all-electric lotus eletre 600+ hp hyper SUV's design carved by air

world premier of the lotus eletre

famed for its sports cars, lotus debuts an all-new and all-electric hyper sports utility vehicle (SUV), called eletre. the car continues a design evolution at the british brand first revealed by the evija in 2019. pioneering technology, genuine sporting performance and simplicity of purpose combine in the SUV – all whilst with a form carved by air to improve aerodynamics, speed, range and overall efficiency.

‘the electric revolution has enabled a design revolution, but still the eletre is 100% a lotus,’ states peter horbury, senior vice president, executive advisor, design, lotus at the car’s world debut in london. ‘this is most apparent as the line of the SUV’s windscreen has been moved forward to align with the front wheels like the famed lotus sports cars.’

all images courtesy of lotus cars

over 70 years of DNA designing and manufacturing sports car

sporting performance is the core of lotus. in such typical fashion, the eletre debuts as a hyper SUV as the british brand ventures into the SUV market for the first time. an all-new electric premium architecture platform – the basis for all lotus’ future SUVs – ensures the design is low-to-the-ground to deliver outstanding handling. power output starts at 600hp, capable of accelerating from 0-62mph (100km/h) in less than three seconds. it is claimed to offer a 373 mile range (600km) on a full charge, with an re-energizing time of just 20 minutes for 248 miles of driving.

exterior design carved by air

‘the design process took three years,’ explains russell carr, design director, lotus at the eletre world premier in london. ‘every design element is to achieve lightness. we analyzed the air flow through the car, not just over it. the result is a body with smooth surfaces cut by sharp lines, as if carved by air.’

eletre has a visual lightness more familiar with the form of a sports car than a typical SUV. its ‘porosity’ or ‘carved by air’ design language details every aspect of its shape to maximize the benefits of aerodynamics. an active front grille opens and closes to optimize drag, cool electric motors or assist braking when required. air is channelled under and through the two exit vents in the bonnet. additionally, air vents appear behind the front wheel arches, rear wheels and even at the top of the D-pillars. at the rear, a unique cantilevered carbon fiber split roof spoiler floats as it adapts to improve performance.

the car has a dramatic, aggressive and low-to-the-ground stance as it rides on 23-inch split-finish five-spoke alloys. its short bonnet echoes styling cues of lotus’ mid-engine sports car as it pushes the cabin forward and elongates its wheelbase. muscular haunches at its flanks emphasize this character further. a bold leading edge runs from the front to the full-width ribbon light strip at the back to perfect its styling.

‘the cabin is set forward to give the impression of a mid-engine performance. bold, muscular fenders then emphasize power, whilst small overhangs lowers its stance on the ground,’ clarifies the design director at lotus.

lightweight driver-focused interior

the SUV’s absolute focus on lightness is apparent inside the vehicle too. the interior layers highly durable man-made textiles and sustainable wool blends in either a four or five-seat layout, made even more specious thanks to its panoramic glass sunroof. made-made microfibers dress the primary touchpoints for a premium feel; an advanced wool-blend fabric then upholsters the seats. this is 50% lighter in weight than traditional leathers, for example. Recycled carbon fiber adds contrast across the surfaces of the interior architecture.

its lightweight notion continues across the center console and dashboard as well. all unnecessary features have been removed from the instrument panel to reveal a sleek, minimal and ergonomic design. a ribbon of technology, measuring less than 30mm in height, communicates key information ahead of the instrument cluster. in between, the OLED 15.1-inch touchscreen automatically folds flat to emphasize the driver-focused character of the interior.

‘the interior is technological, sporty and luxurious. as an SUV, it also benefits from having a highly spacious, light and airy feel,’ concludes russell carr, design director, lotus, at the world premier of the lotus eletre in london.

all aspects of the interior was designed to minimize weight, from material to features and shape