Test – Lotus Eletre S: A powerful competitor to the Tesla Model X

Lotus, now owned by Geely, is taking on the Tesla Model X with its new electric SUV, the Eletre S. With power ranging from 603 to 905 hp, this agile Chinese-made colossus is positioning itself as a serious contender on the European market.

Power and performance

The Lotus Eletre is available in three versions: Eletre, Eletre S and Eletre R. With motors integrated in its front and rear axles, it develops a power of 603 hp for 710 Nm in its basic or S version, and 905 hp for 985 Nm in its R version, which has a more powerful rear motor and a 2-speed gearbox. All models are equipped with a 112 kWh battery, offering an estimated range of between 410 and 600 km depending on the configuration.

Comfort and luxury

The interior of the Lotus Eletre is distinguished by its quality of manufacture and its high-end materials. The dashboard and the door panels are upholstered in leather and Alcantara, offering a luxurious and sporty ambience. The interior of the vehicle is suitable for family use, with rear seats that can be ventilated, heated and electrically adjustable. The SUV also has a multimedia system and four-zone climate control.

Embedded technology

The Lotus Eletre comes with a 15.1-inch touchscreen that offers nice graphics, although responsiveness could be improved. Features such as GPS, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not yet fully available, but over-the-air updates are planned. The vehicle is also equipped with a premium KEF Audio sound system with Dolby Atmos, providing an immersive sound experience.

Behavior on the road

The Lotus Eletre is distinguished by its direct and precise steering, offering a pleasant driving experience both in maneuvers and at sustained speed. The air suspensions offer different adjustment modes for comfort or sportiness. The SUV also benefits from optional rear-wheel steering and active anti-roll bars, improving its handling in town and its stability in dynamic driving.

Autonomy and charging

With an estimated range of between 400 and 600 km depending on the configuration, the Lotus Eletre offers good performance in terms of range. It is also compatible with fast charging, thanks to its voltage of 800 V, allowing you to recharge from 10 to 80% in just 20 minutes. A 22kW on-board charger is also included as standard, providing a full charge in approximately 6 hours from an AC terminal.

Pricing and market positioning

The Lotus Eletre is available from €97,890, with generous standard equipment. The S and R versions are available at higher prices, but remain competitive with German competitors such as BMW, Mercedes and Audi. However, the Tesla Model X offers a better price / equipment / performance / habitability ratio.

Conclusion

The Lotus Eletre S presents itself as a serious competitor in the high-end electric SUV market. With its impressive power, high-level comfort and decent range, it represents an attractive alternative to the Tesla Model X. However, it will have to prove itself against fierce competition and ensure that its network of dealers can take good care of it. of this agile colossus from Wuhan.