The Lotus Eletre heralds a new era of sports car, where adrenaline meets sustainability. Its curved lines, elegance, and power combine to create a car that continues the Lotus legacy, but at the same time, takes it in an entirely new direction. It may be an eco-friendly drive, but that doesn’t take away from the exhilaration you feel when you are behind the wheel.
Because this segment is incredibly niche and units are not sold in big numbers, Lotus needed a model with a wide appeal. Think Porsche Cayenne and Macan, which also allow the brand to continue to sell the 911. The Lotus Eletre is thus a convergence of 75 years of sports car heritage and an electric future, all rolled into one alluring package. This car appeals to those who value performance, but desire the practicality and spaciousness of an SUV.
At its heart, the Eletre is still very much a Lotus. It carries the DNA of its predecessors –the nimble Emira and the electrifying Evija – but it’s been tailored for a new generation, those who’ve grown up admiring the sleek lines and exhilarating performance of Lotus sports cars but need something that fits a more modern lifestyle.
The name of this car is derived from the Hungarian word “életre” which means “coming to life”. It is an all-electric sports car that comes with a choice of two powertrains. But don’t be fooled by the electric motor – you can expect performance figures such as 447kW and 710Nm. Three different versions of the car are available – Eletre, Eletre S and Eletre R, with the first two accelerating from zero to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds. The crazy-quick Eletre R will take just 2.95 seconds to complete the same sprint.
Range anxiety is also not an issue as the car can cover distances of up to 600km, model dependant. Unlike a combustion engine vehicle, which converts kinetic energy to heat during braking, the Eletre can recuperate a significant proportion of this because the motors act as generators during deceleration, and that energy then recharges the battery. You can select from two levels of regenerative braking using the two tactile paddles on the steering wheel.
Making the Eletre even more user-friendly, the vehicle offers charging to match its range and performance. All models feature a 22kW on-board charger as standard, and those with a 22kW wallbox at home will be able to fully replenish the battery from 0-100 percent in less than six hours – ideal for overnight charging.
This car symbolises the transformation of a brand known for its racing pedigree and engineering excellence into one that also speaks the language of luxury, versatility, and electrification. It’s a car that’s born British but raised globally, bringing the invigorating Lotus driving experience to a whole new audience.
The Eletre S and Eletre R are available in South Africa, with the Eletre coming at a later stage.
PRICING:
Eletre S: R4 250 000
Eletre R: R4 500 000
