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Fresh off completion of a new production facility in China this past summer, Lotus Cars has officially launched its all-electric hyper-SUV, the Eletre. Today’s announcement includes all the pertinent performance specs and pricing from Lotus, showcasing three different available versions promising speed and luxury. It looks pretty damn cool as well, so let’s get into it, shall we?

Table of contents

Background

Let’s start with a brief Lotus refresher course leading up to this electric SUV launch. Lotus Cars exists as a division of Group Lotus and is joined alongside Lotus Engineering and Lotus Tech. Although it was founded by two Brits in the late 1940s, Lotus has been majority owned by Chinese multinational conglomerate Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd. since 2017.

Early last year, Geely announced a development plan with Alpine as part of a joint venture with the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance to develop electric vehicles and the platforms they will sit upon. This strategy furthered Lotus’s previous developments of its first all-electric hypercar – the Evija.

In April of 2021, the UK automaker also shared plans to produce electric vehicles only by 2028, laying out a timeline to deliver four bespoke EVs beginning in 2022:

  • 2022 – Debut an E-segment SUV codenamed Type 132
  • 2023 – Launch an E-segment four-door coupe, Type 133
  • 2025 – Follow with the Type 134, a new D-segment SUV
  • 2026 – Launch an all-new electric sports car, Type 135

This past March, we learned that the type 132 would be officially called the Eletre, when Lotus pulled the sheet off its all-electric hyper-SUV for us all to gawk at. At the time, Lotus shared several of its targeted specs for the Eletre including range, top speed, acceleration, and charging times.

Now that production at Lotus’s new $1.2 billion factory is up and running in China, the UK-based automaker has come out to show off its electric hyper-SUV. Furthermore, the Eletre has delivered all its targeted specs and even surpassed some. Have a look at the exterior before we dig into its performance.

Lotus dubs Eletre the “world’s fastest dual-motor electric SUV”

That’s right, Lotus is coming out swinging with its first electric SUV – which is also the automaker’s first five-door production vehicle and first lifestyle vehicle to boot. Lotus Cars officially launched the Eletre today during a global livestream called “Unleash the Future,” which offered us all the details of this hypercar we usually seek at these sort of events.

With the launch of the Eletre, Lotus says it creating “a new breed of pure electric SUVs,” that takes the automaker’s 75 years of expertise in sports cars and evolves it into a lifestyle car. Lotus Group vice-president and managing director Matt Windle elaborated:

The launch of the Eletre is the natural next step for Lotus. Two-seater sports cars are not for everyone, and we want to offer a Lotus for every stage of your life. The Eletre is the start of that.

Per today’s update, Lotus’s electric SUV will come available in three separate versions with the choice of single or dual-motor powertrains – Eletre, Eletre S, and Eletre R. The former two feature a single motor, while the top-tier Eletre R delivers the highest performance upon a dual-motor setup. Here’s how they break down performance-wise:

Version Eletre Eletre S Eletre R
Max power 603 hp
(450 kW)
603 hp
(450 kW)
905 hp
(675 kW)
Max torque 710 Nm 710 Nm 985 Nm
Top speed 160 mph
(258 km/h)
160 mph
(258 km/h)
165 mph
(265 km/h)
Acceleration
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph)
4.5 seconds 4.5 seconds 2.95 seconds
80-120 km/h (50-75 mph) < 2.2 seconds < 2.2 seconds < 1.9 seconds
Battery capacity 112 kWh 112 kWh 112 kWh
Charging time 10-80% (fast charger) 20 mins 20 mins 20 mins
Max range (WLTP) 373 mi*
(600 km)
373 mi*
(600 km)
304 mi
(490 km)
Ground clearance 7.4″ (20″ wheels)
7.6″ (22/23″ wheels)
7.4″ (20″ wheels)
7.6″ (22/23″ wheels)
7.4″ (20″ wheels)
7.6″ (22/23″ wheels)
Rear trunk capacity 21.6 cu ft / 611 liters (4 seats)
24.3 cu ft / 688 liters (5 seats)
21.6 cu ft / 611 liters (4 seats)
24.3 cu ft / 688 liters (5 seats)
21.6 cu ft / 611 liters (4 seats)
24.3 cu ft / 688 liters (5 seats)
Trunk capacity with rear-seats folded 54 cu ft / 1,532 liters 54 cu ft / 1,532 liters 54 cu ft / 1,532 liters
* – using 20″ wheels

In addition to being Lotus Cars’ first electric SUV, the Eletre also houses the debut of the automaker’s new operating system – Lotus Hyper OS. But first, have a gander at the interior of this hyper SUV.

