Lotus Cars has revealed its first ever 'lifestyle' electric vehicle, a crossover SUV, that will go on sale next year.

It revealed yesterday that the new car will be the Eletre - pronounced ‘El-etra’ and which means ‘Coming to Life’ in some Eastern European languages.

It’s based on a new dedicated EV platform, developed by Lotus, which uses a skateboard-style design that can be scaled up or down to suit different sizes of car. A saloon and smaller SUV model are expected to launch in the next few years, expanding the brand’s line-up of “premium lifestyle electric vehicles” further.

The Eletre is said to have a battery capacity of “more than 100kWh”, giving a range of around 350 miles. Lotus also stated that 248-miles of range can be added in 20 minutes, using a 350kW rapid charger.

Three power levels will be offered, with outputs ranging from around 600-750PS. The Eletra will use two electric motors, giving all-wheel-drive.

While the Eletra may look like a family car, Lotus says it will still provide the performance and handling characteristics associated with the brand. Air suspension and adaptive dampers will be fitted as standard.

The interior features a 15.1-inch central touchscreen and a Kef audio system, as well as seating for five. There are physical buttons and switches for key functions, but also a voice control system.

Lotus says the car will offer more than 470 litres of luggage space.

Technology innovations include 5G connectivity, digital door mirrors and the capability to offer Level 4 autonomous driving technology.

The Eletre will go on sale next year, with prices expected to start from less than £100,000

Lotus describes the car as "the world’s first pure electric Hyper-SUV" which suggests it will rival the forthcoming Ferrari Purosangue.

The Norfolk-based sports car manufacturer ceased production of its Elise, Exige and Evora cars in December 2021 ready to usher in a new generation of models, starting with the Lotus Emira coupe which will begin deliveries to buyers in autumn 2022.

It has put its 13-site UK retail network onto new agency-style contracts this year, and it aims to appoint another 10 dealers across the country.