Lotus has unveiled the plug-in hybrid version of its Eletre SUV, which will arrive in Europe at the end of this year.
The car is significant in that it marks the Geely-brand’s return to combustion engines as a power source after initially promising to go all electric.
Launched today in China, the PHEV is positioned as a stand-alone model and given a new name: For Me.
The powertrain couples a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with a synchronous motor on each axle for a combined power output of 939bhp, good for a claimed acceleration time of 3.3 seconds to 62mph. That beats the maximum 892bhp figure for the electric-only Eletre R.
Lotus is pitching the car against luxury rivals, with Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng referencing both the Lamborghini Urus and even the Ferrari Purosangue at the launch event. The Urus is now only available as a plug-in hybrid with 789bhp.
The car is fitted with a 70kWh battery (smaller than the EVs 108kWh pack) that offers an electric-only range of 220 miles according to China’s CLTC test cycle, which is more generous than the WLTP standard used in Europe. Combined range is 880 miles, Lotus claims.
The battery incorporates ‘6C’ fast charging that enables the car to be recharged from 30% to 80% in eight minutes.
Additional technology includes what Lotus calls 6D Digital Dynamic Chassis with an adaptive 48-volt anti-roll bar that the company says helps stop the “boat-like” feel of some SUVs.
The Eletre PHEV weighs between 2575kg and 2625kg, depending on the chosen trim and optional extras, roughly aligning with the existing pure-electric version.
The ‘X-hybrid’ technology is similar to that on sister brand Zeekr’s 9X luxury SUV, which employs up to three electric motors for a combined 1381bhp, suggesting further upgrades could be had.
The For Me is likely to be renamed for its European launch scheduled for the end of the year. The design is essentially unchanged from that of the Eletre EV.
Lotus’s pivot to plug-in hybrid opens up the brand to a swathe of wealthy customers who so far have been reluctant to switch to full electric. As well as the Lamborghini Urus, the For Me will go up against the non-electrified 717bhp Aston Martin DBX and the 748bhp BMW XM.
Lotus has said it is also planning a plug-in hybrid version of the Emira sports car as part of a facelift timed to comply with the Euro 7 emissions regulation change in 2027 for existing models.
Lotus had previously committed to selling only EVs by 2028, but sales of the Eletre and Emeya have been significantly slower than first expected, forcing the company to adjust course.
CEO Feng Qingfeng said the launch of hybrids would help Lotus’s sales in regions with slower uptake of EVs, such as Italy and Saudi Arabia.
The PHEVs are also expected to boost Lotus’ profitability; the company recorded an operating loss of $357 million for the first nine months of 2025.
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