Introducing Lotus Hyper OS

During today’s presentation, the Lotus Cars team shared details of the new operating system that will debut inside the upcoming Eletre. The system utilizes “Unreal Engine” technology from the video game industry to create real-time 3D content and experiences for drivers and their passengers.This advanced “digital cockpit” is backed by two Qualcomm 8155 System-On-Chips. Here are some other features of this system including some help from some new partners:

  • Next-generation Digital Head Unit from ECARX
    • Provides fully customizable displays, hosted on an advanced Driver Information Module (DIM), and ultra-slim floating one-billion-color OLED touchscreen
  • Over-the-air (OTA) update capabilities
    • The immersive multi-screen user experience can be continuously improved throughout the lifetime of the EV
  • Eletre includes navigation services from HERE Technologies
    • Includes EV Routing, EV Range Assistant and Predictive Routing, can be updated OTA
  • Lotus has new collaboration with Dolby
    • Dolby Atmos and the Eletre’s KEF speaker system combine to elevate music listening

Moving past the software and microchips, the Lotus Eletre electric SUV will come available in six interior options that include high-grade materials like state-of-the-art leather alternatives and 100% recycled carpets and trunk liners (we love to hear that).

The Eletre comes standard with wireless smartphone charging, electrically adjustable front seats, and four-zone automatic climate control. Its infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the aforementioned 15-speaker KEF premium audio system, and a 15.1-inch full High-Definition OLED center screen.

All versions of the Eletre come standard with five seats, but a four-seat version is available as part of the Executive Seat Pack. According to Lotus, its new all-electric SUV is equipped to support autonomous driving someday, as the technology evolves. Per the release:

Also standard is the deployable LIDAR technology, a world-first in a production car which supports end-to-end autonomous driving (AD) technology. Integrated OTA software update capability ensures the system will be fully ready when individual market regulations allow for the more advanced levels of AD.

Okay, but how much?

Pricing and availability for the Lotus Eletre electric hyper-SUV

According to Lotus Cars, thousands of customers around the world have placed deposits to secure their Eletre. That being said, those customers are probably mostly in Europe, at least to start.

Sales and deliveries will begin in “eight key European markets” followed by other countries in the region. Lotus says that arrival of the Eletre in North America, Middle East, and Asia Pacific will begin sometime in 2024, and pricing/specs will be revealed closer to that time.

Per Lotus Cars, Eletre pricing varies not only by market, but by country. Its press release breaks it down by each country, to get an idea of pricing, the electric hyper SUV starts at an MSRP of $95,990 in Germany, which equates to about $95,350.

While we await details of the North American version of the Lotus Eletre, check out the company’s entire presentation from earlier today.

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New off-road concept that ditches screens proves it: Genesis GETS luxury

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New off-road concept that ditches screens proves it: Genesis GETS luxury

Luxury is a tough concept to pin down, but being constantly connected to work, kids, and telemarketers ain’t it. Genesis gets it, and its latest ultra-luxe off-road concept ditches screens in favor of the view out the windshield – and it’s got enough off-road chops to promise two things about those views: they’re real, and they’re spectacular!

Genesis calls its new X Gran Equator concept an elegant overlander for the modern explorer that marries on-road sophistication with off-road resilience. Whatever they call it, the 4×4’s dashboard is delightfully free from sweeping touchscreens, mood lighting, and any hint of telephonic integration.

Indeed, the interior looked so much like something from the 90s that I double and triple-checked the date on the press release. But don’t take my word for it, check it for yourself.

It’s fantastic

If you zoom in, you can see screens in the instruments. High-definition roll and pitch displays, altimeters, and probably other outdoorsy, overland-y things that the sort of people who want to do that in what would surely be a very well-appointed six-figure SUV for a similarly very well-heeled buyer.

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And that buyer? They wouldn’t miss the screen, because the screen doesn’t matter. The real show is out the front windshield – and if someone from the office calls to interrupt the vibe, you won’t even know. I know I’d pay extra for that … and I can’t imagine I’m alone.

This is how Genesis explains it:

Inside, the X Gran Equator Concept orchestrates contrast between analog architecture and digital technologies, crafting a space that feels both functional and evocative. At the center of the cabin is a four-circle display cluster on the center stack, inspired by the vintage camera dials. The interior design features contrasting colors and shapes, with a preference for geometric over organic elements. The dashboard’s linear architecture and absence of decorations focus the driver’s attention on the journey, while swiveling front seats and modular storage solutions enhance practicality.

GENESIS

Genesis didn’t provide pictures of those swiveling seats or modular storage compartments on this concept, but the X Gran Equator Concept will make its in-person debut April 18th at the Genesis booth during the 2025 New York International Auto Show.

After the show, the company will move the concept to a display at Genesis House New York in the Meatpacking District, where it will stay “in residence” until the end of July. If you’re out that way for either event, take a picture of it and tag Electrek on Instagram!

SOURCE | IMAGES: Genesis.

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New electric Honda SUV with 469 hp and 403 mile range (in China)

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New electric Honda SUV with 469 hp and 403 mile range (in China)

The new-for-2025 Honda P7 electric SUV officially went on sale earlier today with 469 hp and more than 650 km (403 miles) of range from its 89.8-kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery … and you won’t believe the price!

