Design
Lotus has always been known for its iconic sports car design, and it’s interesting to see how they have translated that into an SUV. The Lotus Eletre R has clear sports car influences in its design, making it look quite sporty and sharp. One of the standout features is the raked windscreen, giving it a sleek and aerodynamic look. The proportions of the SUV are also worth mentioning, with a long wheelbase and short overhangs, showcasing its athletic stance.
Aerodynamics
Lotus claims that the bodywork of the Eletre R is carved by air, and this claim holds true when you look at the number of air vents and outlets from the front to the rear section of the SUV. The strategic placement of these vents not only adds to the aggressive styling but also aids in aerodynamics. It’s clear that Lotus has given significant thought to optimizing the airflow around the car, which is crucial for its performance as the fastest accelerating SUV in India.
Top Spec R Version
The model being tested here is the top spec R version, and it’s an absolute stunner. This variant is peppered with carbon fiber elements, giving it a more premium and sporty appeal. The carbon fiber accents can be seen on the exterior, enhancing the overall look, and adding a touch of exclusivity to the Eletre R. Additionally, this version comes fitted with massive 22-inch wheels, adding to its imposing presence on the road.
Performance
Now let’s talk about what really matters – the performance of the Lotus Eletre R. Being touted as the fastest accelerating SUV in India, it certainly has some big shoes to fill. The Eletre R is fully electric, which is a departure from Lotus’ traditional combustion engine setup. The SUV is powered by dual electric motors, delivering impressive power and torque. The instant torque from the electric motors ensures exhilarating acceleration, propelling the Eletre R from 0 to 100 km/h in a matter of seconds.
Made in China
One controversial aspect of the Lotus Eletre R is that it’s not made in England but rather in China. For purists, this might be a disappointment, as Lotus has always been synonymous with British craftsmanship. However, in today’s automotive landscape, it’s not uncommon for manufacturers to outsource production to countries with lower production costs. It remains to be seen whether this move affects the overall quality and reliability of the Eletre R.
Rear Design
The rear design of the Lotus Eletre R is my personal favorite. It gives the SUV a hunker down sports car look while maintaining an overall slope. This combination results in a pretty and intimidating appearance. On the road, the Eletre R turns heads and grabs attention, making its X Factor simply off the charts.
Luxurious Feel
What surprised me the most about the Eletre R is that it feels like a properly luxurious SUV. Unlike other sports car-inspired SUVs, which have a sporty feel, the cabin of the Eletre R is subdued and exudes richness. The overall layout is minimalistic, with a big touch screen, slim screens for both the passenger and the driver, and not many buttons. It gives a clean and clutter-free design.
The quality of the Eletre R is exceptional. The seats, the stitching, and everything else feel top-notch. To be frank, I was not expecting this level of quality from Lotus. It has truly blown me away and feels like the best in the business. The design team deserves credit for their minimalistic approach and the integration of the lights.
Top-notched Equipment
As the top R version, the Lotus Eletre R comes with virtually everything you need. The equipment feels well put together, adding to the overall experience. The design team’s minimalistic approach, along with the integration of lights, earns them praise.
The Interior: Stylish and User-Friendly
The Lotus Eletre R SUV boasts an exquisite cabin, featuring ambient lighting that runs along the dashboard, creating a visually appealing environment. The AC vents are designed with a unique hexagonal shape, which adds a touch of sophistication to the overall aesthetics. It is evident that the designers have paid attention to detail, as the chunky metal buttons placed strategically on the dashboard exude a sense of luxury.
The steering wheel, in particular, is a standout feature. Although non-traditional, being hexagonal in shape, it surprisingly feels comfortable in the hands. The placement of the paddle shifters, while unusual in an electric vehicle, allows the driver to maneuver between different drive modes with ease. In addition, the wiper stock and headlamp stock are made of high-quality materials that further enhance the overall premium feel.
Music and Infotainment: A Few Missed Opportunities
The music system in the Lotus Eletre R leaves a bit to be desired. Notably, the absence of physical controls for the air conditioning is a letdown. Instead, all functions are integrated into the touchscreen display, which can be a little cumbersome to operate while driving. Quick access buttons on the screen help mitigate this issue to some extent, allowing users to switch between modes more conveniently. However, when it comes to making adjustments to the air conditioning settings, a trip to the touchscreen becomes necessary.
