The Lotus Eletre R is a $243,000 905hp Hyper SUV But Is it a True Lotus? Why is it SO Controversial?

Lotus Eletre R Carbon Edition – The EV Super-SUV That Actually Feels Alive
Today we put seat time into one of the rarest, most talked-about EVs in America: the Lotus Eletre R—a wildly quick, ultra-luxury, four-wheel-steer, lidar-equipped electric SUV that had car-show crowds stopping in their tracks. Filmed with Mike from Getaway Driving ‪@getawaydriving‬ this episode dives into what the Eletre R is really like to live with and why it might be the first EV SUV that delivers genuine Lotus-style engagement.

Special thanks to Boardwalk Lotus (Redwood City, CA) for loaning us this exact Eletre R—finished in a jaw-dropping pink over the full Carbon Pack. It’s for sale as of filming—call Boardwalk Lotus if you’re curious.

Why this video matters

Lotus loyalists worship “simplify, then add lightness.” The Eletre R is… not that. It’s complex, tech-dense, and massively quick. Yet it still manages to feel involving, emotional, and surprisingly playful—even a little unruly when you mat it. We explore how that tension plays out: EV precision + Lotus drama.

Key Takeaways

905 hp EV SUV that moves (and can get tail-happy in a straight line—yes, really).
4-wheel steering = big-car footprint, small-car agility around town and tight SF streets.
Charging that makes road-tripping feasible: 117 kWh pack; we discuss real-world 0–80% in ~18 minutes (charger-dependent) and why charge speed often matters more than headline range.
Feels premium everywhere: Alcantara, carbon inlays, rich ambient lighting, tight switchgear—an interior that belongs with the world’s best.

Tech that helps, not overwhelms: fast UI, snappy graphics, and full-screen CarPlay (rare and excellent).

It turns heads: from bus drivers to Porsche guys, reactions were overwhelmingly positive; this spec is a magnet.

Exclusivity: only ~50 in the U.S. and tariff drama paused additional shipments—this is the definition of rare.

Market position: cross-shopped against Lamborghini Urus and the EV Macan, but the Eletre’s blend of luxury, speed, and distinctiveness gives it a unique lane.

Who it’s for: buyers who want a statement piece with real substance; owners who value design, presence, and daily usability as much as outright speed.

Bonus: potential Section 179 business-use weight class benefits (talk to your tax professional—this isn’t financial advice).


What we cover in this episode

First impressions & crowd reactions (spoiler: in person, it pops—photos don’t do it justice).
Mike’s perspective as a Lotus die-hard who also tracks EVs (Model 3 Performance owner): can an EV have soul?

Why the Eletre R feels more dramatic than many EVs (and why that’s good).
Ride & handling: air suspension, chassis balance, and the way it shrinks around you on the road.
Interior deep dive: materials, ergonomics, screen performance, and those little “delight” moments.
Charging reality check: what fast really means, how charge curves work, and how the Eletre R stacks up at high-power stations.

Comparisons: Urus (guttural V8 vs silent thrust), Macan EV (price/finish delta), ultra-luxury alternatives.

Brand talk: is this still a Lotus? We argue that Lotus has always thrived in intangibles—and the Eletre fits that lineage in a new way.

Ownership notes: rarity, service considerations, and living with advanced hardware (active aero, deployable lidar, etc.).

Future lens: range-extender discussions overseas, where electrification is heading, and what that might mean for Emeya/“Amaya” fans.

Chapters (tap to jump)
Cold open & meet the car
Design & presence (why it works better in person)
Driving feel: EV immediacy with Lotus theatrics
Four-wheel steering + city maneuverability
Interior review & tech that actually helps
Charging speed vs range: the honest math
Eletre R vs Urus vs Macan EV
Who should buy this (and why)
Lotus heritage & the “is it a real Lotus?” question
Final thoughts, price reality, and rarity in the U.S.

Shoutouts: Boardwalk Lotus, event reactions, and the “if you know, you know” Apple Cupertino Lotus Club

What do you think—has Lotus built the first EV SUV with actual personality? Would you pick this over a Urus or wait for an Emeya? Drop your take below (Lotus loyalists and EV skeptics especially—we want to hear from you).

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