Lotus has unveiled the Eletre, a 2.4-tonne SUV that will be launched in the UK later this year. The £89,500 entry-level car and £104,500 S share the same 603bhp peak output from 302bhp motors, with the difference being in sportiness of character. The £120,000 R swaps the rear motor for a 603bhp one with a two-speed gearbox, giving a system total of 905bhp. Both powertrains use a 112kWh battery pack, which supports DC charging at an ultra-fast 420kW.

The Eletre’s 0-62mph time is 4.4sec, and the R’s 0-62mph time is 2.9sec. Braking is equally assured, with standard steel discs. The Eletre is an SUV that can perform on a track rather than a track car in the shape of an SUV. The car’s build quality is high, with consistent gaps between the intricately stamped panels and a beautiful paint finish. Lotus hopes to sell no fewer than 150,000 examples of the model and the two other Wuhan-built platform buddies that will closely follow it by 2028.

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