Lotus Unveils 939-HP Plug-In Hybrid Eletre SUV

The new "Lotus For Me" model packs serious power but raises questions about the brand's identity.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Lotus has unveiled a new plug-in hybrid variant of its Eletre SUV, dubbed the "Lotus For Me." The hybrid model boasts an impressive 939 horsepower from its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electric motors, beating out the all-electric Eletre. However, the added complexity and weight of the hybrid system means the For Me doesn't align with Lotus' traditional focus on simplicity and lightness.

Why it matters

The Lotus For Me represents a significant departure from the brand's core values, as an immensely powerful and heavy SUV that is a far cry from the lightweight sports cars Lotus is known for. This move raises questions about Lotus' identity and whether the brand can successfully transition to larger, more complex vehicles while maintaining its enthusiast appeal.

The details

The Lotus For Me pairs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 70 kWh battery, resulting in a maximum output of 939 horsepower. Despite the hybrid powertrain, the For Me is expected to weigh around 5,800 pounds, only slightly less than the all-electric Eletre. Lotus has also introduced a new "Lotus Tuned Specification" engineering standard, though the significance of this badge is unclear.

  • The Lotus For Me was unveiled on March 4, 2026.

The players

Lotus

A British automotive manufacturer known for its lightweight, high-performance sports cars. The company is now expanding into the SUV market with the Eletre and its new plug-in hybrid variant, the Lotus For Me.

Eletre

Lotus' first all-electric SUV model, which the new Lotus For Me plug-in hybrid is based on.

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What they’re saying

“Considering it's an immensely powerful electric SUV, the Lotus Eletre is about as far away from the original Lotus mission—remember simplify, then add lightness?—as a car can get.”

— Fred Smith, Motorsports Editor (roadandtrack.com)

What’s next

Lotus is expected to unveil a new name for the Lotus For Me when the model is launched in Europe and North America, as the current name is considered confusing and unlikely to resonate outside of the Chinese market.

The takeaway

Lotus' decision to introduce a high-powered, heavy plug-in hybrid SUV in the Eletre For Me raises concerns about the brand's ability to maintain its core identity and appeal to enthusiasts as it expands into larger, more complex vehicle segments.