2024 LOTUS ELETRE REVIEW: A LOTUS LIKE NO OTHER

EV Channels Review

Doug DeMuro reviews the 2024 Lotus Eletre, a significant departure from the brand's traditional lightweight sports car ethos. Built in China, this 6,000 lb electric SUV is a surprising offering from Lotus. DeMuro highlights numerous quirks and features, including active aerodynamic triangles, a full-width rear light bar with sequential turn signals, and lidar sensor panels for future autonomous driving capabilities. The interior boasts a massive central touchscreen with a car graphic that mirrors real-time actions, a unique electrochromic sunroof, and a passenger-side screen. However, climate controls are heavily reliant on the touchscreen, and physical buttons are scarce. The steering wheel controls are unconventional, with paddles controlling regen and drive modes, and rockers for volume and cruise control. The rear seating is surprisingly spacious, but lacks charging ports. Performance is a strong suit, with the Eletre R offering 900 horsepower and sub-3-second 0-60 times, though this comes with a stiff ride and a starting price of $145,000. DeMuro concludes that while it may not fit the traditional Lotus identity, the Eletre is a compelling, high-performance electric SUV, scoring it 68/100.