Lotus Arrives in India with Eletre SUV: Priced at Rs 2.55 Crore

Lotus, the renowned English sportscar manufacturer, has made its entry into the Indian market with the all-electric Eletre SUV, marking the brand's transition into electric performance cars.

 

 

Priced at Rs 2.55 crore, the Lotus Eletre is not only the most powerful but also the most expensive electric SUV available in the country. The manufacturer has also verified its plans to introduce the mid-engine sportscar, the Emira, to the Indian market in the near future. The Emira will offer customers a choice between two powertrain options, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine and a supercharged V6 powerplant.

 

Detailed Pricing of Eletre SUV

 

Variant	Price (ex-showroom)
Eletre	Rs 2.55 Crore
Eletre S	Rs 2.75 Crore
Eletre R	Rs 2.99 Crore

 

Lotus: A Brand in Transition

 

Before delving into the specifics of the Eletre SUV, it's worth noting that Lotus is currently owned by the Chinese automotive giant Geely. Geely's influence is evident as Lotus broadens its horizons, with the Eletre being just one of the brand's four global models, comprising three electric vehicles (EVs) and one petrol sportscar.

 

 

Eletre SUV Exterior Design

 

The Lotus Eletre SUV boasts a distinctive design that sets it apart from the crowd. With a cab-forward stance, a lengthy wheelbase, and minimal front and rear overhangs, the Eletre appears longer, lower, and more aerodynamic than its actual dimensions. It seamlessly blends historic mid-engine layout cues with modern design elements, including sharp edges reminiscent of the Lotus Evija and Emira.

 

 

Aerodynamic efficiency takes center stage in the Eletre's design, with airflow channeled underneath the vehicle and emerging through vents on the bonnet, behind the front wheel arches, rear wheels, and atop the D-pillar. At the rear, a full-length ribbon light, inspired by the Emira and Evija, curves into the air outlets from the wheel arches. This light changes color depending on the battery charge, further enhancing its visual appeal. A lightweight carbon-fiber roof-mounted spoiler adds a touch of race-inspired aesthetics to the rear.

 

The Eletre comes with 22-inch wheels as its standard option, but one can choose from 20-inch or 23-inch alternatives. Reportedly, the SUV will be available in a palette of six exterior colors, including Natron Red, Galloway Green, Stellar Black, Kaimu Grey, Blossom Grey, and Solar Yellow.

 

Tech-Loaded Interior and Features

 

Inside the Eletre, cutting-edge technology and innovation take center stage. The cabin features a 15.1-inch landscape-oriented touchscreen infotainment system that folds flat when not in use. The dashboard's design is split into two, mimicking the split spoiler at the rear, and features a unique "ribbon of technology" with three separate screens. These screens provide key vehicle information, eliminating the need for a traditional instrument cluster. Physical toggle switches for essential functions, such as HVAC controls, offer a tactile experience.

 

 

The Eletre's interior also incorporates a camera that senses the driver's gaze and adjusts screen brightness accordingly, enhancing safety and reducing distractions. The inclusion of a dedicated smartphone app, 5G data compatibility, and over-the-air software updates further elevates the tech quotient. Lotus's use of sustainable materials, such as Kvadrat and a lightweight wool-blend fabric on the seats, reflects a commitment to eco-friendliness. The Eletre offers a spacious five-seat layout, including a split-folding rear bench.

 

Additional elements within the vehicle encompass a wide panoramic sunroof and a 23-speaker KEF audio system. The car is also equipped with an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) package, comprising four lidar sensors and seven high-definition cameras.

 

Powertrain, Range, and Battery

 

The Eletre is built upon Lotus's Electric Premium Architecture, a flexible platform capable of accommodating various car segments, battery sizes, electric motors, and intelligent driving technologies. Three versions of the SUV are available: the Eletre, the Eletre S, and the Eletre R, each with two powertrain options.

 

The Eletre and Eletre S feature a 603-hp dual-motor system, offering a maximum range of 600km. Meanwhile, the Eletre R boasts a 905-hp, dual-motor setup with a 2-speed transmission and a maximum range of 490km. Torque figures reach 710Nm and 985Nm, with impressive 0-100kph acceleration times of 4.5 seconds for the Eletre and Eletre S and a blistering 2.95 seconds for the top-spec Eletre R.

 

Standard features across all three variants include all-wheel drive and active air suspension. The 112kWh battery can rapidly charge from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes using a rapid charger and comes with a 22kWh AC charger.

 

Unique in Its Niche

 

The Lotus Eletre is a pioneer in its category, representing a performance-focused electric SUV without direct rivals in the Indian market. Its arrival marks the beginning of Lotus's journey in India, with the upcoming Emira sportscar slated for launch in 2024. The Emira, the brand's last internal combustion engine sportscar, will offer a choice of a 360-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a 400-hp supercharged V6 engine, with the latter even featuring a manual gearbox option.

 

 

What’s ahead?

 

With the introduction of the Lotus Eletre SUV, the Indian automotive landscape witnessed a powerful and luxurious electric SUV from a brand renowned for its sports cars. Lotus's commitment to a sustainable future is evident in the Eletre's design, features, and performance, making it a standout addition to the electric vehicle segment in India. The Eletre is a remarkable blend of cutting-edge technology, eco-friendly materials, and breathtaking performance, setting the stage for Lotus's electrifying journey in the country.