A New Kind of Lotus: The Electra
It has a Lotus badge on it, but right here it looks quite a lot like a Lamborghini Urus to me. It costs 104 Grand its got 600 horsepower its all electric its four-wheel drive, I don’t know. Is it going to be any good or not? Is this the car that is going to hike Lotus into the 21st century and make Lotus competitive again as a world player? I really don’t know but there’s only one way to find out unless to have a pedal in it. So let’s find out Music.
A New Kind of Lotus
It might not be a Lotus in the conventional sense, but the Electra is a new kind of Lotus. Nevertheless, for a new kind of world, and mostly as we’re about to discover how it works, an absolute treat. Oh, so when you get going in the Electra properly on a decent road like this one, it just gets better and better. I do not know how they’ve managed to disguise weight this well, it just feels flat. I’m in tour mode, I’m not even in sport mode, which sharpens up the dampers, makes the steering a bit stiffer, etc, etc, because you’ve been more aggressive, throttle mat, but even in tour mode, which I actually think is the nicest mode to drive it in. There is almost no body roll and yet the damping is really good, really fluid. It’s just astonishing. This car shrinks when you drive it hard on a road like this, and the acceleration it has it’s just rude.
Is it Really a Lotus?
Many car enthusiasts have been questioning whether the new Lotus model can truly be considered a Lotus. The version in focus here is the S model, which carries a hefty price tag of 104 Grand but boasts impressive specifications. With 595 vhp and 710 Newton meters of torque, this car packs a serious punch. Its power comes from a combination of a 112 kilowatt battery and twin electric motors, giving it a range of 373 miles. Despite its weight of 2520 kilograms, it can accelerate from 0 to 62 miles per hour in just four and a half seconds and has a top speed of 160 miles per hour.
The Lotus Steering Experience
What sets this car apart and establishes its identity as a Lotus is the steering experience. If you were blindfolded and driving down the road in this car, you would immediately recognize it as a Lotus simply based on the way it handles. The steering is remarkably responsive and gives the driver a true feel of being in command.
Exploring the Paddles
The paddles in this Lotus serve different functions and enhance the driving experience. The paddle on the left is responsible for changing the regen modes. By scrolling up, you increase the regenerative braking, while scrolling down decreases it. This feature allows the driver to control the level of energy recovery while driving. On the right side, there is another paddle that selects the various driver modes. Switching to sport mode, for example, stiffens the dampers and gives the steering a more solid feel. Additionally, the throttle becomes more responsive with a noticeable increase in acceleration.
Is Sport Mode Too Jumpy?
While the sport mode in this Lotus model undoubtedly provides an exhilarating driving experience, some drivers may find it a bit too jumpy. The instant acceleration in sport mode can catch you off guard, making the car feel slightly uncontrollable. It’s great to have that immediate burst of power, but it may take some getting used to for drivers who prefer a smoother transition between modes.
In , while it may be debated whether this new Lotus model truly lives up to the brand’s legacy, there are certain aspects that undeniably scream Lotus, such as the exceptional steering and the ability to deliver thrilling performance. The car’s unique characteristics, combined with the perfect blend of power and innovation, make it a worthy addition to the Lotus lineup.
Astonishing Ambience and High-Quality Features in the Electra Car
Sleek Design and Impressive Controls
The Electra car provides a remarkable experience for its occupants with its incredible interior design and high-quality materials. The cabin surpasses all expectations, offering a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing ambience. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the car, making it a true beauty to behold.
Advanced Technology and User-Friendly Interface
One of the standout features of the Electra car is its 15-inch screen, which serves as the control hub for most functions. The user-friendly interface ensures that all controls are easily accessible and intuitive to use. Switch gear for the gear lever and air conditioning is conveniently located within reach, adding to the car’s overall convenience.
Luxurious Aston Martin Influence
The interior of the Electra car exudes luxury, with a design reminiscent of a super modern Aston Martin. From the high-quality materials to the suede steering wheel, every element oozes sophistication. The driving position is perfect, offering both comfort and optimal visibility, allowing drivers to have an enjoyable and safe experience on the road.
Spaciousness and Versatility
The Electra car not only provides a top-notch driving experience but also offers generous space for passengers. Whether you choose the 4 or 5-seat configuration, the backseat provides ample room for comfort. Additionally, the boot space is impressive, with a capacity of 1532 liters when the seats are folded down, making it perfect for any hauling needs.
Unmatched Performance and Handling
The Electra car sets itself apart from the competition with its exceptional performance and handling. Equipped with four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering, this car offers unparalleled stability and control on the road. The engineers behind the Electra have designed it to be sharp and responsive, ensuring a thrilling driving experience for the driver.
