Sino-British marque Lotus has just launched its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model, the new Lotus Eletre X Hybrid.
Also known as the Lotus Eletre “For Me” in native China, this electrified SUV crossover swaps its electric motors for a 2.0-litre turbocharged PHEV powertrain setup capable of delivering up to 952 PS and over 1,200 km of range.
Supercar-Esque Power, Economy Car Efficiency
The hybrid powertrain in question features a 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbocharged petrol engine with a claimed thermal efficiency of 46%, which is then hooked up to a 204 PS-rated (150 kW) electric starter-generator motor.
Similar to many other modern PHEV systems, the engine primarily acts as a generator for the dual electric motors and only kicks in through a single-speed transmission that drives the front wheels whenever extra power is required.
Combined, the whole PHEV setup delivers a total system output of 952 PS and 935 Nm, enabling this large SUV to push from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds.
What’s more impressive is that despite this supercar-rivalling power output, the Eletre X PHEV is still a very economical car. Thanks to its large 70-kWh battery pack, the large SUV is good for up to 350 km of pure electric range, which expands to over 1,200 km when combined with the petrol engine.
High-Voltage Electric Platform, Supports Up to 6C Fast Charging
Besides its supercar-rivalling performance, what also sets apart the Eletre X from other PHEVs out there is the 900-volt architecture it underpins.
Thanks to this high-voltage platform, the Eletre X PHEV is capable of supporting up to 6C of fast charging performance. Although no exact DC figures were given, expect its charging output to be around 420 kW, which Lotus claims can charge up its 70 kWh battery from 20% to 80% in just 9 minutes.
Given that Lotus is now part of the large Geely umbrella, much of the Eletre X’s mechanical bits are shared with the Zeekr 9X. This includes the aforementioned 900-volt platform, which is based on Zeekr’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA-R) instead of the Electric Premium Architecture (EPA) used on the Eletre EV.
Unchanged Design from the BEV Version
At first glance, one can immediately tell that the Eletre X looks almost identical to its BEV twin, featuring the overtly sporty SUV crossover bodystyle with a rakish roofline.
Keen eyes will notice that the hybrid does get some slight design changes, namely the additional air intakes and the larger rectangular active grille shutters at the front bumper.
The same can also be said for its innards, where the Eletre X continues the sporty minimalist cabin look, with the 15.1-inch OLED display being the centrepiece of its cabin.
Other things like the slim 12.6-inch digital metre cluster, ventilated seats, Alcantara upholstery with carbon fibre trims, and the optional KEF audio system are all present in the hybrid.
Debuts on March 29 in China, RHD Version Confirmed for UK—Malaysia Next?
Sales for the all-new Lotus Eletre X Hybrid are about to commence later on March 29 in China, followed by the European market later in June this year.
Reports suggested that the UK market will also be included on the roster, meaning that Lotus has already prepared a right-hand-drive (RHD) version for this PHEV SUV. Given that its mechanical twin, the Zeekr 9X, is already confirmed for the Malaysian market, could we see Lotus do the same for the Eletre X Hybrid?
