Lotus ELETRE

The cabin of the 2024 Lotus Eletre is an interesting mix of stitched leather, microfiber, wool-blend fabric, and milled bronze accents. It lends an upscale look to the normal stripped-down and lightweight interior of other Lotus cars. The cabin looks genuinely first-class with the metallic buttons, some finished in gold with reactive LED inserts. The multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel gets real metal buttons. The dashboard is lined in suede and leather or Alcantara. It's dominated by a massive 15.1-inch touchscreen unit that runs Geely's ECARX infotainment system. There's a fully digital colour instrument panel. Even the front passenger gets a slim digital display panel. Forward visibility is impressive, courtesy of the large windscreen. The car comes with 698 litres of boot space which is among the best in class. The 2024 Lotus Eletre runs on 23-inch alloy wheels.

The 2024 Lotus Eletre gets a snub nose and a stretched centre section. The cabin is marginally elevated. It's a high-riding crossover-sports utility vehicle (SUV) with a low-slung roofline. The steeply raked front and rear windscreens add to the visual appeal. The bulging fenders, angular headlights, and the steeply-raked A-pillar lend a sportscar-like look and feel. The rear has an equally distinctive styling, particularly the connected ‘ribbon’ taillights, the split spoiler, and the large vents in the bulging rear wheel arches. The Eletre allows more air to pass through the body than other supercars, making the car more aerodynamic, while bolstering its stability and downforce. The 2024 Lotus Eletre is mounted on Geely's Electric Premium Architecture. The car is made of is made of 43 percent aluminium and 47 percent high-strength steel.

The 2024 Lotus Eletre is more than five meters long and the huge cabin comes as no surprise. The two front sets get a multi-tire electric adjustment and huge legroom. All seats get soft padding and lumbar support. The rear seat is bench-type with a lot of under-thigh support. The backrest folds flat in a versatile 40:20:40 split. All three occupants on the third row get enough legroom and headroom. The optional Executive Seat Pack brings two individually adjustable rear seats. The suspension system absorbs most undulations and imperfections but doesn't get floaty. But some of the urban potholes and bumps do cause abrupt body movements causing some jostling on the seats.

The 2024 Lotus Eletre is hauled by two permanent magnet motors that produce a combined output of 905 PS/523 Nm. The motor is powered by a liquid-cooled 112 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The car is undeniably fast and is eager to perform because of the huge low-end torque. The acceleration is almost relentless. The Eletre bends sharply but manages to resist body roll particularly while switching from the Tour to Sport mode. On highways, the Lotus Eletre performs as a stable cruiser. 

The driver-assist system of the 2024 Lotus Eletre comprises 34 sensors, including four deployable LiDAR units, seven 8MP high-res cameras, six radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors for a 360-degree view. The LiDAR sensors are mounted on the front wheel arches and the roof. They rise out of the bodywork and retract when not in use. The Eletre is one the best-equipped cars in its segment.

The 2024 Lotus Eletre is among the most expensive cars in its class. Its build quality is solid and the car offers great travelling comfort. It's equipped with the most advanced driver-assist system. But its pricing is a major deterrent. The reliability of EVs is hard to assess since these are still early days. While running costs will be low, insurance bills will be high.