Lotus has confirmed prices for its new Eletre all-electric SUV will start from just under £90,000 in the UK. Described by the Norfolk-based brand as a ‘hyper-SUV’, the Eletre will come with a choice of three different versions and two powertrains, with the first customer cars expected to arrive in 2024.
The starting price of £89,500 pays for the basic Eletre model, which comes with 603 bhp and a range of up to 373 miles. The car also comes with 22-inch alloy wheels, LED matrix headlights and active air suspension, as well as an active front grille that can open and close depending on the car’s cooling requirements.
Inside, the Eletre comes with four-zone climate control, 12-way electrically adjustable front seats and wireless smartphone charging, as well as a 15.1-inch central touchscreen. That system includes the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity kit, as well as a 15-speaker premium audio system.
As standard, all Eletres come with five seats, but the optional Executive Seat Pack cuts that to four seats. The Eletre also comes with deployable lidar technology designed to pave the way for autonomous driving systems. Lotus has promised over-the-air updates that will activate specific autonomous driving functions as and when individual markets allow such technology to be used.
For customers who want more equipment, Lotus is offering the Eletre S at the heady price of £104,500. That car gets privacy glass and an active rear spoiler, as well as soft-close doors and auto-dimming door mirrors. There’s also a 2,160-watt, 23-speaker sound system, but the car is propelled by the same 603 bhp powertrain.
Finally, the range is topped by the Eletre R, which swaps the standard powertrain for a more powerful 905 bhp dual-motor system. That gives the car outstanding acceleration, allowing it to sprint from 0-62 mph in 2.95 seconds and hit a top speed of 165 mph. However, that performance comes at a price, and the Eletre R starts from £120,000.
More on the new Lotus Eletre:
“Confirmation of the pricing and specs of the Lotus Eletre is a key moment in the transformation of Lotus through our Vision80 strategy,” said Matt Windle, the group vice-president and managing director of Lotus Cars. “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. Customer deliveries start during the first half of next year.
“The launch of the Eletre is the natural next step for Lotus. 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.”
Gallery: Lotus Eletre
