Lotus Cars Malaysia has launched the all-new Lotus Eletre, the brand’s first fully-electric high-performance SUV that marks the UK sports car company’s transformation into a global performance car business and brand. From the Evija and now the Eletre, all of Lotus’ future models will be electric.

The Eletre takes the core principles and Lotus DNA from almost 75 years of sports car design and engineering and evolving them into an all-new lifestyle model for the next generation of Lotus customers.

This Hyper-SUV delivers several firsts for the Lotus brand i.e. the first non-sports car model, the first lifestyle electric vehicle, and also the most ‘connected’ Lotus ever. Packed with performance-focused technology, the Lotus Eletre promises outstanding ride and handling, and exceptional driver engagement.

Built on Lotus’ all-new 800v Electric Premium Architecture (EPA), this versatile platform can accommodate C+ to E+ vehicle class battery sizes, motors, component layouts, and intelligent driving technologies. The Lotus Eletre comes with a choice of 2 powertrains, each with 2 electric motors – one driving the front wheels and another the rear, to deliver all-wheel-drive capability.

There are 3 variants available for Malaysia i.e. Eletre, Eletre S and Eletre R. The Eletre and Eletre S are powered by a single-speed system that produces 603 hp and 710 Nm of torque. This allows the SUV to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, and from 80 to 120 km/h in less than 2.2 seconds. Both these variants have a top speed of 258 km/h, and a maximum driving range of 600 km (WLTP – Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure).

Meanwhile, the flagship Eletre R has a dual-speed system that offers an output of 905 hp and 985 Nm of torque. Capable of a century sprint time of just 2.95 seconds and accelerating from 80 to 120 km/h in less than 1.9 seconds, with a top speed of 265 km/h, it is currently the world’s fastest dual-motor pure electric SUV. Maximum WLTP driving for the Eletre R is 490 km.

All 3 variants use a 112 kWh battery and a 350 kW charger that enables a rapid charging time of 10% – 80% in just 20 minutes. It can also accept 22kW AC charging as standard. The high energy density of the battery pack provides the best possible balance of performance and driving range. A 3-in-1 electric drive system integrates each motor with a controller and reducer, an efficient design which makes the unit smaller and lighter – a very Lotus solution. The flat ‘skateboard style’ battery and electric motors also sit closer to the ground to ensure a lower centre of gravity and not compromising on driving dynamics.

The Lotus Eletre has 5 drive modes standard across the range that adjust the steering, damper settings, powertrain, and accelerator pedal response i.e. Range, Tour, Sport, Off-Road and Individual, for exceptional dynamics, outstanding comfort, and true Lotus performance.

The Eletre R however, gets an additional Track mode which is developed based on extensive testing at the Nürburgring circuit. It provides a lowered ride height and more performance-oriented settings. These include active rear-wheel steering, adaptive dampers, and active anti-roll control to deliver a higher level of dynamic performance. Track mode also includes a fully open active grille and launch control with instant access to the car’s full power.

The active front grille is a network of interconnecting triangular petals that offers aerodynamic benefits. Intricately designed, they remain closed when the car is at rest or when there’s a need to reduce drag during driving, and opens in a distinctive pattern to feed air into the radiator, allowing the Eletre to ‘breathe’ when it requires cooling of the electric motors, battery pack and front brakes.

The grille design is just one of the aerodynamic-led styling cues of the Eletre. The SUV’s signature design element is its ‘porosity’ where the aerodynamic principle of air flowing through the car as well as under, over and around is given priority. Most obvious are a pair of exit vents on the bonnet that channel air from under the car’s leading edge. Other examples can be found ahead of and behind the front wheel arches, behind the rear wheels, and at the top of the D-pillar. Together, they enable less resistance in cutting through the air while delivering more efficiency in terms of improved vehicle range, speed and performance.

Apart from aerodynamics, these vents and ducts also contribute to the Eletre’s striking chiselled look. Muscular haunches, the aggressive rake of the windscreen with a relatively narrow, glass area, a couple-like roofline and the black cantrail complete the Hyper-SUV’s distinctive sculpted shape.

Further, the carbon fibre roof spoiler that evokes race car winglets channels airflow down the glass and into the active tailgate spoiler which is deployed automatically at speed. It has 3 distinct deployment angles, depending on the drive mode selected. The Eletre S and Eletre R add on an active rear spoiler that automatically unfolds to 2 levels at high speeds.

Styling-wise, the design team created a cab-forward stance with a long wheelbase and short overhangs front and rear. Overall, there is a visual lightness to the car, creating the impression of a high riding sports car rather than an SUV. Physically, its dimensions are 5,103 mm (length), 2,231 (width, including mirrors), and 1,636 mm (tall), with a wheelbase of 3,099 mm and weight of 2,490 kg.

Other standard exterior features include Matrix LED headlamps with high beam spot, LED daytime running lights, LED side lights, LED fog lights, an LED reverse light, welcome home lighting, powered hands-free tailgate with opening height memory, heated washer jets and a fixed gloss black aluminium roof. The Eletre S and Eletre R add on auto-dimming side mirrors, rear privacy glass and soft closing doors. The Eletre R also gets a Carbon Pack as standard.

All 3 variants come with a 5-seat configuration with a boot capacity of 688 litres (1,532 litres with the rear seats folded). A 4-seat configuration is available as part of the optional Executive Seat Pack. Materials used for the interior include premium feel and highly durable man-made microfibres that are 100% recycled and 100% recyclable, in addition to a state-of-the-art alternative to leather that is environmentally friendly, odour-free and lasts longer than genuine leather. The hard materials are recycled edge trimmings from carbon fibre production that is compressed in resin for a premium marble-like finish.

