2023 Lotus Eletre R Review

With the wave of electrification sweeping the automotive industry, it is no longer surprising to see supercar brands extending their product lines downward. However, when Lotus, known for its "pure driving" DNA, launched its first all-electric SUV – the Eletre R, it captured the attention of the entire high-end electric SUV market. This vehicle not only competes with models in the same class, such as the Tesla Model X Plaid and Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, but also aims to maintain Lotus's sporty attributes while meeting family needs for space and comfort. In this test drive, we focus on two core questions: Is the Eletre R practical enough as an SUV? And as a Lotus, can it still deliver the driving pleasure of the "oneness of man and car"?

At first glance, it's hard not to be captivated by the design of the Eletre R — typical dimensions of an E-Segment large luxury SUV (length, width, height: 5103/2019/1636mm, wheelbase: 3019mm), but with more compact and sharp lines than other vehicles in the same class. The adaptive front grille remains closed at low speeds to optimize aerodynamics and opens at high speeds for cooling, complemented by sharp LED headlights on either side and a large air intake below, maximizing the sporty feel. The "Le Mans Door" design on the sides (front doors open forward, rear doors open backward) is the most prominent feature, enhancing convenience for getting in and out while giving the vehicle a unique identity far exceeding its peers. The 22-inch wheels, paired with 275/40 R22 front and 315/35 R22 rear tires, further amplify the performance stance. At the rear, the LED light strip and adjustable spoiler echo the sporty DNA of the front; the spoiler automatically rises at high speeds, providing extra downforce.

When you open the door, the combination of luxury and technology immediately takes over. The dashboard features a layered design, blending substantial use of Alcantara materials and metal trim, which retains the sporty aura of Lotus while achieving the refined feel of a premium SUV. The 15.1-inch floating touchscreen is the centerpiece of the interior, offering a clean and fluid interface. It supports CarPlay and Android Auto, making it nearly effortless to use. The fully digital instrument cluster and HUD (heads-up display) provide clear driving information at a glance, reducing the need to look down at the screen. As for the seats, the front row features excellent 8-way electrically adjustable seats with outstanding support, perfectly aligning with the sporty SUV positioning. Although the rear seats are less aggressive than the front, they offer impressive space — a passenger with a height of 180 cm would have more than two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, making it perfectly suitable for family outings. The trunk has a capacity of 688 liters, and the rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split to further enhance versatility.

The dynamic performance of the Eletre R is the most surprising part. It is equipped with dual permanent magnet synchronous electric motors at the front and rear, delivering a combined system power of 674kW (917PS) and a peak torque of 985Nm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds, according to official figures. During actual driving, simply pressing the accelerator deeply will deliver an intense push-back sensation almost instantly, making you wonder, "Is this really an SUV?" Nevertheless, its power output is not overly aggressive. In Comfort mode, the throttle response becomes more linear, making it suitable for daily commuting; while in Sport mode, the power reserve is fully unleashed, allowing overtaking maneuvers without any need for premeditation – just a single press of the pedal does the job.

In terms of handling, the Eletre R does not disappoint. The front and rear multi-link independent suspension is tuned for sportiness, yet it does not feel overly stiff—when going over speed bumps, the suspension rapidly filters out vibrations, ensuring passengers inside the car do not feel any significant shocks. When driving on mountain roads, body roll is well-controlled, and coupled with precise steering feedback, you can clearly sense the dynamics of the vehicle, fully inheriting Lotus' hallmark handling DNA. As a pure electric SUV, its battery pack is placed under the chassis, resulting in a lower center of gravity compared to traditional fuel SUVs, further enhancing driving stability.

In terms of range, although the official CLTC range figures have not been published, based on our actual testing, in urban road conditions (air conditioning at 24℃, medium energy recovery), the power consumption per 100 kilometers is about 22kWh. Based on the battery capacity, the actual range is approximately 500km, which is sufficient for a week of daily commuting. On highways (cruising at 120km/h), the power consumption increases to about 28kWh, with a range of approximately 400km, so long trips require careful charging planning.

In summary, the Eletre R is a model that successfully combines "having your cake and eating it too"—it not only showcases Lotus' signature sporty performance but also features the space and practicality of a mid-to-large SUV. Compared to the Tesla Model X Plaid, it offers a more luxurious interior feel and better handling quality; compared to the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, it boasts stronger acceleration performance and a more competitive price.

This car is suitable for two types of buyers: first, those who seek driving pleasure but also need to accommodate family needs. They want to enjoy speed and excitement on weekends while meeting daily commuting and family travel demands. Second, tech enthusiasts who appreciate high-end electric SUVs. The Eletre R's smart features and electric performance fully meet their expectations.

If you're looking for a high-end electric SUV that can "handle mountain roads and serve family needs," the Eletre R is definitely worth considering—it is not only a representative work of Lotus' transition to electrification but also a 'disruptor' in the high-end electric SUV market.