Lotus Eletre X PHEV: Europe’s first 700kW hybrid is a Lotus SUV

Lotus has unveiled a new plug-in ‘super hybrid’ version of its Eletre SUV and the combustion model is set to produce even more power than the current EV-only range.

Unveiled in China last week, the new PHEV is positioned as a standalone model and will be called the Eletre X when it launches in Europe in June.

The powertrain combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a pair of synchronous electric motors – one on each axle – producing a claimed 701kW of power (939bhp). That beats the output of the top-spec Eletre 900 Sport EV offered locally, which produces 675kW.

Despite the higher output, the fully electric version remains slightly quicker. The Eletre X PHEV has a claimed 0–100km/h time of 3.3 seconds, around 0.3 seconds slower than the 900 Sport.

The hybrid model's weight is also closely matched with its full electric sibling, with the PHEV tipping the scales at 2,575–2,625kg depending on specification. By comparison, the EV-only Eletre weighs 2,545–2,690kg depending on configuration.

In New Zealand, the Eletre lineup currently starts at $189,900 for the Eletre 600, and tops out at $279,000 for the Eletre 900 Sport Carbon, before options.

The petrol engine produces 150kW of power, but its primary role is as an onboard generator for the battery. It can work in tandem with the electric motors to deliver maximum output, though in normal driving conditions it mainly acts as a range extender.

The new hybrid uses a 70kWh battery, smaller than the EV’s 112kWh pack, and is claimed to deliver 350km of electric-only driving range on the WLTP cycle. Total driving range is quoted at up to 1,200km, assuming the battery is regularly charged.

Lotus says the engine can generate up to 25kWh of energy per hour for the battery in ideal conditions. Lotus also claims the battery supports DC fast charging, allowing it to charge from 20 to 80 per cent in nine minutes.

The Eletre X features 48V active anti-roll bars capable of generating up to 1,400Nm of force in under 10 milliseconds to keep the SUV flat in corners. It also features an active rear wing producing up to 120kg of downforce, and six-piston Brembo front brakes capable of bringing the SUV to a halt from 100–0km/h in 33.9 metres.

The hybrid system is similar in concept to technology offered by sister brand Zeekr, whose flagship 9X SUV can feature up to three electric motors and deliver as much as 1,015kW of power in their home market.

Lotus previously said it planned to sell only EVs by 2028, but slower-than-expected sales of the Eletre SUV and the Lotus Emeya sedan have forced the brand to adjust its strategy by introducing a plug-in hybrid option.