While the touchscreen display itself is of high quality and easily compatible with smartphones, it disappointingly lacks wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In today’s age of seamlessly integrated technology, this omission feels like a significant oversight, especially considering the premium price tag attached to the Lotus Eletre R.
Performance: Unmatched Acceleration
Now, let’s delve into the heart of the Lotus Eletre R – its performance. This SUV boasts the title of being the fastest accelerating vehicle in India, and it certainly lives up to the claim. The electric powertrain delivers exhilarating acceleration, propelling the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in record time. It’s a testament to Lotus’ commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining what an SUV can achieve.
The instant torque and seamless power delivery of the electric motors ensure a thrilling driving experience. The Lotus Eletre R effortlessly glides on the road, with no perceivable lag or hesitation. The electric powertrain not only enhances the SUV’s performance but also contributes to a greener and more sustainable future.
The Backseat Experience
When you find yourself seated in the back of the Lotus Eletre R, you immediately realize that this isn’t your typical luxurious SUV. While there is ample room and generous headspace, the seating arrangement is not as supportive as one might expect. The battery pack positioned beneath the floor raises it quite high, resulting in a slightly uncomfortable sitting position. Though the seats are plush, the lack of adequate lumbar support detracts from the overall comfort. In comparison to luxury SUVs like the Mercedes Maybach or Bentley Banta, which are similarly priced, the Eletre R fails to provide the same level of backseat comfort. However, it does offer a range of creature comforts that are worth mentioning.
Creature Comforts
Despite the slight disappointment in backseat comfort, the Lotus Eletre R makes up for it with an array of creature comforts. One notable feature is the impressive touchscreen display located within easy reach. This multifunctional display is both intuitive and responsive, similar to its counterpart at the front. Furthermore, the overall ambiance of the cabin is appealing and inviting. It provides a crisp and modern feel, making it a pleasant place to spend time. While it may not offer the quintessential luxury experience, the Eletre R certainly offers its own unique charm.
Practicality and Space
If practicality is a priority for you, then the Lotus Eletre R has you covered. The spaciousness of the SUV is evident, particularly in the trunk area. With a capacity of 688 liters, there is ample space to accommodate all your belongings. Additionally, the air suspension system allows for easy loading and unloading as the car can be lowered to a more convenient height. This feature adds a level of convenience that is appreciated by those who prioritize functionality.
In conclusion, the Lotus Eletre R may not provide the ultimate luxury experience that some expect from an SUV in its price range. However, it compensates with its comfortable and airy cabin, offering an array of creature comforts. Additionally, its practicality and spaciousness make it a suitable choice for those who require ample storage capacity. While it may not be the pinnacle of luxury, the Eletre R holds its own as a versatile and thrilling SUV option in the Indian market.
The Heavy Weight
One of the first things that stand out about the Lotus Eletre R is its weight. Weighing well over 2.5 tons, it is undeniably heavy for an SUV, and even heavy for a Lotus. This weight is largely attributed to its electric nature, as the car comes with a large and hefty battery pack, adding around 700 kg to its overall weight. Unfortunately, there’s no way around this as physics dictates that an electric car will have a substantial battery pack.
Sporty Handling SUV
Despite its weight, the Lotus Eletre R manages to maintain a sporty handling feel. Unlike other SUVs that may sacrifice their sports car qualities due to their high ground clearance, the Eletre R stays true to its Lotus roots. When driving it, you can still feel that rigid and firm footing that is synonymous with sports cars. It may be a high-riding SUV, but it drives like a true sports car.
The Soul of a Lotus
There’s something innate about the Lotus Eletre R that sets it apart from other SUVs. It has that distinctive “Lotus soul” that is present in its sports cars. While it may not have the exact same feel as a sports car, it still exudes that unmistakable essence. Despite being an SUV, it manages to retain the essence of what makes a Lotus a Lotus. It’s not just a high-riding vehicle, but a true embodiment of the brand’s legacy.
