Lotus shares details on its first SUV, set for 2023 launch

BERLIN: The first off-roader from Lotus is a far cry from the wedge-shaped sports car that James Bond once drove underwater in a 1970s spy thriller.

The Eletre (presumably named so because it's electric) is a high-powered SUV with up to 900hp and is set to launch in 2023, Lotus has announced.

Details about the British boutique manufacturer's first off-road vehicle have so far been scarce, but Lotus has now confirmed that the SUV will start at prices of at least €95,990 (RM449,000) in Europe.

In return, you get a 5.10-metre-long four-door electric with a aerodynamically optimised design, Lotus says.

The two electric motors in the basic version produce 603 hp and allow a sprint from 0 to 100kph in 4.5 seconds. Order the top model Eletre R for €150,990 (RM705,000), and you get 905 hp and a sprint time of just 2.95 seconds.

The top speed, if you'll ever find the road to reach it, is 265kph.

Energy comes from a 112-volt battery, which should allow a range of between 490km and 600km. Lotus also wants to enable speedy charging and says the car can recharge up to 80% battery in less than 20 minutes in ideal settings.