Lotus Eletre SUV Claims Title as India’s Most Powerful and Expensive Electric SUV.

Lotus, the renowned English sportscar brand, has officially made its debut in the burgeoning Indian automotive market by introducing its premier all-electric Eletre SUV. This groundbreaking entry signals Lotus’ pivot towards an electric-only performance car brand. Priced at Rs 2.55 crore, the Eletre not only claims the title of being the most powerful but also the most expensive electric SUV in the Indian market. The Eletre signifies Lotus’ commitment to innovative electric vehicle technology and marks the initiation of a new era for the brand.

Handling the distribution and retail operations for Lotus cars across India is Exclusive Motors, a dealership in New Delhi that also deals in Bentley vehicles. The first Lotus showroom is set to open its doors in Delhi in early 2024, and additional showrooms are planned to follow suit in various locations across the country.

Key Features of the Lotus Eletre SUV:

Exterior Design:

The Lotus Eletre SUV boasts a distinctive exterior design that captures attention with a cab-forward stance, a lengthy wheelbase, and minimal front and rear overhangs. These elements create an illusion of increased length, a lower profile, and a sleek appearance. Notably, the design incorporates sharp edges at the front, drawing inspiration from iconic Lotus models like the Evija and Emira. The India-specific model comes equipped with 22-inch, 10-spoke forged wheels, contributing to its unique and captivating look.

Emphasizing aerodynamic efficiency, the Eletre features an active front grille that efficiently channels air under the leading edge, emerging through vents on the bonnet. Additional aerodynamic elements can be observed behind the front wheel arches, behind the rear wheels, and atop the D-pillar. At the rear, a full-length ribbon light, similar to the Emira and Evija, adds a touch of sophistication, changing colors based on the battery charge.

Interior and Features:

Inside the Eletre’s cabin, a tech-heavy environment awaits. The centerpiece is a 15.1-inch landscape-oriented touchscreen infotainment system, seamlessly integrating the brand’s proprietary ‘Lotus Hyper OS.’ The dashboard adopts a split design, mirroring the rear split spoiler. A unique ‘ribbon of technology’ consists of three screens, displaying vital vehicle information. While digital and voice-controlled features dominate, certain key functions such as HVAC controls retain physical toggle switches.

Sustainability takes precedence in the interior, with Lotus incorporating eco-friendly materials. Touchpoints feature Kvadrat, while the seats utilize a wool-blend fabric that is not only lighter than traditional leather but also aligned with Lotus’ commitment to sustainable practices. Standard equipment includes wireless charging, 12-way adjustable front seats, four-zone climate control, a premium sound system, configurable ambient lighting, soft-close doors, over-the-air updates, and ADAS features based on Lidar technology.

Powertrain, Range, and Battery:

The Lotus Eletre SUV relies on Lotus’ new Electric Premium Architecture, a versatile structure adaptable to various car segments, battery sizes, electric motors, component layouts, and intelligent driving technologies. The Eletre lineup comprises three versions: Eletre, Eletre S, and Eletre R, offering a choice of two powertrains.

The Eletre and Eletre S feature a robust 603hp dual-motor system, delivering a maximum range of 600km. In contrast, the Eletre R boasts a 905hp dual-motor setup with a 2-speed transmission, offering a maximum range of 490km. Torque figures stand at 710Nm and 985Nm, respectively, with 0-100kph acceleration times of 4.5 seconds for the Eletre and Eletre S and a rapid 2.95 seconds for the top-spec R variant.

All three variants feature all-wheel drive, active air suspension, five drive modes, and a torque vectoring system. The Eletre R stands out as the world’s fastest production electric SUV, achieving a top speed of 258kph. Charging is convenient with a 112kWh battery, capable of charging from 10-80 percent in just 20 minutes using a rapid charger. The Eletre comes equipped with a 22kWh AC charger as standard.

In a niche of its own as a performance-focused electric SUV, the Lotus Eletre SUV currently has no direct rivals in the market, making it a trailblazer in its category.

Lotus: A Global Perspective:

Lotus, currently owned by the Chinese brand Geely, has expanded its global portfolio to include three electric vehicles (EVs) and one petrol sportscar. In 2024, Lotus plans to introduce the Emira sportscar to further diversify its product offering.

Retail and Distribution:

Exclusive Motors, based in New Delhi and already renowned for retailing Bentleys in India, will serve as the sole retailer and distributor of Lotus cars throughout the country. The first Lotus showroom is scheduled to open in Delhi early in 2024, with subsequent showrooms planned across India in the years to come.

As Lotus makes its mark on the Indian automotive landscape with the Eletre, the brand reinforces its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and performance. The Eletre, with its cutting-edge design, advanced technology, and powerful electric drivetrain, not only represents a milestone for Lotus but also sets a new standard for electric SUVs in India. With a focus on the future, Lotus is poised to shape the electric vehicle narrative in the country and contribute to the evolution of sustainable and high-performance transportation.