Firm and Comfy
Even in different driving settings, the Lotus Eletre R maintains a firm and comfortable ride. It strikes a good balance between sportiness and comfort, making it versatile for various driving conditions. Whether you’re driving it normally or pushing it to its limits, you can always feel the firm footing beneath you, providing a sense of confidence and control.
Maintaining the Identity
Despite its flaws, such as its weight, the Lotus Eletre R manages to stay true to its identity as a Lotus. It may be heavy, but it still offers the sporty handling expected from the brand. It may lack the lightness that Lotus is famous for, but it compensates with its unique characteristics and driving experience. The Eletre R may not be a traditional Lotus, but it is undoubtedly a Lotus through and through.
The Lotus Eletre R Review: A Fast and Furious SUV
When I first got behind the wheel of the Lotus Eletre R, I could immediately sense its underlying firmness, even on normal roads. This SUV was built to stick to the ground and stay glued to the road, making it a pleasure to drive. But it’s when you push it to its limits that you truly appreciate its capabilities.
Impressive Handling
The standout feature of the Eletre R is its handling. Being a Lotus, it comes as no surprise that this SUV excels in this department. Although we didn’t have the opportunity to fully exploit its potential on the straight roads of Delhi, the steering offered excellent heft, precision, and directness. It felt as if it had been plucked straight from a sports car, with the wheel feeding back every nuance of the road. The Eletre R’s handling is nothing short of telepathic.
Unmatched Performance
With a staggering 900 BHP on tap, you can’t help but be impressed by the Eletre R’s performance. This top-of-the-line version features a dual-motor setup and a 2 KW battery pack, delivering the combined output of 900 BHP. The front motor contributes around 300 BHP, while the rear motor adds a whopping 600 BHP. With such immense power at your disposal, the Eletre R can go from 0 to 100 km/h in under 3 seconds.
Thanks to its electric powertrain, the Eletre R offers instantaneous torque delivery, ensuring relentless acceleration at any speed. Whether you’re overtaking on the highway or launching off the line, this SUV does not disappoint.
A Glimpse of the Future
The Lotus Eletre R is not just an impressive display of power and performance—it’s also a glimpse into the future of SUVs. With the global push towards electrification, Lotus has managed to marry impressive performance with zero emissions. The electric powertrain not only delivers blistering acceleration but also contributes to a greener and more sustainable driving experience.
In conclusion, the Lotus Eletre R is not your average SUV. It’s a beast that combines the power, handling, and futuristic appeal of a sports car with the practicality and versatility of an SUV. If you’re in the market for a high-performance electric SUV, the Eletre R deserves your attention—it truly is a force to be reckoned with.
Acceleration and Handling
The Lotus Eletre R is making waves as the fastest accelerating SUV in India, boasting an impressive sub 3-second acceleration time. The sheer power and speed with which this vehicle launches off the line is truly outstanding. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that despite its size and weight, the Eletre R manages to deliver such an astounding performance. It’s fair to say that driving this SUV at high speeds can be quite unnerving, but it never fails to leave drivers amazed by the way it picks up pace.
In addition to its exceptional acceleration, the Eletre R also excels in shedding speed effortlessly. The brakes on this car have left testers thoroughly impressed. Whether it’s during intense acceleration runs or sudden stops, the brakes are bitey and offer excellent feedback. The car remains stable and firmly planted, providing an overall amazing driving experience. It’s clear that Lotus has put great engineering effort into fine-tuning the handling and road-holding capabilities of this car.
Engineered in Europe
While some may assume that the Eletre R is a product of China, it’s essential to note that the car is engineered by Lotus engineers in Europe. This distinction is crucial because it highlights the expertise and craftsmanship that goes into creating this remarkable SUV. The attention to detail and high standards of European engineering are evident in every aspect of the Eletre R. It’s a testament to Lotus’ commitment to delivering top-of-the-line performance and quality.
Comfort and Ride Quality
However, when it comes to comfort and ride quality, the Eletre R presents a mixed bag. As a sporty SUV, it sits lower to the ground and has a firm suspension setup when driving in stack or sport mode. While this configuration enhances the car’s dynamic abilities and reinforces its sporty nature, it also leads to a somewhat jittery ride. On bumpy roads, especially in bustling cities like Delhi, occupants may experience some discomfort. It’s important to consider the trade-off between sportiness and ride comfort when evaluating the Eletre R as a luxury SUV.
