The Lotus Eletre electric SUV features retractable lidar, active aerodynamics, and high performance.

Lotus' first SUV will produce at least 600 horsepower and have a maximum range of 373 miles.

Although it seems to contradict founder Colin Chapman's ethos of simplicity and lightness, Lotus' latest model is the long-awaited Eletre, an all-electric crossover that seems to be the whole package. In addition to being the brand's first SUV, the Eletre is Lotus' first four-door production vehicle and will almost certainly become the brand's most profitable and best-selling model.

The Eletre SUV is based on Lotus' new premium electric architecture platform, which will also underlie other lifestyle vehicles. It will be powered by a 100-kilowatt-hour battery and an electric motor on each axle. There will be three different versions, with the weakest producing 600 horsepower. Lotus claims the car has a maximum range of 373 miles on the European WLTP cycle, a range of 248 miles in 20 minutes on a 350-kW fast charger, and a 0-62 mph time of fewer than 3 seconds. Air suspension with adaptive dampers is standard, and the Eletre is available with performance features such as active anti-roll bars, active level control, carbon-ceramic brakes with 10-piston front calipers, torque vectoring, and rear-wheel steering. Optional 23-inch wheels are also available, and each Eletre has four driving modes, including an off-road mode.

At 200.9 inches long, the Eletre is about a foot longer than a BMW iX. While its 118-inch wheelbase matches that of the BMW, the Lotus has a fairly long rear overhang but a short hood. Overall, the trim is clean and crisp, with the black roof and trim reducing visual bulk, and the rear window has a fairly steep rake. The menacing front end features L-shaped LED lights on the front of the hood, with the main headlights hidden in the wrinkled eletre grille, and the narrow strip of mandatory taillights flashes green when the car is under load. At its best, it looks like some sort of angry dinosaur, and while it doesn't look much like Lotus at first glance, it fits in with other recent models from the brand, like the Eletre, and is certainly distinctive.

Many performance crossovers are aggressively styled, with vents and air intakes that are often fake, but the Eletre is a different story. Like the Evija hypercar, the Eletre's hood, lower grille, front fenders, D-pillar, and outer edges of the taillights are true air ducts to improve aerodynamics. Lotus calls this "porosity," referring to the way air flows through the vehicle to increase efficiency and range. It also features an active spoiler in the lower tailgate area and interesting fins in the upper area. However, the Eletre's real aerodynamic trick is its active grille, which consists of dozens of triangular panels that form a series of hexagons. They open as needed to direct cooling air to the battery, motors, and brakes, and the movement of the panels gives the impression that they are breathing.

The Eletre also features the world's first operational lidar system in a production vehicle. The sensors come from the top of the front wheel arches, from the top of the windshield, and between the fenders on the rear of the roof. Lotus installed the lidar system in part to prepare for future driver assistance systems that are not yet on the market, as the vehicle can accept over-the-air upgrades. Available active safety features include adaptive cruise control with lane change assist, front and rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Eletre uses cameras instead of side mirrors in markets where this is possible. The small pods each house three cameras: one for the mirror replacement display, one for all-around vision, and one for the driver assistance systems.

The Eletre also features the world's first operational lidar system in a production vehicle. The sensors come from the upper part of the front wheel arches, the upper part of the windshield, and the rear part of the roof, between the fenders. Lotus installed the lidar system in part to prepare for future driver assistance systems that are not yet on the market, as the vehicle can accept over-the-air upgrades. Available active safety features include adaptive cruise control with lane change assist, front and rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. In markets where this is possible, the Eletre uses cameras instead of side mirrors. The small pods each house three cameras: one for the mirror replacement screen, one for the panoramic view, and one for the driver assistance systems.

The Eletre has by far the most luxurious interior we've ever seen in a Lotus and is available with either a traditional three-seat rear bench or two individual seats. The dash is dominated by an LED strip that runs across the dash and changes color to alert occupants to phone calls, temperature changes, etc. In place of the gauges, there is a narrow screen barely an inch high for important information, which is combined with a standard augmented reality display. The Eletre's central touchscreen is a 15.1-inch OLED display that runs a new infotainment system that folds into the dash when not in use, and passengers have a screen like an instrument cluster to control navigation, music or other functions. If you opt for the four-seat configuration, there's a fixed center console in the rear with its 9-inch touchscreen.

As tech-centric as the interior is, the Eletre has some fantastic tactile design elements. Kvadrat microfiber and wool blends, as well as recycled aluminum and carbon fiber, are used throughout. Much of the trim and analog controls are gold, and the triangular motif of the active grille is found on the center consoles and door panels. No numbers were given, but it looks like the Eletre will offer plenty of space for rear passengers and a generous cargo area.

The Eletre will go into production later this year at a new factory in China. Exact pricing and a U.S. sales launch date have not yet been announced, but the Eletre is expected to go on sale in mid-2023 with a starting price of at least $100,000. The Eletre will be followed by a smaller crossover, a four-door coupe, and a sporty Esprit, all of which will be electric.