- Lotus Eletre X combines plug-in hybrid power with 1200km range.
- The flagship H1000 produces 700kW and 935Nm through AWD.
- A 70kWh battery can charge from 20-80 per cent in nine minutes.
Lotus has opened European orders for the Eletre X, a new plug-in hybrid version of its large performance SUV, promising huge range, very fast charging and up to 700kW.
The Eletre X is the first model to use Lotus’ new X-Hybrid architecture, which blends battery-electric driving with an onboard generator powered by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine. It is available to order now in mainland Europe, priced from €96,990, with customer deliveries expected to begin in Q4 2026.
Hybrid, but not as usual
Lotus says the system is designed to deliver electric-first performance without forcing drivers to plan longer trips around charging stops.
At the heart of the setup is a 70kWh battery, 900V electrical architecture and a 150kW onboard generator.
That generator is used to replenish energy while driving, rather than relying only on brake regeneration. The result is a claimed WLTP combined range of more than 1200km, with up to 350km available in pure EV mode.
The battery can charge from 20 to 80 per cent in around nine minutes on a 350kW DC charger. Lotus lists maximum DC charging power at 436kW, while 11kW AC charging takes 7.2 hours from empty to full.
Two versions, one very quick
The Eletre X will launch in two variants.
The Eletre X H550 starts from €96,990 and produces 405kW, while the flagship H1000 starts from €119,990 and lifts output to 700kW. Both produce 935Nm and use all-wheel drive.
The H550 reaches 100km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the H1000 cuts that to 3.3 seconds. Top speed is 210km/h for the H550 and 230km/h for the H1000.
Qingfeng Feng, CEO at Lotus Group, said: “Eletre X is proof of how cutting-edge technology can serve the driver, a value which is at the heart of the Lotus brand. We feel that we have created something that not only pushes the boundaries of what is possible from a technical standpoint but, also enriches their emotional and practical driving experience.”
Lotus keeps the chassis light
The Eletre X uses double-wishbone front suspension, a multi-link rear setup, dual-chamber air springs and dual-valve adaptive dampers.
The H1000 also gets 48V active anti-roll control, delivering up to 1400Nm of roll-stabilising torque.
Lotus says the H550 is up to 120kg lighter than the fully electric Eletre 900, despite the added hybrid hardware.
Inside, the Eletre X gets slim digital displays, Lotus Hyper OS infotainment, analogue controls for primary functions, a head-up display, a 23-speaker KEF sound system, 30 perception sensors and Nvidia Thor computing.
DRIVEN Car Guide understands Lotus has not disclosed New Zealand availability or pricing yet.