In , the Electra car is a true marvel, surpassing expectations with its astonishing ambience, high-quality features, and impressive performance. From the sleek design to the advanced technology, every element of this car has been carefully crafted to provide an exceptional driving experience. With its spaciousness, luxurious touches, and unmatched handling, the Electra car is a force to be reckoned with in the automotive industry.
Feeling the Lotus: A First Impression of the New Model
A Lotus-Like Steering Experience
The engineers behind the newest Lotus model have clearly put in a great deal of effort to ensure that the car is steered with the precision and responsiveness that the brand is known for. With the inclusion of a rear steering system and over a million miles of development driving, they have successfully achieved their goal. As someone who has had the opportunity to experience this vehicle firsthand, I can confidently say that it truly feels like a Lotus.
When I first climbed into the car, I had high expectations, and those expectations have been surpassed after driving it for several miles on various types of roads. The steering is the standout feature that gives this car its Lotus-like feel. There is an instant response and a lovely effect even with the tiniest of movements. When making larger steering inputs, you can feel the front and rear tires load up, creating a subtly thrilling driving experience. This, in essence, captures the essence of what makes Lotus cars so special.
Digitized Door Mirrors: A Love-Hate Relationship
While there are many aspects of this new Lotus model that impress me, there is one design choice that I struggle to fully appreciate – the digitized door mirrors. Instead of traditional mirrors, there is a camera mounted on a stalk, and the image captured by the camera is displayed on a screen inside the car. The concept sounds great in theory and functions adequately, but it lacks the intuitive quality that one expects from a sports car.
I find myself instinctively looking towards the location of the mirror itself, only to be met with a blank space. It then takes a fraction of a second to readjust my gaze and look at the screen. This slight delay and the lack of direct visual feedback make it difficult for me to fully trust the digitized system. While it may be a matter of personal preference, I believe that traditional mirrors offer a more reliable and instinctual experience.
A Surprising Excellence: The Lotus Electra
Lotus, the esteemed British automotive manufacturer, has always been synonymous with high-performance sports cars. So when they announced that they were venturing into the world of SUVs with the Lotus Electra, it raised a few eyebrows among car enthusiasts. However, after spending some time behind the wheel, it is clear that Lotus has truly nailed it with their first foray into the SUV market.
Unmatched Comfort and Refinement
Stepping into the cabin of the Lotus Electra, one is immediately struck by its excellent quality and design. Both the front and rear areas of the cabin exude a sense of luxury and sophistication. The attention to detail is commendable. Additionally, the music system in the car is nothing short of amazing. Lotus has managed to create a vehicle that not only drives exceptionally well but also offers comfort and refinement comparable to a high-end limousine.
A Well-Blend of Performance and Fun
Driving the Lotus Electra is an experience in itself. In tour mode, the ride is smooth and refined, offering a sense of tranquility. The silence inside the cabin is almost eerie, adding to the luxurious ambience. However, when you switch to sport mode and hit the open road, the Electra truly comes alive. It handles sharp turns with ease and agility and provides a driving experience that is characteristic of a Lotus sports car. The blend of performance and fun is truly remarkable.
A League of Its Own
The Lotus Electra stands in a league of its own among enthusiast-oriented large SUVs that prioritize fuel efficiency. While there are other high-performance SUVs on the market, such as the Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo, the Electra outshines them all. Not only does it offer comparable performance and driving enjoyment, but it also comes at a more affordable price point. Lotus has managed to create a vehicle that appeals to both SUV enthusiasts and sports car lovers.
In , the latest Lotus model impresses with its Lotus-like steering experience, offering drivers a sense of precision and responsiveness that is synonymous with the brand. The rear steering system, combined with extensive development driving, truly sets this car apart. However, the use of digitized door mirrors leaves something to be desired. While it may appeal to some, others, like myself, find the concept lacking in intuitive functionality. Nevertheless, this new Lotus model succeeds in capturing the essence of what makes a Lotus a Lotus.
The Lotus Electra has exceeded all expectations and has proven to be a remarkable addition to the SUV market. It showcases Lotus’ commitment to innovation and pushing boundaries, while still maintaining their signature performance and driving experience. The Electra is a true testament to the capabilities of Lotus as a brand.+
There is no doubt that Lotus has taken a bold step with the Electra. Many were skeptical about a sports car manufacturer venturing into the SUV market, but Lotus has proven that they are more than capable of delivering excellence across different vehicle categories. The Lotus Electra combines the best of both worlds, offering the comfort and refinement of a luxury SUV with the performance and driving enjoyment of a sports car. It is truly a game-changer in the automotive industry.