The infotainment experience in the Eletre sets new standards in delivering an intuitive and seamless connected experience with best-in-class performance in terms of visual effects and interactive feedback. It is a collaboration between the design team in Warwickshire and the Lotus team in China, which has vast experience in the fields of User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX). Powering the infotainment system is the Lotus Hyper operating system, with server-level processing power from 2 Qualcomm 8155 System-On-Chips. Also, real-time 3D content and experiences via the 15.1″ OLED touchscreen are made possible using ‘Unreal Engine’ technology from the gaming industry. This OLED screen from ECARX folds flat when not required and the display is fully customisable via the Driver Information Module (DIM) which can be continuously improved via over-the-air (OTA) updates; the system has 5G compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. You can also lock and unlock the car using a smartphone app.

As part of the Eletre’s human-machine interface (HMI) is a blade of light below the standard 8″ TFT instrument panel that runs across the cabin. The light changes colour to communicate with occupants, for example, if a phone call is received, if the cabin temperature is changed, or to reflect the vehicle’s battery charge status.

Below the light is a ‘ribbon of technology’ comprising two slim strips less than 30 mm high – one for the driver and another for the passenger that can display different information such as vehicle and journey information, music selection or nearby points of interest. Information can also be displayed to the driver via a head-up display with augmented reality (AR) technology, which is standard for all variants. A key point is that every element of the Eletre can be controlled digitally with 95% of functionality available within 3 touches of the main screen. Voice control through advanced speech recognition technology is also available.

Lotus is also partnering with HERE Technologies to deliver integrated navigation services for the Eletre. The service includes EV Routing, EV Range Assistant and Predictive Routing, and can be updated via OTA updates. In terms of audio system, the Eletre and Eletre R come standard with a 1,380-watt, 15-speaker KEF Premium setup with Uni-QTM and surround sound technology that delivers a more coherent and hyper-realistic sound experience. For more fun driving, the Eletre R also offers drivers the option of switching to sports motor sound.

For the Eletre S, it comes with a 2,160-watt, 23-speaker KEF Reference system with Uni-Q, Uni-Core and surround sound technology that enables high-level performance while reducing the subwoofer or speaker volume significantly.

Other features include wireless charging, auto-dimming frameless rear-view mirror, 4-way electrically adjustable steering column, heated multi-function steering wheel, front and rear USB-C ports, 4-zone automatic climate control system, 12-way electrically adjustable front seats with memory, electrically adjustable front and rear air vents, and i-Size child seat anchor points on the outboard rear seats.

The Lotus Eletre also comes with a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), many of which are designed to be future-proofed via OTA updates. All variants get Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), a driver monitoring system, Rear Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA), Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning / Prevention (LKA+), Blind Spot Detection, Traffic Sign Information (TSI), Front and Rear Park Assist, Visual Park Assist and Lotus Intelligent Dynamic Chassis Control.

The Eletre is also equipped with the world’s first deployable LIDAR system to support end-to-end autonomous driving technology and is future-proofed for further development, achievable because of the hardware that’s already integrated. Further capability can be added via OTA software updates, as and when it is allowed by local market regulation.

“This is a momentous point in the history of Lotus Cars. The Eletre is a bold and revolutionary new car, delivering on our commitment to move the brand into completely new automotive segments as we widen our global appeal and accessibility. It is a true Lotus and we’re confident it will delight performance car customers and offer a distinct alternative to the segment. The Eletre has the soul of a Lotus and the usability of an SUV. Alongside the Emira sports car, this is the perfect two-car garage from Lotus,” said Daniel Balmer, Regional Director, Asia Pacific and Middle East, Lotus Cars.

“The Eletre is a progressive and exotic all-electric performance vehicle from an iconic performance car brand that will appeal to independent-minded and adventurous driving enthusiasts. A unique combination of exquisite design, exceptional dynamic performance and everyday usability, it is a compelling alternative for those who desire a true driver’s car but whose lifestyle demands something more practical than a traditional sports car,” said Tengku Ezan Ley, General Manager of Lotus Cars Malaysia.

The standard exterior colour for Eletre and Eletre S is Kaimu Grey, while the Eletre R comes in stunning Solar Yellow. At launch, there are 6 exterior colours to choose from i.e Natron Red, Galloway Green, Stellar Black, Kaimu Grey, Blossom Grey and Solar Yellow.

The retail prices are:

• Lotus Eletre – from RM578,000
• Lotus Eletre S – from RM648,000
• Lotus Eletre R – from RM798,000

All prices are on-the-road, without insurance and road tax, for Peninsular Malaysia only. The Lotus Eletre is covered by a 5-year / 150,000 km manufacturer’s warranty, while the battery has an 8-year / 200,000 km warranty.

All Eletre customers have further opportunities to customise and personalise their cars to their requirements using option packs. Those available at launch include the Lotus Dynamic Handling Pack, Ceramic Brake Pack, Executive Seat Pack, 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 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Packs are also available – the Parking Pack and a Highway Assist Pack.

For more information about the all-new Lotus Eletre Hyper-SUV, visit www.lotuscars.com and follow Lotus Cars Malaysia Facebook, Instagram and YouTube channels for updates.

You can check out the Eletre at the Lotus Cars Malaysia pop-up showroom in Pavilion KL starting this weekend.