Each time an automaker dares into a new territory, the outcome is often unpredictable. For Lotus, a brand known for lightweight sports cars, that gamble was the Eletre, its first EV with a racecar attitude. Several upgrades later, the hyper-SUV enters its second generation as a stronger challenger in its class.
The new 2026 Lotus Eletre grabs attention with its stunning looks, no doubt. But beyond the sheet metal, the sheer power of this model will test your nerves if you dare unleash it. Besides, it also packs a handful of befitting tech and toys for a luxury EV. Here goes.
An Evolutionary Design that Wows
The Eletre is a stylish EV with a futuristic design that turns heads. It borrows from the Lotus Evija’s cab-forward stance, which comprises a lowered windshield and a coupe-like roofline. Its front fascia houses a handful of subtle upgrades, the most exciting being the active grille and rear wing that deploy automatically to cool the car or generate downforce.
Apologies to drivers who prefer the conventional SUV boxy nose, but the Eletre shifts much of its visual weight backwards. The rear is noticeably wider; it features a split roof spoiler, and a sculpted diffuser occupies the space for traditional exhausts. Adding to the supercar aesthetics are the gloss black alloys and full-width beams integrated into the bumper.
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Enough Power for Days
Don’t let the looks sway you; the 2026 Lotus Eletre (900 series) has a 950 hp dual e-motor that enables up to 726 lb-ft of torque. In terms of speed, 0-62 mph in 2.95 seconds positions the Eletre as the quickest dual-motor electric SUV, yet it covers 310 miles per charge. The lower-end Eletre 600 series with a smaller battery pack comes behind with a 4.5-second time, but makes up with an impressive 373 miles of range.
Beyond the incredible numbers, the new Eletre lives up to expectations with next-level control despite the weight of the 112-kWh battery sitting under the hood. Adjust the drivetrain to the Track mode (five other modes are available), it responds with an actual sports car attitude. And although the EV isn’t built for less-than-ideal surfaces, an available Off-Road mode provides assurance when duty calls.
A Neat Cabin Big on Luxury
Luxury is practically all there is to find inside the 2026 Lotus Eletre. The cockpit comes alive as the driver steps in – lights, screens, and voice commands all automatically activated. Every part of the interior is made of crisp, modern furnishings, from steering to dashboard. When they’re not needed, the control elements stay flush or fold away to create a minimalist console. Plus, all five seats are power-heated and ventilated, and the rear center seat can switch into an armrest with cupholders in one deft move.
Luxury aside, the Eletre still remembers it’s an SUV, so it keeps things functional with a total 54.1 cubic ft of cargo space, 24.3 cubic ft with the seats up, and an extra storage in the frunk. While it won’t compete with, say, a Grand Wagoneer, the Lotus EV gives both front and rear occupants abundant stretch room, not to mention the bits of storage hidden around the cabin.
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Simple, Smart Screens
As we saw in the previous models, the Eletre sticks to a minimalist infotainment screen that folds flat when idle. The momentary wait for the screen to fold back up could feel like a stretch, but there’s no denying that it adds a touch of flair to the cabin. Thankfully, the system integrates with wheel-mounted controls and customizable voice commands for quick access.
An additional 12.3-inch strip across the dashboard displays information for both driver and passenger. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are available, and there’s the standard Lotus Connect Prestige for remote smartphone control.
Safety kits include LiDAR sensors that scan the surroundings for oncoming vehicles and passengers, while Lane Keep Assist and the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) are standard.
Charging
Both Eletre 600 and 900 use the 800-volt electrical system instead of the more common 400-volt setup. This means they support 350kW DC hyper-fast charging, which gives about 250 miles in 20 minutes, and less heat while charging. The 22kW AC option won’t charge as quick, but it’s available nonetheless for everyday home and office use.
Trims and Prices
For 2026, Lotus spoils Eletre buyers with six trims grouped into two broad versions: Series 600 and Series 900. The power outputs are right there in the names. All Eletre 600 variants produce over 600 hp with a longer driving range, while the Series 900s cut back on range but deliver over 900 hp. Here’s a full list of available trim levels and prices:
| 600 Price: £84,990Range: 373 miles | 600 GT Price: £89,990Range: 332 miles | 600 GT SE Price: £94,990Range: 332 | 600 Sport SE Price: £104,990Range: 349 |
| 900 Sport Price: £129,990Range: 310 miles | 900 Sport Carbon Price: £139,990Range: 310 miles |
Although interiors and available gadgets separate the trims, it takes an attentive driver to spot any difference in ride quality. But that’s not to say it’s not there!
If price is not a concern, the 900 Sport feels just right. Perfect ambience, nice tech, and it does the job well – what’s left to ask for? Plus, it’s only one step shy of the flagship model’s exclusive two-speed (rear) transmission.
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Way to Go
The 2026 Lotus Eletre draws heat from other luxury EVs like the Tesla Model X Plaid and BMW iX xDrive50, known for their high performance and solid range, respectively. Regardless, there’s plenty to like about the Lotus EV, and since it’s always been a low-production luxury model, competition shouldn’t be much of a bother.
