Lotus Eletre: All-Electric, Hyper-SUV

Fresh off the heals of their Evija Fittipaldi debut, Lotus unveiled their all-electric hyper-SUV, the Eletre.  With aggressive styling, 3 models to choose from, and a starting price that is surprising under $100k, Lotus has come out swinging with their first 5-door production vehicle.

Lotus’s electric SUV will come available in three separate versions with the choice of single or dual-motor powertrains – Eletre, Eletre S, and Eletre R. The former two feature a single motor, while the top-tier Eletre R delivers the highest performance upon a dual-motor setup – which promises 0-60 in under 3 seconds, making the Eletre R the fastest dual-motor electric SUV.

Also being introduced with the Eletre is Lotus’ new operating system, called Lotus Hyper OS. The system utilizes “Unreal Engine” technology from the video game industry to create real-time 3D content and experiences for drivers and their passengers. This advanced “digital cockpit” is backed by two Qualcomm 8155 System-On-Chips. Here are some other features of this system including some help from some new partners:

• Next-generation Digital Head Unit from ECARX
  • Provides fully customizable displays, hosted on an advanced Driver Information Module (DIM), and ultra-slim floating one-billion-color OLED touchscreen
• Over-the-air (OTA) update capabilities
  • The immersive multi-screen user experience can be continuously improved throughout the lifetime of the EV
• Eletre includes navigation services from HERE Technologies
  • Includes EV Routing, EV Range Assistant and Predictive Routing, can be updated OTA
• Lotus has new collaboration with Dolby
  • Dolby Atmos and the Eletre’s KEF speaker system combine to elevate music listening

Moving past the software and microchips, the Lotus Eletre electric SUV will come available in six interior options that include high-grade materials like state-of-the-art leather alternatives and 100% recycled carpets and trunk liners (we love to hear that).

The Eletre comes standard with wireless smartphone charging, electrically adjustable front seats, and four-zone automatic climate control. Its infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the aforementioned 15-speaker KEF premium audio system, and a 15.1-inch full High-Definition OLED center screen.

Here are some of the concept photos, along with the unveiling presentation from Tuesday: