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Video: First Look At The Lotus Emeya
We take a proper look at the Emeya, a 905-horsepower electric “hyper-GT” that continues the transformation of Lotus.
Words by: Mark Nichol
Published on 18 December 2023 | 0 min read
You know Lotus, right? Lotus makes lightweight, petrol-powered, rear-wheel drive, two-seat sports cars with a manual gearbox and fewer comfort amenities than the I’m A Celebrity campsite. And it makes them in Norfolk.
So this is the latest Lotus. It’s a five-door luxury hatchback with a big boot, four-wheel drive, an automatic gearbox (technically), adaptable air suspension, digital wing mirrors, augmented reality sat nav, and more screens than an airport lounge. And it’s built in China. Oh, and it’s electric. What on earth is happening at Lotus? Nonetheless, we’re assured that the Emeya – the second electric family car from Lotus, following the Eletre SUV – is every bit a ‘proper’ Lotus. We’re told that it has “an unparalleled driver-car connection” and a “uniquely Lotus driving experience,” while also being a comfortable long-distance EV. Big talk. Time will tell whether it’s even possible for a posh electric hatchback to be a proper Lotus? But more importantly, the Emeya finds itself squarely in the marketplace of every company car driver’s favourite BIK-busting electric super-hatchback, the Porsche Taycan. And also everyone’s other favourite, the Audi e-tron GT. That’s some major competition right there. So, Alex went to a fancy Lotus Brand Centre – that’s a building where people sell cars, formerly known as "a dealership" – to have a poke around the Emeya and see what its chances are. You’ll have to watch the video to get all the details, but we can tell you now that the Emeya looks and feels spectacular. The interior is pure concept car, the infotainment is powered by a videogame engine so it has some unique tricks, and the sunroof… well, hit play to find out. Best sunroof ever. The driving experience promises much, too – you’ll be pleased to know. Two electric motors produce a huge 905 horsepower and 985 newton metres of torque, and the body features active aerodynamics inspired by Formula One. But, again, a legit Lotus? And does that even matter? Check out Alex’s video and let us know what you think?
So this is the latest Lotus. It’s a five-door luxury hatchback with a big boot, four-wheel drive, an automatic gearbox (technically), adaptable air suspension, digital wing mirrors, augmented reality sat nav, and more screens than an airport lounge. And it’s built in China. Oh, and it’s electric. What on earth is happening at Lotus? Nonetheless, we’re assured that the Emeya – the second electric family car from Lotus, following the Eletre SUV – is every bit a ‘proper’ Lotus. We’re told that it has “an unparalleled driver-car connection” and a “uniquely Lotus driving experience,” while also being a comfortable long-distance EV. Big talk. Time will tell whether it’s even possible for a posh electric hatchback to be a proper Lotus? But more importantly, the Emeya finds itself squarely in the marketplace of every company car driver’s favourite BIK-busting electric super-hatchback, the Porsche Taycan. And also everyone’s other favourite, the Audi e-tron GT. That’s some major competition right there. So, Alex went to a fancy Lotus Brand Centre – that’s a building where people sell cars, formerly known as "a dealership" – to have a poke around the Emeya and see what its chances are. You’ll have to watch the video to get all the details, but we can tell you now that the Emeya looks and feels spectacular. The interior is pure concept car, the infotainment is powered by a videogame engine so it has some unique tricks, and the sunroof… well, hit play to find out. Best sunroof ever. The driving experience promises much, too – you’ll be pleased to know. Two electric motors produce a huge 905 horsepower and 985 newton metres of torque, and the body features active aerodynamics inspired by Formula One. But, again, a legit Lotus? And does that even matter? Check out Alex’s video and let us know what you think?