First Drive: Lotus Eletre By Jack Evans, PA Motoring reporter
What is it?
It’s a Lotus, but not as you might know it.The Hethel-based firm might be best known for its lightweight sports cars – think the Elise or hardcore Exige – but it’s now switching to focus directly on electric vehicles. It has already kickstarted this transition with the Evija hypercar but it’s this, the new Eletre, which is how Lotus plans to enter into the flourishing premium EV market. With some serious backing from parent company Geely, the Eletre is a car jam-packed with technology and cutting-edge features – but is it still a thoroughbred Lotus or just another battery-powered SUV? We headed to Norway to find out.
What’s new?
There’s a lot going on here.The Eletre uses a Geely-sourced platform which you’re set to find underneath a number of other models within the group. But, with Lotus at the tuning helm, we’ve got a more driver-focused setup with clever damping control to ensure that this 2.5-tonne beast stays as level as possible through the bends. But inside, there’s a whole lot to take in as well.The Eletre is one of the first cars to use an infotainment setup that uses technology sourced from computer gaming, meaning that it’s sharp and quick to respond.There’s also the option to have this Lotus as either a four- or five-seater, with the former bringing two comfort-focused chairs for the rear passengers to relax in.
What’s under the bonnet?
From launch, there are three flavours of Eletre – the standard car, Eletre S and range- topping Eletre R. Separating those two initial specifications is a boost in standard equipment but performance and power remain the same; in the R, things are taken up a level. For this test, however, we’re in the middle-rung Eletre S. A single motor brings 603bhp and 710Nm of torque, equating to a 0-60mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 160mph. But, as with any EV, range is king – and the Eletre does quite well in this respect. Lotus claims up to 373 miles from a charge – but bear in mind that this can only be achieved on 20-inch wheels.They’re available as a no-cost option, but are the smallest available on this car.
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