952-horsepower Lotus Eletre X hybrid version debuts, launching first in China this month

[PCauto] If someone had told you five years ago that Lotus would put a gasoline engine back under the hood after launching an all-electric SUV, you might have thought this was a step backward.

But standing at the threshold of 2026, looking at the slowing growth curve of the global premium EV market, Lotus has indeed done just that.

Just this week, Lotus officially unveiled its new plug-in hybrid technology platform called "X-Hybrid." The first model to feature this technology is the Eletre X.

Although this car has a somewhat sentimental name in the Chinese market, "Lotus For Me," for old-school car enthusiasts, they prefer to call it the "complete form" of the Eletre.

According to the plan, this car will launch first in China this month, while European users will have to wait until the middle of 2026. It will then gradually launch in North America, the Middle East, and other Asian markets.

Lotus Eletre X with 952 Horsepower

The biggest concern with plug-in hybrids is that it turns into a limp noodle once the battery runs out, but Lotus clearly doesn’t want to ruin its reputation.

That's exactly why the Eletre X is built the way it is. The Eletre X is equipped with an extremely complex powertrain, featuring a 2.0 L four-cylinder turbocharged engine in the front compartment, combined with dual motors on the front and rear axles, achieving a staggering system output of 700 kW, equivalent to 952 hp.

This figure even surpasses the 905 hp of the all-electric flagship version, the Eletre R.

Although the addition of the hybrid components brings the weight of the Eletre X to around 2,600 kg, its 0-100 km/h acceleration still achieves a time of 3.3 seconds, which is just slightly slower than the fully electric version.

What’s even more impressive is that Lotus claims that even in the extreme condition where the battery is only at 10%, the system can still provide about 748 hp of power, ensuring that whenever you want to overtake, it won’t let you down.

The Eletre X adopts a "power-first" logic.

The 2.0 T engine mostly acts as a 150 kW generator (range extender), but during high-speed cruising or when significant power is required, it can also directly contribute to driving the vehicle.

This flexible switching capability gives it more confidence when facing competitors like the BMW XM.

As for the range, which is a top concern for everyone, the Eletre X packs a massive 70 kWh battery.

This is almost monster-level within the PHEV category.

Bear in mind that many entry-level electric cars have battery packs of this size. This allows it to achieve a pure electric range of about 350 km (CLTC) and a total range of 1,400km when fully fueled and charged.

Design continues the style of the fully electric version

As for the interior, the Eletre X largely maintains the minimalist and high-tech style of the fully electric version.

Iconic 15.1-inch OLED central control screen, 12.6-inch slender instrument panel, and that spaceship-like ambient lighting design are still present.

However, because the front cabin has been fitted with an engine, the highly practical front trunk (Frunk) of the pure electric version is naturally gone.

But what you get in return is the freedom of not having to constantly stare at the navigation for charging stations while driving on the highway, which is evidently a worthwhile trade-off for many buyers.

The ultimate performance touring car

From the currently disclosed information, the Eletre X is more than just an added fuel tank. It still comes equipped with Lotus's proud 6D digital chassis system and 48V active anti-roll bars.

This means that even though it is a two-and-a-half-ton SUV, Lotus still hopes it can give you enough confidence in corners just like those lightweight sportscars of yesteryear.

Compromise in technology or evolution of the market?

Many might ask, didn't Lotus promise to become a pure electric brand by 2028? Does this move count as going back on their word?

In fact, given the inconsistent state of global charging infrastructure, pushing pure electric vehicles relentlessly is too risky for a brand that relies on sales to survive.

As for the price of the Eletre X, although it has not been officially announced yet, referencing the Chinese market price for the pure electric Eletre R, which is about 558,000 to 863,000 RMB (approximately 320,000 to 500,000 MYR), it is expected that the pricing for the hybrid version will be similar or slightly higher.