2024 Lotus Eletre R hyper SUV packs 675kW punch

The 2024 Lotus Eletre electric SUV has been detailed for Europe, with the brand confirming a more-powerful variant.

In Europe, Lotus will offer three versions – the Eletre, Eletre S and Eletre R – which all feature a 112kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a dual-motor, all-wheel drive powertrain.

While the British sports car marque has previously stated a maximum power output of around 450kW, it has now confirmed the range-topping Eletre R will pump out 675kW and 985Nm.

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This allows for a claimed 0-100km/h sprint in 2.95 seconds and a top speed of 265km/h, with a claimed 490-kilometre driving range on the WLTP testing cycle.

Lotus says the additional performance is aided by the fitment of a two-speed transmission – as seen on flagship Porsche Taycan models – rather than the single-speed reduction gear found on the base Eletre and Eletre S.

These grades have identical performance figures, with 450kW and 710Nm, a 4.5-second 0-100km/h time, and a 258km/h top speed.

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Lotus claims the Eletre and Eletre S have a driving range of up to 600 kilometres.

All versions of the Eletre support 350kW ultra-rapid charging, with support for a 10 to 80 per cent top-up in approximately 20 minutes.

It is priced from £89,500 (AU$160,000) plus on-road costs, while the Eletre S starts from £104,500 (AU$187,000).

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The performance-focused Eletre R is priced from £120,000 (AU$214,500).

Australian pricing is yet to be confirmed, with a local launch expected in 2024.

Standard equipment includes; 22-inch alloy wheels, air suspension, torque vectoring, a 15.1-inch infotainment system, matrix LED headlights, an active front grille, five drive modes, a wireless phone charger, four-zone climate control, 12-way power adjustable front seats and a 15-speaker KEF audio system.

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LiDAR technology is fitted across the Eletre range, however, it is currently disabled in preparation for the approval of autonomous driving regulations in many global markets.

Stepping up to the Eletre S nets; a louder 23-speaker KEF audio system, soft-close doors, an air quality system, colour-adjustable ambient lighting and an active rear spoiler – while the Eletre R gains Lotus’s dynamic handling and carbon fibre packages, plus gloss black highlights and high-performance tyres.

The Lotus Eletre electric SUV will arrive in Australia in 2024, with local details and pricing expected in the lead-up to its local launch.