Lotus Eletre R cranks out 675kW

UPDATE 26/10/2022 11:00am: Lotus Australia has confirmed it's working towards a 2024 launch for the all-new Lotus Eletre SUV in our market, with local pricing and specifications yet to be finalised.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE PUBLISHED 26/10/2022 12:01am: Lotus has released full UK pricing and specification details of its upcoming 2023 Lotus Eletre electric SUV, revealing three model grades and key details including output and range for the high-performance dual-motor powertrain.

The European range will comprise the Eletre, Eletre S and flagship Eletre R, all of which pack in a dual-motor, all-wheel drive powertrain that draws energy from a 112kWh battery pack.

Whereas Lotus previously flagged a maximum power output of at least 450kW, the British sports car marque has now confirmed the flagship Eletre R will crank out 675kW and 985Nm of torque.

According to the car-maker, that’s enough to dispatch the 0-100km/h sprint in 2.95 seconds and push on to a top speed of 265km/h. The driving range is quoted at 490km.

This extra performance is aided by the inclusion of a two-speed transmission set-up – similar to that of high-end Porsche Taycan models – whereas the base Eletre and Eletre S use a single-speed reduction gear.

These entry models are also now confirmed as producing 450kW and 710Nm, accelerating from 0-100km/h in 4.5sec and reaching a top speed of 258km/h.

They also have an effective driving range of up to 600km.

All Eletre models feature the same 350kW DC fast-charging capability which Lotus claims will charge the battery from 10-80 per cent – or add roughly 400km range – in just 20 minutes.

Australian pricing is still to be announced, but in the UK the base Eletre starts from £89,500 ($A159,915) plus on-road costs, while the Eletre S starts from £104,500 ($A186,727).

The Eletre R is available from £120,000 ($A214,424).

Key competitors include the Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo and BMW iX M60.

Feature highlights on the base model include 22-inch forged wheels, active air suspension, torque vectoring, Matrix LED headlights, an active front grille, five driving modes, wireless phone charging, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, four-zone climate control, a 15-speaker KEF sound system and a 15.1-inch infotainment screen with smartphone mirroring.

Deployable Lidar technology is also included as standard in preparation for the approval of autonomous driving regulations in various markets, with an over-the-air update all that’s needed to enable the tech.

The better-equipped Eletre S adds privacy glass, an active rear spoiler, configurable ambient lighting, illuminated side sills, soft-close doors, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, an air quality system and a gruntier 23-speaker KEF sound system.

Eletre R’s standard features list largely matches that of the S, but adds otherwise optional equipment including the Lotus Dynamic Handling Pack, Carbon Fibre Pack, gloss black wheels, stainless-steel sports pedals, black badging and high-performance tyres.

All models offer 688 litres of boot space behind the second row, expanding to 1532 litres when the rear seats are stowed.

Opting for the available four-seat arrangement trims the rear luggage capacity down to 611L.

Lotus Cars managing director Matt Windle said confirmation of the Eletre’s pricing and specs was “a key moment in the transformation” for the brand under its Vision80 strategy and that first European deliveries would start in the first half of next year.

“We know from media and customer feedback that they’re hugely excited by the arrival of this car – indeed, the Eletre has already won awards as 2023’s ‘most excited to see’ new model,” he said.

“Two-seater sports cars are not for everyone, and we want to offer a Lotus for every stage of your life. The Eletre is the start of that.”

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