Lotus Eletre R
Lotus’ first four-door is a popular SUV style
The car was developed under the Geely Group’s global framework, with British engineers working alongside teams from China, Germany and Sweden, and will be produced at a new factory in Wuhan, China.
The yellow and green Lotus emblem, modeled after a lotus flower bud, was recently redesigned with somewhat simpler lines, a fitting idea for Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman, the company’s founder and distinguished engineer, who had a strong interest in Eastern thought and Buddhism.
The Eletre is Lotus’ first four-door model and its second BEV, following the Evija. When I first saw the car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July last year, I was able to get inside and take a good look at it, but I was not able to test drive it until today. It really feels like “finally!” and it’s quite moving.
The test drive vehicle provided was the Eletre R, the most powerful grade in the lineup. All Eletre models are dual-motor AWD, but while the base grade and Eletre S have a maximum output of 612 PS, the Eletre R reaches 612 PS from the rear alone, and the front motor adds 306 PS, for a total output of 918 PS. The power distribution between the front and rear is 1:2, a bold move that even exudes the audacity that is unique to EVs.
The actual car is quite large, but if it doesn’t look that big in photos, that’s thanks to the sharp design, 23-inch tires, and low ride height that are so characteristic of Lotus.
The interior is also full of futuristic flair
The instrument panel reflects the shape of the roof spoiler, with the digital meter nacelles on the left and right split into two. The central monitor is 15.1 inches. The sound system is made by KEF in the UK.
Meanwhile, the interior makes effective use of buckskin-like materials, giving it a futuristic, high-quality feel, as well as a sense of lightness. The interior space, illuminated by the dull light coming through the dimmable glass roof, is of course spacious. However, the quality and spaciousness of the rear seats are comparable to those of the front seats, which is another difference from previous Lotus models that goes beyond the number of doors.
The smart key is a smooth triangle with a metallic texture. Simply grab it and get in, and the car will power up and be ready to go, without having to press the start switch.
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[1] The test vehicle is a 5-seater model. The interior materials are sustainable, with artificial microfiber used instead of leather. The carbon parts are also recycled materials made from scraps that have been solidified with resin. [2] There is luggage space at the front and rear, with 46 liters in the front and 688-1532 liters in the rear (5-seater model). The rear seatbacks are split and foldable in a 40:20:40 ratio. The 4-seater model is optional.
The main information is displayed on the HUD (Head-Up Display), with the rest displayed on a horizontal meter panel. Before starting the drive, the battery had 63% remaining, and the driving range was 260km. Based on these figures, with the battery at 100%, the car would be able to travel 413km. The WLTP combined range is announced as 490km, and it is common for BEVs to have a driving range of 70-80% of the catalog value. In other words, this value of approximately 85% can be said to be excellent.
The driving modes are Track, Individual, Sport, Tour, Range, and Off-Road. Equipped with a three-chamber active air suspension, the car’s character can be changed significantly by adjusting the settings.
The maximum torque of 985Nm is impressive.
The two-piece roof spoiler was adopted not only to reduce weight, but also to accommodate the need to incorporate a lidar sensor in the center of the roof. Lidar sensors are also built into the center of the front roof and in the left and right wheel arches. They deploy as needed.
I started off in the standard Tour mode. I’d grown accustomed to the quiet, powerful feel of a BEV, but the EleTre still felt a bit different. The way it absorbed input was smooth, like the old Citroëns with their hydro suspension, but the pitching was strangely suppressed. Considering the car’s weight of around 2.7 tons, which is not light, the suspension should be reasonably firm. Even so, the impact of the air suspension felt very soft.
What’s important here is that the dynamic feel isn’t heavy like a German car, but rather has a Lotus-like lightness woven into it. The thorough sound insulation also contributes to the futuristic driving sensation of being free of weight and noise.
When the EleTre was announced, the title “all-electric hyper SUV” seemed like an exaggeration, but once you actually get behind the wheel it becomes easy to accept.
Switching the driving mode to Sport and stepping on the throttle deeply, I felt the rear tires grip the road and at the same time, I was hit with a warping sensation, as if an uphill slope was turning into a downhill slope. The maximum torque of 985Nm is so frightening that I found myself pulling my right foot back. The Elettre R is supposed to be equipped with a two-speed gearbox in the rear, but I wondered if it would be possible to experience that gear change on public roads.
I’ve driven a number of 1000PS class supercars, but the EleTre R’s performance is outstanding. One reason I can think of is that, because it’s a BEV, the power is suddenly released to its full potential. What’s more, the rear-heavy feel, almost like a two-wheel drive, also leaves a strong impression. Another factor could be the higher eye point compared to supercars.
The contrast between the car’s appearance as a luxury saloon when driving quietly and its appearance when accelerating at full speed is considerable. The active air suspension is what makes it possible to transform into such a Jekyll-and-Hyde-like character. At low speeds, the ride is soft and fluffy, but as soon as you increase the pace, the suspension stiffens up, effectively offsetting roll and pitching.
The test vehicle was fitted with optional 275/35R23 front and 315/30R23 rear tires. Cast iron brakes with aluminum calipers are standard, with carbon ceramic discs available as an option.
The Elettre R’s distinctive features extend beyond its driving range. Eighteen radars, 12 cameras, and four riders are installed in the body, monitoring the surroundings, providing an astonishingly detailed understanding of the situation around the car. This information is displayed on a monitor. Of course, the ACC and lane-keeping assist systems are also highly reliable.
The Elettre R is a stark contrast to previous Lotus models, which were light and feature-limited. However, it’s difficult to incorporate Lotus’ traditional individuality into a five-door, battery-electric SUV, a car that meets the demands of today. If that’s the case, perhaps the path forward for modern Lotus is to pursue the innovative spirit hidden in Chapman’s F1 cars. Looking at it from a slightly different angle, the path Lotus should follow into the future becomes clear. I realized that if I had an Emira and an Elettre side by side in my garage, they would make a perfect, complementary pair.
REPORT／Takuo YOSHIDA
PHOTO／Akio HIRANO
MAGAZINE／GENROQ December 2024 issue
SPECIFICATIONS
Lotus Elettre R
Body size: Total length 5103, total width 2019, total height 1636 mm
Wheelbase: 3019 mm
Vehicle weight: 2715 kg
System maximum output: 675 kW (918 PS)
System maximum torque: 985 Nm (100.4 kgm)
Transmission: 2-speed
Drive system: AWD
Suspension type: Front and rear multi-link
Brakes: Front and rear ventilated disc
Tire size: Front 275 / 40 R22, rear 315 / 35 R22
Maximum speed: 265 km / h
0-100 km / h acceleration: 2.95 seconds
Vehicle price: 23,243,000 yen
[Inquiries]
Lotus Call
TEL 0120-371-222
https://www.lotus-cars.jp
