An epic emission-free vehicle

July 24, 2024July 22, 2024 by Metropol No Comments

Metropol motoring writer Ben Selby puts the new Lotus Eletre S through its paces.

Who would have thought an all-electric SUV would be wearing a Lotus badge?

The Hethel-based brand, known mostly for its lightweight, fun sports cars, has well and truly started its transition to a zero emission future, while incorporating the most cutting edge of automotive design and technology. Cue the new Lotus Eletre, an electric SUV of epic proportions.

Buyers can opt for the Eletre S featured here or the flagship, and rather mental Eletre R. Focusing on the S, you get a 112kWh battery pack with dual motor powertrain producing a combined 450kW and 710Nm. Good enough to propel you to 100kph from a standstill in 4.5 seconds. Electric range is also a claimed 600km.

The Eletre is big at 5109mm long and with its optional 23-inch multi-spoked diamond turned alloys housing green brake calipers, it has some serious stance. I also loved the simplicity of the floating rear LED light bar and active aero, including the rear wing which the driver can deploy at will.

Inside is probably one of the most up-to-date feeling cabins out there. The first thing you notice is that massive 15.1-inch screen which provides all manner of driving data and some impressive 3D graphics. The materials used are also of exceptional quality and you can spec your Eletre with an almost limitless array of trim and colour options.

The Eletre’s onboard tech is rather clever too, like the LiDAR system which uses cameras to scan 200 metres around the car and relay 3D images of passing cars and pedestrians which the driver can view on said screen.

The forward facing camera which rises out of the roof can also see up to 500 metres ahead. Probably also worth mentioning the Eletre’s 23-speaker KEF 3D sound system provides symphonic bliss. Wagner’s “Gotterdammerung” never sounded so good.

Despite being hefty at 2.5 tonnes, my goodness the Eletre S can shift, all the while having the ability to change direction like a blowfly. There is plenty of feedback when coaxing it through yet another sweeping bend and when you have finished charging hard, no pun intended, it can simmer down and truly excel as a daily driver.

The Eletre wasn’t a car I was expecting to like, but I do, rather a lot. I will miss the days of lightweight petrol powered Lotus heritage, but this new direction Lotus is taking is not something one should be afraid of. Hands down it is one of the most impressive emission-free vehicles I have had the fortune to experience. A hyper SUV indeed.