The clash between electric and traditional power in high-performance SUVs has never been more exhilarating. Mat Watson from Carwow recently brought two of the most trending SUVs together on a soggy, wet tarmac in England for one epic drag race battle.
With such an unforgiving weather condition who do you think will win the battle of power and speed between the Lotus Eletre R vs Lamborghini Urus Performante?
Meet The Contenders
The Silent Thunder: Lotus Eletre R
With a sleek, if understated, exterior, the Lotus Eletre R doesn’t immediately reveal the power lurking within. The Dual electric motors push out an astonishing 918 PS (675 kW) and 985 Nm of torque, propelling this electric leviathan from 0 to 62 mph in under 3 seconds. Equipped with a 2-speed transmission and a 109.0 kWh battery, it offers a realistic range of up to 254 to 280 miles (409 to 450 kilometers), blending brute force with endurance.
Lotus has introduced two versions of this electric SUV.
The AWD Eletre S model (featured in the video) boasts a power output of 603 horsepower or 450 kilowatts. It is estimated to have a range of 304-354 miles (489-570 kilometers). While the standard AWD Eletre (base model) delivers the same 603 horsepower or 450 kW and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (100 kph) in 4.5 seconds. But its battery lasts 304-373 miles (489-600 kilometers). The standard model costs around 150,000 GBP in the UK (189,352 US dollars).
The Roaring Contender: Lamborghini Urus Performante
Compared to the quiet power of the Eletre R, the Lamborghini Urus Performante boasts a loud 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 657 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. This agile beast accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.3 seconds and has a top speed of 190 miles per hour. Weighing over 500 kilograms less than its electric rival, the Urus Performante combines raw power with the thrilling experience of a high-performance engine.
Lotus Eletre R vs Lamborghini Urus Performante: The Rainy Duel in England
As mentioned earlier, the stage was set on a damp English day, and these two behemoths faced off in a contest of speed and skill. Before the start of the race, Mat attempted to impress everyone with his drifting skills in the Lotus Eletre R. However, he failed miserably and ended up overheating the battery. It remains unclear what caused the failed attempt, but it could be due to the car’s excessive weight of  5,820 lbs (2,650 kilograms).
Mat could not take off in his electric car, so he stepped out and let it cool off for a while. On the other hand, Mark sat behind the wheel of his Urus Performante, enjoying the whole drama.
Despite initial technical struggles with its launch system, Eletre R’s overwhelming power led it to victory in a straight-line sprint against its contender.
During the drag race, the Lotus Eletre R completed the course in 11.3 seconds; stability control was on and in 11.6 seconds (while ESC was turned off). The Lamborghini Urus Performante took 12 seconds to finish the race. After this, a 1/2-mile roll race was conducted, and unsurprisingly, the Lotus emerged as the clear winner. There was no need to repeat the race as the Lamborghini stood no chance against the Lotus.
Yet, the Lamborghini claimed its victory in a test of braking from 100 mph or 161 kph despite the wet tarmac, proving that performance is measured in more than just speed.
More Than Just Speed
This showdown was more than a mere race; it was a glimpse into the future of automotive excellence. The Lotus Eletre R, with its cutting-edge electric drivetrain, showcased the incredible potential of electric vehicles. Meanwhile, the Lamborghini Urus Performante reminded us of the enduring allure of the combustion engine — its sound, fury, and spirit.
As we think back on this thrilling experience, it’s obvious that whether we’re using electric power or traditional fuel, the journey is just as important as the destination. Every step we take brings us to exciting new horizons, where we get to enjoy the dance between modern electric and traditional combustion-powered technology.
Lotus Eletre R vs Lamborghini Urus Performante Image gallery