In conclusion, the Lotus Eletre R deserves recognition for its exceptional acceleration and handling capabilities. The engineering prowess of Lotus shines through, as evidenced by its ability to create a powerful SUV that can rival many sports cars on the market. Despite some compromises in terms of comfort and ride quality, the Eletre R offers a thrilling driving experience that will undoubtedly leave enthusiasts impressed. Whether on the race track or winding country roads, this SUV is sure to provide an exhilarating ride.
Driving Experience
Now the other thing is, if you switch to tour or off road mode, then its surprisingly quite plant, and it feels quite Supple. Also, of course there is that underlying firmness that I talked about. So there is a bit of noise that filters into the cabin and in terms of refinement. Well, it is extremely quiet in here you cant hear anything from the outside Music world Music.
Advanced Adas System
Now one thing I love about this car is the teet packs. So this gets an advanced Adas system. It is not just Radars and Camera, it uses ladar as well, and as you can see, it is very accurate. You can see on the screen, it detects everything on the road and wherever it is uh on the road as well. You can see this Auto right in front. It is in the middle of two lanes and it can show that as well, and it is very, very detailed and it feels amazing, because this is just Next Level.
Surpassing Expectations
Okay, honest confession: when I came for this drive, I didnt think very highly of this brand new Lotus. I was thinking that it is not a proper Lotus. It is made in China its an EV, its an SUV, so its not going to feel right, even though I have never driven a Lotus before. But, to be frank with you guys, I have to say that Im completely overwhelmed by This SUV, because it feels just all right.
Distinctive Design
The Lotus Eletre R is a breath of fresh air in the SUV market in India. With its distinctive design, it stands out among its competitors. It exudes the essence of a sports car, making it a unique offering from the legacy automaker. When you take it for a drive, you can immediately feel its character and the sense of rightness it brings. This is a trait that is often lacking in many electric vehicles, which tend to feel similar. However, the Eletre R breaks away from the mold and delivers a lot more character.
A Unique Identity
One of the standout features of the Eletre R is its unique identity. Despite being a brand new company and entering a brand new market, Lotus has managed to create a product that embodies its values and heritage. The SUV carries the legacy of the iconic carmaker and offers a refreshing alternative to the current options available in India. Its exceptional design and performance speak volumes about Lotus’ commitment to excellence.
A Phenomenal Job
Lotus has truly outdone themselves with the Eletre R. They have managed to create an SUV that not only stands out in terms of design but also delivers exceptional performance. It is the fastest accelerating SUV in India, making it a force to be reckoned with on the roads. The sheer power and agility of this vehicle are truly impressive.
An Option Worth Considering
If you are in the market for a high-performing SUV and have the means to invest, the Lotus Eletre R should definitely be on your list of options. Despite being a new player in the Indian market, Lotus has proven that they can deliver a top-notch product. The Eletre R is a testament to their commitment to excellence and their ability to create vehicles that are a cut above the rest.
Overall, the Lotus Eletre R is a game-changer in the SUV segment. Its distinctive design, unique identity, and exceptional performance make it a standout choice among its competitors. Lotus has managed to carve a niche for itself in the Indian market, offering customers a high-quality product that is worth considering. Whether you are a fan of electric vehicles or simply appreciate a well-crafted automobile, the Eletre R is sure to impress.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Lotus Eletre R showcases a departure from the brand’s traditional offerings. While some purists might disapprove of Lotus venturing into the SUV market and outsourcing production, it’s important to remember that the automotive industry is constantly evolving. The Eletre R’s design, aerodynamics, and impressive performance make it a compelling option for those looking for a thrilling driving experience in an SUV package. Lotus has managed to infuse their sports car DNA into an SUV successfully, and the Eletre R is a testament to their engineering prowess.
Despite a few shortcomings in the infotainment system, the Lotus Eletre R impresses with its stylish interior, user-friendly features, and unparalleled performance. It is a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation and pushing boundaries. If you’re in the market for a luxury SUV that offers lightning-fast acceleration and an impressive driving experience, the Lotus Eletre R certainly deserves your consideration.