Used Lotus Eletre buyer’s guide
The Lotus Eletre marks a bold departure for a brand synonymous with lightweight sports cars. This all-electric SUV represents Lotus's ambitious leap into the luxury EV market, blending the marque's performance DNA with the practicality and space modern families demand. But does this £85,000+ electric SUV live up to the Lotus name, or is it a compromise too far?
If you're considering a used Lotus Eletre, you're likely weighing up whether Lotus has successfully translated decades of track expertise into a family-friendly package. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from performance credentials to real-world practicality—helping you decide if the Eletre deserves a spot on your driveway.
Is the Lotus Eletre a good car?
The Eletre isn't just Lotus's first SUV—it's the brand's first proper four-door production car. That's a significant shift for a company that built its reputation on featherweight two-seaters. Yet the Eletre carries forward Lotus's performance philosophy, even if it weighs substantially more than an Elise.
Built on Lotus's new Electric Premium Architecture platform, the Eletre targets affluent buyers seeking an electric SUV that doesn't sacrifice driving dynamics for practicality. It competes directly with the BMW iX, Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo, and Mercedes EQE SUV—all formidable rivals in the luxury electric space.
What sets the Eletre apart is its focus on aerodynamics and handling. Active aerodynamic elements, including deployable rear spoilers and adjustable air intakes, help the Eletre slice through the air with a drag coefficient that would make many sports cars envious. The result is a genuinely engaging driving experience that feels more Lotus than you might expect from a 2.6-tonne SUV.
The interior blends minimalist design with high-quality materials, featuring sustainable fabrics alongside traditional leather. The 15.1-inch central touchscreen dominates the dashboard, controlling most vehicle functions through Lotus's KEF Premium audio system and an advanced infotainment setup.
Performance and Specifications
The Lotus Eletre lineup offers three distinct performance tiers, each delivering impressive acceleration that befits the brand's sporting heritage.
Eletre
The entry-level Eletre features a dual-motor setup producing 603 bhp. It sprints from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds—respectable for any SUV, let alone one carrying a 112 kWh battery pack. The 373-mile WLTP range makes long-distance travel feasible without constant charging stops.
Eletre S
Stepping up to the S model maintains the same powertrain but adds enhanced interior trim, upgraded suspension components, and additional driver assistance features. Performance figures mirror the standard car, but the refinements make longer journeys more comfortable.
Eletre R
The range-topping Lotus Eletre R cranks output to 905 bhp, delivering a staggering 0-60 mph time of just 2.95 seconds. That's supercar territory. Despite the extra performance, the R model sacrifices minimal range, still managing around 345 miles between charges.
All variants feature an 800-volt electrical architecture, enabling ultra-rapid charging. You can add 248 miles of range in just 20 minutes when plugged into a 350 kW charger—crucial for minimising downtime on longer trips.
The adaptive air suspension system, borrowed from Lotus's motorsport experience, delivers remarkable body control for such a large vehicle. Three driving modes (Range, Tour, Sport) adjust throttle response, suspension stiffness, and steering weight to suit different conditions.
Interior Design and Comfort
Step inside the Eletre, and you'll find an interior that balances Lotus's minimalist design philosophy with luxury expectations. The cabin feels spacious, with generous headroom front and rear despite the sloping roofline.
Material quality impresses throughout. Alcantara, sustainable wool fabrics, and leather cover most touchpoints, whilst carbon fibre accents remind you of Lotus's motorsport heritage. The seats offer excellent support during spirited driving, yet remain comfortable during longer journeys.
The dashboard layout centres around that substantial 15.1-inch touchscreen, which controls everything from climate settings to drive modes. A 12.6-inch digital instrument cluster sits behind the steering wheel, providing essential driving information with customisable displays.
Rear passengers benefit from comfortable seating for two adults, though the transmission tunnel limits middle-seat practicality. Boot space measures 688 litres with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,532 litres when folded—competitive with other luxury electric SUVs.
The KEF Premium audio system deserves special mention. Its 23 speakers deliver exceptional sound quality, making the Eletre an excellent long-distance cruiser. Active noise cancellation further enhances refinement, countering tyre and wind noise effectively.
Technology features include a head-up display, wireless phone charging, and an advanced driver assistance suite. The latter includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking—though some systems can feel overly intrusive.
Comparison with Competitors
The luxury electric SUV segment has become fiercely competitive. How does the Eletre measure up against established rivals?
BMW iX
The BMW iX offers similar performance figures, with the xDrive50 model managing 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds. However, the iX emphasises comfort and technology over sporting prowess. Its interior feels more spacious and luxurious, though perhaps less distinctive than the Lotus. The iX's 380-mile range edges ahead of the standard Eletre, making it more practical for frequent long-distance drivers.
Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
Porsche's electric shooting brake prioritises driving dynamics, much like the Eletre. The Taycan feels more agile in tight corners, benefiting from Porsche's decades of sports car expertise. However, it offers less interior space and a significantly smaller boot. The Lotus Eletre price undercuts equivalent Taycan models, making it better value for buyers prioritising space alongside performance.
Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
Mercedes focuses on refinement and technology with the EQE SUV. Its Hyperscreen infotainment system outshines the Lotus setup for sheer wow factor, whilst build quality meets the exacting standards expected from Mercedes-Benz. Yet the EQE feels less engaging to drive, lacking the Eletre's sharp handling and steering precision.
The Eletre carves its own niche by delivering genuine driving excitement in a practical package. It won't suit buyers prioritising outright luxury or interior space, but for those seeking an electric SUV that delivers on the Lotus promise of performance, it's a compelling choice.
What to Look for When Buying
Shopping for a used Lotus Eletre requires careful attention to several key areas:
Service History: Verify that the car has received all scheduled maintenance at approved Lotus centres. The Eletre's advanced technology demands specialist knowledge, so comprehensive service records are essential.
Battery Health: Request a battery health report showing current capacity versus original specification. Most dealers can provide this data, which indicates how the battery has degraded over time.
Software Updates: Ensure all manufacturer software updates have been installed. Lotus has released several over-the-air updates addressing various systems—missing updates may indicate poor previous ownership.
Tyre Condition: The Eletre's performance generates significant tyre wear. Check tread depths and look for uneven wear patterns that might indicate suspension or alignment issues.
Charging Equipment: Confirm that the car includes all original charging cables and equipment. Replacement costs can be substantial if items are missing.
Paint and Bodywork: Examine lower panels and wheel arches for damage. The Eletre's width and weight can catch out less experienced drivers, leading to car park scrapes.
Test Drive Checklist:
- Verify smooth acceleration without unusual noises
- Check regenerative braking feels consistent
- Test all drive modes function correctly
- Confirm air suspension raises and lowers properly
- Ensure steering feels precise without play
Browse available used Lotus Eletre models on Cazoo to find your perfect match, complete with detailed imagery and transparent condition reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Lotus Eletre cost?
The Lotus Eletre price starts at approximately £85,000 for the standard model when new. The mid-range Eletre S commands around £105,000, whilst the performance-focused Lotus Eletre R exceeds £130,000. Used examples offer better value, with early cars now appearing on the market at reduced prices. However, depreciation remains difficult to predict given the model's recent introduction. Factor in running costs including insurance (which sits in high groups) and electricity charges when budgeting. The Eletre qualifies for reduced benefit-in-kind tax rates for company car drivers, making it an attractive proposition for business users.
Is Lotus Eletre a good car?
The Eletre succeeds in translating Lotus's sporting character into an electric SUV format. Its handling precision and acceleration performance genuinely impress, delivering an engaging driving experience that most rivals can't match. The interior quality meets luxury SUV standards, whilst the technology feels modern and well-integrated. However, it's not without compromises. The firm ride won't suit buyers prioritising comfort, and rear visibility proves challenging due to thick pillars and the sloping roofline. If you value driving dynamics and don't mind a firmer setup, the Eletre delivers. Those seeking maximum refinement and comfort might find the BMW iX more appealing.
Where is the Lotus Eletre made?
Lotus manufactures the Eletre at its state-of-the-art facility in Wuhan, China. This purpose-built factory represents significant investment by Lotus's parent company, Geely, and produces vehicles specifically for global markets. Some traditional Lotus enthusiasts initially questioned this decision, given the brand's Norfolk heritage. However, the Wuhan plant employs advanced manufacturing techniques and quality control processes that would be difficult to implement at Lotus's historic Hethel site. The factory's capacity allows Lotus to scale production in ways its UK facility couldn't support, making the Eletre's competitive pricing possible.
How does the interior comfort and design of the Eletre compare to other luxury electric SUVs?
The Eletre's interior strikes a distinctive balance between minimalism and luxury. Material quality rivals established premium brands, with sustainable fabrics and high-quality leather creating an upscale ambience. The seats offer excellent support without compromising comfort, making them suitable for both spirited driving and long-distance cruising. However, the cabin design prioritises the driver over passengers. Rear seat space feels generous for two adults but not three, and the sloping roofline limits headroom for taller passengers. Competitors like the BMW iX and Mercedes EQE SUV offer more spacious rear quarters and greater versatility. The Eletre's 15.1-inch touchscreen impresses visually but requires menu navigation for many functions—physical buttons would improve usability. The KEF audio system delivers exceptional sound quality, outperforming most rival systems.
