations from purists accustomed to Lotus’s signature zippy two-door models, the brand’s expansion into diverse automotive categories underscores its commitment to innovation and evolution.
Upon its launch, the Eletre will be offered in two variants: a base model and the high-performance R (with the U.K.’s S variant currently not slated for release in the U.S.). Both iterations share a sleek crossover design, an 800-volt architecture, and all-wheel drive capabilities. The standard Eletre features a dual-motor powertrain generating 603 hp and 524 ft-lbs of torque, while the R boasts a more potent configuration with 905 hp and 727 ft-lbs of torque, complemented by a rear-mounted two-speed gearbox for enhanced efficiency at higher speeds. Acceleration figures are equally impressive, with the base model capable of sprinting from zero to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds and reaching a top speed of 160 mph, while the high-performance variant achieves 0-60 mph in just 2.95 seconds, with a top speed of 165 mph.
Both versions of the SUV are equipped with a robust 111.9-kWh battery pack, offering an estimated maximum range of 354 miles for the standard Eletre and 280 miles for the R variant, as per Europe’s WLTP testing standards. While EPA estimates may vary, rapid charging capabilities allow the battery to be replenished from 10 to 80 percent in just 20 minutes using a fast charger, while a standard wall-mounted charger can fully recharge the battery in less than six hours.
Reservations for the Eletre are currently being accepted through Lotus’s official websites, with pricing starting at $107,000 for the base model and $145,000 for the R variant. While an exact release date has yet to be announced, Lotus anticipates commencing deliveries before the year draws to a close.
