Lotus has unveiled the plug-in hybrid version of its Eletre SUV. The model, launched in China under the trade name “For Me” (which is unlikely to be kept on the European market when it arrives next summer), combines a 2,0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine with a synchronous motor on each axis for a total power of over 940 hp and a declared sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3,3 seconds.
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Lotus Eletre is also a PHEV
Despite being presented as an independent model and with a new name, it exceeds the power of the fully electric Eletre R and introduces a 70 kWh battery which, according to the Chinese CLTC cycle, offers up to 350 km of range in electric-only mode. Lotus also declares a combined range of 1.420 km and “6C” fast charging functions capable of bringing the charge from 30% to 80% in just eight minutes. A model that therefore marks an important reversal of trend for the British brand: after initially promising a total transition to electric, the company returns to combustion engines as a source of hybrid propulsion to expand its offering.
In Europe next summer
The For Me is also equipped with advanced technologies such as the 6D digital dynamic chassis and a 48 V adaptive anti-roll bar, designed to improve dynamic behavior and comfort by reducing the “wallowing” sensation typical of some SUVs. The declared weight varies between 2.575 and 2.625 kg, and thus approaches that of the electric version. Lotus explicitly positions the model in the high-performance luxury SUV segment, citing direct rivals such as the Lamborghini Urus, Ferrari Purosangue, Aston Martin DBX and BMW XM. From a commercial and product perspective, the choice to introduce a PHEV powertrain responds to the need to stimulate sales in markets where electric vehicle penetration is still slow: in this sense, CEO Feng Qingfeng has explicitly pointed to countries like Italy and Saudi Arabia.
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