LOTUS ELETRE R

The Lotus Eletre R is perfect, save for one thing

- BENJAMIN GRACIAS

LOTUS ELETRE R

 Engine: PMSM Power: 918PS Torque: 985Nm Battery: 112kWh 0-100kmph: 2.95 seconds Range: 490km (WLTP) Price: ₹ 2.99 crore ex-showroom

Lotus cars have always been special. Whilst discussing the best driving cars, the Lotus Seven and Elise often come up. These cars have had a singular focus on driving pleasure and few have managed to capture the purity and raw driving essence of lightweight sports cars like Colin Chapman.

After his passing in the eighties, Lotus was in a state of turmoil and traded owners until recently when it was bought by Chinese automotive conglomerate Geely. The new revival also kind of signals a shift from the carmaker's lightweight ethos, especially when you consider the Eletre.

The company's first SUV is also purely electric, which many would consider as an antithesis to what Lotus stands for driving pleasure. However, Lotus' self-proclaimed 'Hyper SUV' does promise emotion with headlining acceleration times. As they say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating and there is only one way to find out if the Eletre delivers on driving pleasure take it for a spin.

Besides pure driving pleasure, Lotus cars are known for their gorgeous lines and the Eletre is no different. It is not just the primary flowing lines that please but the attention the detail. It gets vents and ducts all across - like a sports car, besides the two blade-like spoilers and the deployable rear spoiler on the boot lip. Our test SUV came fitted with the optional 23-inch wheels that are a size up on the standard tyres and get carbon fibre inserts. The Eletre looks like a quintessential Lotus should and unlike any other Super SUV out there.