Lotus Eletre

The 2025 Lotus Eletre is a pure electric vehicle offered with multiple high-performance powertrains: Eletre (Base) & Eletre S: These variants feature a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, producing a combined output of 603 hp (450 kW) and 710 Nm of torque. They can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds and have a top speed of 258 km/h. The 112 kWh battery pack provides an ARAI-claimed range of up to 600 km. Eletre R (Top Model): This performance-oriented variant significantly boosts power to 905 hp (675 kW) and 985 Nm of torque, enabling a blistering 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 2.95 seconds. Its top speed is 265 km/h, with a slightly reduced ARAI-claimed range of 490 km due to higher power consumption.

All variants feature an automatic, single-speed transmission (with a 2-speed transmission on the R variant for optimal high-speed performance). The 800V architecture supports ultra-fast DC charging, allowing for a 10-80% charge in approximately 20 minutes with a 350 kW charger. Regenerative braking is also a standard feature, enhancing efficiency.

Ride and Handling

The 2025 Lotus Eletre is engineered to deliver a dynamic yet comfortable ride, balancing its hyper-SUV performance with grand touring capabilities. It features a sophisticated multi-link suspension setup at both the front and rear, complemented by adaptive air suspension and active anti-roll bars. This advanced suspension system allows for precise control over damping and ride height, ensuring a smooth ride over varied surfaces while maintaining exceptional body control during spirited driving.

Handling is surprisingly agile for an SUV of its size, staying true to Lotus's heritage. The electric power steering is precise and responsive, offering good feedback. The all-wheel-drive system provides immense grip and stability. Features like torque vectoring further enhance its cornering abilities. The Eletre's high ground clearance (around 194 mm) also allows for confident navigation over uneven terrain, making it a versatile vehicle for various driving conditions. The overall driving experience is one of exhilarating performance combined with refined comfort.

The interior of the 2025 Lotus Eletre is a blend of minimalist luxury, advanced technology, and sustainable materials. The cabin design is clean and contemporary, with a focus on high-quality, ethically sourced materials like recycled carbon fiber and Alcantara. It offers a spacious and comfortable environment for up to five occupants, challenging the traditional Lotus ethos of bare-bones performance.

The seating is ergonomically designed, with electrically adjustable front seats featuring heating, ventilation, and memory functions. Higher variants offer premium leatherette upholstery and tri-zone climate control. The rear seats are surprisingly accommodating, making it a viable option for families. Storage solutions are well-integrated, including a generous boot space of 688 liters, which can be expanded. The cabin provides excellent noise insulation, ensuring a serene experience even at high speeds.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the 2025 Lotus Eletre is a central highlight, featuring a large 15.1-inch OLED touchscreen display that serves as the primary interface. This system is part of a comprehensive digital cockpit that includes a slim 12.6-inch digital instrument cluster for the driver and an equally slim 12.6-inch display for the front passenger.

Key infotainment features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration, an integrated navigation system, and a premium audio system (up to 20 speakers from KEF, depending on the variant) delivering an immersive sound experience. The Eletre also boasts advanced features like a Head-Up Display (HUD) with augmented reality capabilities, AI voice assistance, connected car technology, and Over-The-Air (OTA) updates, ensuring the system remains current and feature-rich.

The exterior design of the 2025 Lotus Eletre is striking and aerodynamic, reflecting its "hyper-SUV" designation. It features a sleek, coupé-like roofline, aggressive lines, and active aerodynamic elements such as an active rear spoiler and air dams. The front fascia is dominated by slim, sharp LED matrix headlamps and a distinctive grille design that contributes to its futuristic appeal.

The Eletre's design is purposeful, with elements like carbon fiber accents (in higher variants) enhancing its sporty aesthetic. Dimensions are substantial, with a length of 5103 mm, a width of 2135 mm (2231 mm including mirrors), and a height of 1630-1636 mm. The long wheelbase of 3019 mm contributes to its stable stance and spacious interior. Various wheel options, including large 22-inch and 23-inch alloys, further emphasize its performance-oriented character. Available colors include Solar Yellow, Oxygen White, Glistening Silver, Eclipse Black, Ember Red, Nautilus Blue, and Citrine Gold, with bespoke options for customization.

Safety in the 2025 Lotus Eletre is paramount, integrating a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features. While specific independent crash test ratings (like Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP) are not yet widely available for the Eletre, Lotus has equipped it with robust safety systems befitting a modern luxury vehicle.

Standard safety features include eight airbags (driver, passenger, side, curtain, and knee airbags), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control (TC), Hill Assist, Hill Descent Control, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The Eletre also features an extensive array of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Auto Emergency Braking, Driver Drowsiness Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and a 360-degree camera system with parking assistance. These systems work in conjunction to enhance driver awareness, prevent accidents, and provide a secure driving environment.

The 2025 Lotus Eletre operates in the nascent but growing segment of electric luxury performance SUVs in India. Its primary rivals include Porsche Macan Electric, expected to be a strong contender, offering Porsche's renowned driving dynamics in an electric SUV package. Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV / EQS SUV offer luxurious electric SUV experiences with a strong emphasis on comfort, technology, and refinement. BMW iX / XM are BMW's electric SUV offerings, with the iX focusing on luxury and technology, and the XM on high-performance hybrid power. Audi Q8 e-tron is Audi's electric SUV known for its refined ride and advanced technology. Tesla Model X is a pioneer in the electric SUV segment, known for its rapid acceleration and unique features.

The Lotus Eletre differentiates itself with its unique blend of hyper-SUV performance, striking design, and the brand's motorsport heritage translated into an electric platform. It aims to offer a more driver-focused experience than some luxury rivals, while still providing the practicality and comfort expected of an SUV.

The 2025 Lotus Eletre represents an ambitious and successful foray by Lotus into the electric SUV segment. It masterfully combines the brand's performance DNA with the demands of a modern luxury electric vehicle. With its breathtaking acceleration, sophisticated all-electric powertrains, luxurious and technologically advanced interior, and comprehensive safety features, the Eletre is a compelling package.

For discerning buyers in India seeking an electric SUV that offers exhilarating performance, cutting-edge technology, and a distinctive design, the 2025 Lotus Eletre stands out as a formidable choice. While its premium price point places it in an exclusive segment, its unique blend of attributes makes it a highly desirable and forward-thinking proposition in the evolving luxury EV market.