The strikingly dynamic design leaves a powerful impression, marking it as a high-performance SUV. However, this is not your ordinary SUV; it is a model without exhaust—an electrified version. Enhanced with cutting-edge convenience features and an air of luxury, it sets a new benchmark for the high-performance car market in Korea. This is the Lotus Eletre, a super electric SUV crafted with purpose.
The Eletre began its global release in 2022 as a super electric SUV. On the 25th, as the scorching heat began to wane and a cool breeze started to blow, I visited the Peach’s Doheon in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, where the Lotus super electric SUV Eletre was on display.
The front boasts L-shaped headlights and a large grille, overflowing with the powerful image of a supercar at first glance. The Lotus emblem at the center of the hood adds an enticing touch to its robust impression. Meanwhile, the straight headlights at the rear exude a clean yet intense image.
Measuring 5,103mm x 2,135mm x 1,630mm, this is a large SUV. The dynamic curves from the A-pillar to the D-pillar suggest that it’s more of a gigantic sports car than an SUV.
The wheelbase is 3,019mm. Sitting in the second row, the space is expansive, making it hard to predict the distance to the knees. The second row features independent power seats, and a 9-inch monitor in the middle allows for adjustment of the air conditioning and recline angle.
As soon as you take your place in the driver’s seat, the 15.1-inch touchscreen rises as if to welcome you. This is a kind of greeting for the driver. The touchscreen is equipped with Eletre’s LiDAR, capable of recognizing not only the staff inside the pop-up store but also pedestrians standing outside, smoking a cigarette beside a parked motorcycle.
The KEF reference audio system, installed in 23 locations throughout the interior, works magic by turning the Eletre’s interior into a concert hall in an instant, perfectly canceling outside noise with its noise-canceling feature.
Additionally, the panoramic glass roof can be divided into 10 segments, allowing for control over the amount of natural light in the cabin. The digital rearview mirror makes it possible to secure a clear view even in inclement weather.
The Eletre comes equipped with a high-capacity 112KWh battery. With a 350kW ultra-fast charger, it can be recharged from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes, while even a 50kW charger can fill it up to 80% in 1 hour and 36 minutes.
The Eletre available in Korea comes in two trims: Eletre S and Eletre R. The Eletre S boasts a range of 596km based on WLTP standards, with a maximum output of 612 horsepower and a peak torque of 72.4kg.m. The Eletre R, on the other hand, offers a range of 496km according to WLTP standards, showcasing a powerful performance with 918 horsepower and 100.4kg.m of torque.
Lotus is the first among high-performance brands to introduce the large electric SUV Eletre, raising expectations for the tomorrow they envision.
The Eletre is currently undergoing certification and is expected to be delivered to customers in Korea by mid-next year, with pre-orders already underway. Meanwhile, the Eletre will be displayed at Peach’s until the first day of the Chuseok holiday on the 28th.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr