Lotus Eletre Review & Prices

Think of the new Lotus Eletre as the 21st century reboot of a much-loved 20th century brand – some things stay the same, but there’s also a lot that’s very different. Like Tom Cruise’s Maverick in Top Gun.

What’s new? Well, the all-electric Eletre is the first SUV in the company’s 75-year history, as well as being the largest and heaviest car Lotus has ever made. In fact, you can forget the traditional Lotus obsession with light weight – the Eletre tips the scales at close to 2.5 tonnes. That’s about what you’d expect a luxurious electric SUV to weigh, but it’s an awful lot for a Lotus.

What’s stayed the same? Judging from our drive of a pre-production car at a Lotus test track, this is still a true driver’s car. It corners with incredible grip, although the rear-wheel steering (standard on the range-topping ‘R’ model) takes some getting used to.

Two power outputs are available. The 603hp models start from £90,000, while the 905hp ‘R’ costs from £120,000. With a 0-62mph time of under three seconds, the R runs the Tesla Model X Plaid close for performance.

The Eletre has a 112kW battery, giving an official range of up to 373 miles for the 603hp Eletre and Eletre S. The range-topping R has a range of 310 miles.

Topping up the battery won’t take long, provided you can find a sufficiently powerful charger. The 800-volt architecture can accept charging at speeds of up to 350kW, to add 250 miles of range in just 20 minutes.

Inside, the build quality on the pre-production car is impressive, and a definite step up on any previous Lotus model. There’s a huge range of adjustment for the seat and wheel, so whether you want a low-slung and sporty position or to sit high with a clear view out the Eletre can oblige.

The cabin is roomy as well as luxurious, with a choice of four or five-seat layouts. There’s lots of space for bags thanks to the 688-litre boot, and there’s another luggage area under the bonnet.

We’ll write a full review of the Eletre once we’ve had the opportunity to drive one on the road as well as a test track. For now, we’re excited by the Eletre and what it means for Lotus’s future. In the meantime, you can browse the latest used Lotus models available through our network of trusted dealers. When you find your perfect next car, don't forget you can sell your current car through carwow, too.