We tested the Lotus Eletre to see how Lotus is reinventing itself with the electric SUV

Choosing to drive the Lotus Eletre means accepting that the era of the Rover K-series engine is officially dead and buried. While the purists are busy hyperventilating into their original Elise brochures, the reality is that the Norfolk brand has undergone a radical transformation under Geely ownership. This machine is a 5.1-metre long declaration of intent that swaps lightness for sheer, unadulterated luxury and 800-volt charging technology. Whether it can maintain any shred of the old Lotus DNA while carrying a 112kWh battery is the question that should keep you reading, as this Lotus Eletre review of the new electric SUV proves.

The heavy hitter from Wuhan

This electric SUV was born from a curious marriage of British intellect and Chinese industrial might. While production takes place at a state-of-the-art facility in Wuhan, the car’s soul was sketched and debated at the Lotus Tech Creative Centre in Coventry. I found that the design team, led by Ben Payne, leaned heavily into the concept of porosity, which is essentially the aerodynamic dark art of letting air flow through the car rather than just around it. It is a visual nod to the mid-engined heritage of the brand, featuring short overhangs and a cab-forward stance that tries very hard to convince you it isn’t a 2.5-tonne behemoth.

The performance figures are where the insanity truly begins, specifically with the Eletre 600 model I spent time with. It packs a dual-motor powertrain producing a combined 603hp and 710Nm of torque, which is enough to make a high-performance sports car driver look twice. On a private stretch of tarmac, I discovered that the 0-62 mph sprint is dispatched in a claimed 4.5 seconds, providing a relentless surge of linear power that only an electric SUV can deliver. This level of acceleration is properly quick, providing the kind of effortless overtaking ability that makes you forget you are piloting a vehicle that weighs approximately 2,545kg.

Inside, the cabin is a revelation that honestly puts some of the established European luxury players to shame. There is a 15.1-inch central touchscreen running Unreal Engine 5, which means the graphics are smoother than a silk tie and more responsive than an iPad Pro. I noticed that the materials are exceptionally high quality, featuring soft fabrics and solid switches that feel like they belong in a car costing twice the price. The KEF audio system with 15 speakers in this trim is another highlight, providing a surround-sound experience that is worth the entry price alone. It is a properly lovely place to sit, provided you don’t mind the flat wireless charging pad that periodically launches your phone into the back seat during spirited driving.

Living with the electric SUV in the real world

When it comes to the actual business of being a car, the Lotus Eletre is a bit of a mixed bag. The air suspension is a masterclass in compromise, soaking up the jagged edges of broken British roads while maintaining a level of body control that seems to defy the laws of physics. I found the steering to be quick and accurate, offering a sense of agility that is genuinely surprising for a vehicle of this bulk. However, the sheer size of this electric SUV means that navigating tight city streets or narrow country lanes feels like trying to sail a battleship through a canal. It is a wide machine, and you are constantly aware that you are occupying every available millimetre of your lane.

The efficiency is where the glossy facade begins to show a few cracks. During my testing, I was able to drive from London to Manchester with relatively no dramas, covering the 200-mile motorway stint in absolute refined comfort. However, the fact it is so fun to drive means that you are more inclined to have a lead foot, which means you chew through an already hungry power supply. I did have to charge while I was there to make it back to London in the same day. While the 350kW DC fast charging can replenish the battery from 10% to 80% in about 20 minutes, you will be visiting those chargers more often than you might like. It is an incredibly thirsty beast, proving that even a low drag coefficient of 0.26Cd cannot fully offset the penalty of moving so much metal and lithium through the air.

Practicality is a strong suit, with a 688-litre boot that easily swallows the paraphernalia of a modern family life. I noticed that the rear legroom is cavernous, especially if you opt for the three-seat bench which provides ample room for three adults. It functions perfectly well as a daily driver, provided you can fit it into a standard supermarket parking space without losing both door mirrors. The driver assistance technology is present in spades, though the lane-keeping system is a touch too aggressive for my liking, often tugging at the wheel like a nervous driving instructor.

This machine is clearly for the buyer who wants the cachet of a legacy brand combined with the absolute latest in digital luxury. It is not a car for the purist who wants to feel every pebble through the steering rack, but rather for someone moving out of a BMW iX or a Tesla Model X who craves more soul and better upholstery. The compromises are mostly centered around its physical footprint and the underwhelming real-world efficiency of the 603hp version.

If you can live with the range, the Lotus Eletre is a convincing argument that the brand can survive and even thrive in a post-petrol world. It is a bold, slightly imperfect, but ultimately impressive way to see how Lotus is reinventing itself with the electric SUV. A comprehensive Lotus Eletre review always highlights that this electric SUV represents a new era for Lotus Eletre owners. Every electric SUV needs a purpose, and this electric SUV finds its feet as a luxury Lotus Eletre. This Lotus Eletre review confirms the electric SUV is here to stay. In any Lotus Eletre review, the electric SUV must face scrutiny. The Lotus Eletre is the electric SUV we expected.ust face scrutiny. The Lotus Eletre is the electric SUV we expected.