Lotus has always been synonymous with performance and driving feel. Cars like the Elise, Evora, and even the more recent Emira have all solidified Lotus’s reputation as a company that builds cars that connect the driver to the road thanks to Lotus’s celebrated formula of building cars that are lightweight, agile, and engaging to drive.
However, the world has gone electric. Iconic gasoline-powered cars such as the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Corvette have now entered the realm of electrification, with both models being offered in electric variants. Lotus is no exception to this, and thus far, Lotus has released two electrified models: the Evija and the Electre, the first being an electric hypercar, and the second being an electric hyper-SUV. And now, there’s the Lotus Emeya, which can only be described as the fusion of Lotus’s two electric offerings, blending the hypercar prowess of the Evija with the practicality of the Electre hyper-SUV. And these new electric variants beg the question: is Lotus still going to the peppy, fun to drive brand it always was?
Introducing the Lotus Emeya
Lotus seeks to answer this question with the Emeya. The Lotus Emeya isn’t just a pretty face, nor is it just the in-between model that slots between a hypercar and a hyper-SUV. It’s an all-electric grand tourer that’ll go from 0-60mph in under 2.8 seconds while also offering ample storage space in the trunk or back seats.
Moreover, the Emeya sets out to prove that electric cars can still be engaging to drive, even as a four-door grand tourer. Lotus suited the Emeya with an air-suspension system that analyzes conditions at a rate of 1,000 times per second to enhance its driving experience. This system is complemented by aerodynamic features like an active front grille, a rear diffuser, and a rear spoiler.
And the good news doesn’t end there. The Emeya boasts perfect 50/50 weight distribution, further promising an engaging driving feel. The mind-boggling 905 horsepower battery powertrain propels the Emeya to 155mph, a class-leading top speed. Speaking of class-leading specs, the Lotus Emeya also has best-in-class carbon-ceramic brakes.
While Lotus hasn’t released official range information yet, they have stated that the Emeya’s range will be ‘broadly similar’ to that of the Electre, which boasts a range of 373 miles. What Lotus did confirm, however, is just how quickly the Emeya can charge its batteries. On a fast charger, just five minutes can add 93 miles, and in just 18 minutes, the Emeya can reach an 80% charge.
The interior of the Emeya is set to have a luxurious feel to it, boasting aluminum, Alcantara, and Nappa leather trim. The available KEF sound system in the Emeya allows for a Dolby-Atmos 3D surround-sound experience, which will be noticeable due to the lack of noise from the batteries.
Lotus expects production for the Emeya to begin in 2024, with pre-orders available now on the Lotus website.
