Lotus’ first electric Hyper-GT, the Emeya S, delivers thrill, elegance, and functionality in a striking package
There’s an art to intimidation, and Lotus has mastered it with the Emeya. With just one glance, it’s clear this isn’t an ordinary electric grand tourer; the Emeya doesn’t merely capture one’s attention; it commands it. Beneath its imposing presence, however, lies a surprisingly approachable car—one that harmonises performance, luxury, and practicality.
The Emeya S sits comfortably between its siblings: the more accessible (but not necessarily any more budget-friendly) Emeya, and the outrageously fast final act, the Emeya R. But don’t let its middle child status fool you. With dual electric motors delivering numbers in the range of 603 hp and 710 Nm, it packs more punch than most local drivers will ever need. An assertive nudge on the accelerator will unleash a surge of power that hurtles you toward the horizon with a frightening ease. The Emeya S achieves the century sprint in 4.2 seconds, which is enough to make you feel like your stomach was left behind; comparing that to the Emeya R’s 2.8-second record feels almost excessive and may just obliterate your insides altogether.
Yet, the Emeya S isn’t just about raw power. The model we spent a few days with was shod with Pirelli P-Zero R tyres, which translated its might into impeccable grip and stability. Whether carving through winding slip roads or accelerating dead straight, the car drives fully planted and confident. It’s really an electric vehicle imbued with the soul of a sports car.
At red lights, the Emeya S (in Fireglow Orange, no less) was a magnet for double-takes. Its wide muscular body, coupled with slender, glowering headlights set the tone, while the active aerodynamic elements and striking rear spoiler (operable manually or automatically) amplified its commanding presence. But honestly, we think most onlookers are likely gawking because it just looks sensational. We know we would, for sure.
Luxury meets sustainability
Sliding into the car, we were greeted by an amalgamation of sustainable luxury and modern technology. The soft-close doors whispered sophistication, while a KEF audio system equipped with Dolby Atmos surround sound promised (and delivered) an immersive listening experience. Even the choice of materials used—Alcantara, Nappa leather, and repurposed threads from the fashion industry—were a nod to Lotus’ thoughtful commitment to sustainable craftsmanship.
The centre console is home to a do-it-all touchscreen system, managing everything from seat and climate controls to the opacity of the panoramic sunroof. It’s a minimalist’s dream, though there’s a not-so-small caveat: finding specific settings on the go can feel like playing a high-tech game of hide-and-seek if you’re unfamiliar.
While the cabin exudes elegance, its heft is undeniable. Parallel parking—a task I usually tackle with pride—felt a bit challenging in older and tighter estates, even with assistive systems like the 360-degree sensors and cameras. Of course, the Emeya S offers fully automated parking aids, but we’re probably just old-school when it comes to trusting the car to do all the work.
Despite its “Hyper-GT” credentials, the Emeya S doesn’t forgo practicality for pure performance. The spacious interior ensures all passengers, and not just the front ones, are comfortable. An advanced air suspension system reads the road 1,000 times per second to deliver a ride that’s both smooth and engaging. On longer drives, range anxiety is eased by the promised rapid charging capabilities—find yourself a 350kW DC charger, twiddle your thumbs for an approximate 20 minutes, and you’ll find at least 400 km of range added.
When benchmarked against rivals like the Porsche Taycan and Audi RS e-tron GT, the Emeya S emerges as a competitively priced contender. The bare bones model comes with a S$438,000 price tag (excluding COE), though the options-laden unit we brought out for a spin added about S$103,000 to the bill.
Final thoughts?
The 2024 Lotus Emeya S is a car that intrigues, excites, and perhaps even intimidates, albeit in the best way possible. It’s a bold leap into the electric future, embodying a statement that EVs can be both luxurious and thrilling, without losing the essence of what makes a drive enjoyable.
And yes, we’ll address the elephant in the room: the silence of the Emeya S is a different kind of soundtrack, for those of us who still pine for the throaty growl of a petrol engine. That aside, for those in search of a switch to electric that doesn’t feel like a compromise, we think this could be it. The Emeya S might just be your next big adventure.