675kW Lotus Eletre hyper-SUV coming to New Zealand

Thursday, 27 October 2022

Dive into the serious tech behind the Lotus Eletre.

The Lotus Eletre electric SUV has been detailed, and plans of a New Zealand launch have been confirmed.

Three versions will be available globally, including the base Eletre, the mid-range Eletre S and the top-rung Eletre R.

The Eletre and Eletre S share a 450kW/710Nm dual-motor single-speed powertrain, good enough for a 0-100kph sprint time of 4.5 seconds, while the R offers a healthy 675kW/985Nm from its two motors and two-speed transmission and a 0-100kph time of precisely 2.95 seconds.

The Lotus Eletre has been detailed, with a New Zealand launch on the cards for 2024.

Those figures make the Eletre R the fastest and most powerful dual-motor electric SUV in the world, trailing the tri-motor Tesla Model X Plaid’s 761kW but eclipsing the combustion-powered Aston Martin DBX707 and Lamborghini Urus Performante.

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Naturally, the Eletre has been developed on a test track resembling British B roads.

Lotus pairs its motors with a 112kWh battery pack, good for 600km of range in the Eletre and Eletre S models (down to 490km for the R). It can charge at rates up to 350kW, going from 10-80% in 20 minutes.

Standard kit for all Eletres includes a 15.1-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, electrically adjustable front seats, four-zone climate control, five drive modes, active air suspension, torque vectoring, matrix LED headlights, an active front grille and 22-inch forged wheels.

You also get phone mirroring, a 1380W 15-speaker KEF Premium audio system, and “end-to-end” autonomous driving capabilities (which will be fully enabled via over-the-air updates when market regulations allow).

As for differences between the base model and the S, it seems the S gets “enhanced” standard features, including privacy glass, an active rear spoiler, configurable ambient lighting, illuminated side sills, soft door close, auto-dimming side mirrors and an air quality system. It also includes a 2160 watt, 23-speaker KEF Reference audio system.

Six exterior colours will be available from launch – Natron Red, Galloway Green, Stellar Black, Kaimu Grey, Blossom Grey or Solar Yellow.

A further six interior packs will also be available with an environmentally friendly leather alternative which is odour-free and lasts longer than the stuff that comes from cows. In addition, a completely recycled fibre has been used in the carpets and boot liner, which is also completely recyclable.

Meanwhile, a bunch of extra option packs will be available, including the Lotus Dynamic Handling Pack, Ceramic Brake Pack, Executive Seat Pack (which removes the middle rear seat for four in total), Comfort Seat Pack, Carbon Fibre Pack, Extended Carbon Fibre Pack and Interior Carbon Fibre Pack. Many options from the packs are also available individually.

Two driver assistance packs are also available – the Parking Pack and a Highway Assist Pack.

The Eletre R gets the Dynamic Handling Pack, Carbon Fibre Pack, gloss black wheels, sports sound, stainless steel pedals, black badging and high performance tyres to go along with its more powerful motors.

Plans for the arrival of the Eletre in New Zealand are “well-advanced” with a launch set for 2024. Prices and local specifications will be revealed nearer the time. For those interested, UK pricing starts at £89,500, just under NZ$180,000 when directly converted. But pricing vehicles isn’t that simple, so best wait until Lotus confirms Kiwi pricing to know for sure.