The newly unveiled Lotus Emeya is the marque’s first all-electric grand tourer. It’s also one of the fastest electric GTs in the world, too
Marrying sports-car levels of performance and modern day technological advancements without losing touch of Lotus’ rich design and engineering heritage, the Lotus Emeya is well on its way to setting new benchmarks in electric vehicle history.
Following the previous debut of the Eletre hyper-SUV, Lotus’ first electric vehicle, the Emeya now joins the lineup as the British automaker’s second electric model, driving home the marque’s mission in pivoting into an all-electric luxury automotive brand.
The Emeya launch sees three models in the range–an ‘entry level’ Emeya, the Emeya S, and the top-spec Emeya R. The base variant Emeya and Emeya S shares similar performance specifications, with smaller brakes and 4-piston front callipers instead of six; if your top priority is efficiency, the baseline Emeya is the perfect variant to go for; using the same-sized battery pack as the other specs, it boasts a maximum range of 610 kilometres.
Next in line is the Emeya S, which comes with a dual-motor setup (as does the Emeya R) that produces 603 hp and 710 Nm of torque. These numbers are much lower in comparison, but that doesn’t point to the Emeya S being slouchy at all; it’s still capable of launching from zero to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, which is impressive by all standards.
But a question that remains: what constitutes as a ‘hyper-GT’? By Lotus’ standards, a true hyper-GT is defined by one criterion: a century sprint timing of under three seconds. And of course, the top-spec Emeya R smashes that with ease. To be specific, it does that in a neck-breaking 2.78 seconds, made possible by its dual-motors that enables a whopping 903 hp and a torquey 983 Nm. The R is also the only variant that possesses a 2-speed automatic gearbox, while the others utilise single-speed transmissions. Powered by a 102 kWh lithium-ion battery, the Emeya R has a estimated WLTP range of 435 km.
Power specifications aside, Lotus hasn’t neglected design and handling aspects of the cars. In fact, the Emeya boasts an all-rounded seamless blend of progressive performance sprinkled with technical artistry in the cars’ interiors and exteriors.
rear diffuser and rear spoiler. Photo by Lotus
A heavy emphasis is placed on aerodynamic features to boost the cars’ performance and handling. More than just strategic placements of eight vents that helps with the cooling of brakes, electric motors and batteries, Lotus has also integrated a pioneering active front grille, rear diffuser, and a tasteful rear spoiler. Combined with a lower centre of gravity that enhances overall stability, expect an elevated ride and handling experience like no other.
On the interior, Lotus champions their mission to reduce their carbon footprint with the use of sustainably sourced eco-forward materials. Case in point: Lotus is the first automaker pioneering the use of a Wyron Truecycle, a new luxury thread contrived by repurposing fibres from the fashion industry.
With the first cars slated to be handed over in the fourth quarter of 2024, you can now visit Wearnes Automotive to experience all three Emeya variants in its true glory.