First shown as a concept at the launch of Honda’s Ye brand a year ago, today. Ye is a joint venture between Honda and local automakers Dongfeng, who build the brand’s S7 model, and GAC, which helped develop the mechanically similar P7 that just went on sale.

And, by “similar,” I mean really, really similar. The AWD version of the new Honda P7 offers up to 620 km (385 miles) of CLTC-rated range, while the RWD can go 650 km (403 miles), which are identical figures to the S7. Even the crossover’s dimensions, at 4,750 mm long, 1,930 mm wide, and 1,625 mm tall with a 2,930 mm wheelbase, are identical.

Even the interiors – which are fantastic, by the way, with an innovative mix of screens, buttons, and super-slick sideview monitors – are tough to tell apart.

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Honda Ye EV interior(s)

So, how can you tell the P7 apart from its S7 sibling? The P7 has C-shaped lighting elements that are distinctive from the S7’s X-shaped lights. The end result is a face that reads a bit more “Honda” to me, but that may or may not be a good thing in the Chinese market.

Pricing for the new Honda P7 starts at 199,900 yuan (about $27,200) for the two wheel drive variant, and is also offered with all-wheel drive for 249,900 yuan (about $34,000, as I type this), complete with the sort of advanced ADAS features you have to pay good money to supervise here in the US. That pricing makes both P7 models significantly less expensive that the what the company thought would be the vehicle’s main competitor, the Tesla Model Y.

The world has changed a lot since then however – and whether or not the Model Y is still considered a serious rival remains to be seen.

If you’re in the mood to check out an all-electric Honda in the US, click here to set up a test drive and explore local deals on a new Prologue. In the meantime, I invite you to take a look at some of the press photos of the new P7, below, then let us know what you think in the comments.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Honda; via Paul Tan.

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Kia unveils the 2026 EV4, its first all-electric global sedan

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Kia unveils the 2026 EV4, its first all-electric global sedan

Kia just pulled the cover off its all-new 2026 EV4 today at the New York International Auto Show, marking the automaker’s first global all-electric sedan.

With a sleek design and practical features, Kia is clearly aiming to offer a compelling, affordable alternative to the flood of electric SUVs on the market.

The Kia EV4, set to hit US roads in early 2026, will be available in three trims – Light, Wind, and the sportier GT-Line.

Exterior and interior

Built on Kia’s 400V Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV4 sedan sports a distinctive low, aerodynamic profile with a sporty fastback roofline. The front showcases vertical LED headlights paired with Kia’s signature Star Map lighting and a modernized version of Kia’s Tiger Face grille.

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Around back, vertical taillights and a two-piece spoiler emphasize the sedan’s sporty stance. Buyers can choose between standard 17-inch aero wheels or the 19-inch wheels exclusive to the GT-Line trim.

Inside, Kia’s EV4 emphasizes comfort, convenience, and spaciousness. A modern, open cockpit features high-quality materials, a two-spoke steering wheel, and an available 64-color ambient lighting system. With ample passenger room and cargo space, the EV4 balances practicality with a sleek, contemporary feel.

Powertrain and performance

2026 EV4

The EV4 comes with two battery options: a 58.3 kWh pack delivering about 235 miles of range (standard on the Light trim), or a larger 81.4 kWh pack good for around 330 miles (Wind and GT-Line trims). Both models feature a 150 kW front-mounted electric motor.

Charging won’t slow you down: Kia estimates a 10-to-80% DC fast charge takes just 29 minutes for the smaller battery and 31 minutes for the larger. The EV4 comes with a standard NACS charging port and is on the front passenger side.

This Kia sedan has a drag coefficient as low as 0.23 Cd. Its updated i-Pedal 3.0 system offers smooth one-pedal driving, even in reverse and adaptive regenerative braking. Additionally, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability means your EV4 can power everyday devices like laptops or camping gear.

A tech-loaded interior

2026 EV4

The EV4 features nearly 30 inches of combined widescreen displays. Personalization is easy, including themed interfaces and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Kia’s Digital Key 2.0 lets drivers manage locks, start the climate control remotely, and access other vehicle functions via smartphone. And Kia’s built-in AI Assistant ensures natural, responsive interactions, adding another convenience layer.

Comfort isn’t an afterthought, either. Dual-zone automatic climate control, available heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and acoustic windshield glass round out the premium feel.

Advanced driver-assist technology

2026 EV4

The EV4 is equipped with Highway Driving Assist as standard, which automatically adjusts the vehicle’s set speed to match the posted speed limit (if initially set to the speed limit) and maintains distance from the vehicle in front.

Standard Hands-On Detection helps ensure drivers stay engaged by monitoring steering-wheel grip, enhancing safety on longer trips.

Other available features include Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, and Lane Following Assist. Optional Remote Smart Parking Assist simplifies parking in tight spots.

Look for the Kia EV4 sedan to reach US dealers in early 2026.

Read more: Kia EV Day 2025 recap: EV4 is coming to US, plus an up-close look at the EV2 and PV5 [Video]


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