One of our esteemed Lotus of Jacksonville/World Imports USA clients came for a test drive of the new Lotus Eletre. Here are his impressions of the new electric hyper-SUV from Lotus:
Today I had two firsts: one was driving an electric vehicle and the second first was driving the Lotus Eletre R. Walking around the vehicle is definitely easy on the eyes. Its lines are beautiful and the aerodynamic features enhance what would otherwise be a typical boxy SUV. Even sitting still in the parking spot, it looks like it's going very fast.
After looking closely at all the exterior features, which are flush with the outside of car, I discovered that the method of entry is pretty interesting. It starts with a credit card-sized key that – when placed on the side of the B pillar – extends the door handles. Upon opening the driver's door, the climate control system automatically activates until I was ready to sit comfortably inside (it is hot in Florida). The short wait gave me the opportunity to observe the many logos of Clive Chapman initials. A wonderfully nice touch for sure! But, after adjusting the power seat, I started familiarizing myself with the tight lines of the dashboard and memorizing where the principal drive displays are located, including the information in the heads-up display (HUD).
When I was ready, I pushed the button to engage the drive mode. From there the choices become more complicated, which include different suspension modes, drive modes, braking modes (regenerative braking system), media, roof opacity, climate control, etc. But, after getting more familiar with the environment, including the comfortable seat, right-sized steering wheel and expansive view – there is a reason Lotus' slogan is "For the Drivers."
While slowly moving out of the parking space, the Eletre handles like a normal car … until you turn on the street and push the pedal a little more. At that point, the 900 horsepower propulsion motors become more than evident. It is not a typical turbo-like push forward, but a very strong push in my back that leaves all nearby cars in my wake very quickly. With the modern HUD clearly showing basic conditions, the speed quickly goes beyond the posted limit. It is an acceleration that I have not felt in any other car, and I've even driven an ARCA race car on the track.
Learning that there is a single motor for the front wheels and two-gear motor for the rear, I can easily see the acceleration becoming addictive and definitely getting me in trouble. But, at the same time, I could feel the DNA of Lotus in the nimble feeling through the steering wheel and tightly controlled adjustments with each twist of my wrists. I did not have the opportunity to take the car on the track (not even off surface streets with light traffic), but I'm sure that its high-speed performance is remarkable compared to most vehicles and especially compared to other mid-sized SUVs.
Unfortunately, the LIDAR was deactivated so I did not spend any time testing the autonomous driving features, but I did have adequate time to get a good feel for the car during my short drive.
In short, it's amazing with futuristic looks and technology. Also, it is beautifully designed (inside and out) and would make all my neighbors jealous if I added it to my garage. Thus, I can easily see driving this car but because I don't have 3 kids, I don't need an SUV. Besides, my next car is going to be an Emira!
Want to experience the new Lotus Eletre for yourself? Schedule your test drive of the new Lotus Eletre in Jacksonville today.
