Final yr, Lotus introduced the sedan model of the Eletre SUV – the Emeya. Its official public debut occurred within the US, out of all locations. The model did not honor the UK (its house nation) or China (the place its proprietor, Geely, is headquartered) with the primary official outing. Now, potential patrons are lastly allowed to configure the battery-powered car that appears to resemble a four-eyed dragon.
However till we see the Emeya arrive stateside, let’s examine what’s what. Fortunately, in Europe, the car can already be configured, and Lotus has been form sufficient to permit events to see what a beneficiant six-figure expenditure can get them.
First off, the bottom mannequin. It’s merely known as the Emeya, though there’s nothing easy in regards to the all-electric journey. It has a beginning value of €109,685 ($118,293), however do not be discouraged by the excessive determine. On the opposite facet of the pond, automotive costs embrace the value-added tax. It’s considerably much like the gross sales tax that exists virtually in every single place within the US. The one distinction is that it is normally a lot greater than the American common of 6 %. In actual fact, it may be 4 instances as a lot in nations like Finland or Greece.
The Emeya boasts two motors, which allow it to realize a most energy output of 603 hp (450 kW / 612 ps). Driving on 20-inch wheels, the sedan with lively air suspension sprints from zero to 62 mph (100 kph) in 4.1 seconds. It will maintain going till it hits an electronically restricted prime velocity of 155 mph (250 kph).
Picture: Lotus
When not put by its paces, the EV can cowl a most WLTP-rated vary of 379 mi (610 km). Since WLTP is extra permissive than the EPA testing cycle, take that with a grain of salt. In actuality, it would cowl round 300 mi (483 km) on a single cost. Relying on the climate, the vary might be much more restricted.
Fairly an clever, quirky-looking factor
The EV comes with an aluminum roof, superior matrix LED headlights with 32 particular person bulbs per housing, power-adjustable entrance seats, four-zone local weather management, keyless entry, a head-up show with augmented actuality (AR), a 15-speaker 1,380-watt KEF sound system, and a wi-fi charging pad. The motive force may even make use of entrance and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree digital camera system, and computerized cruise management with a stop-and-go perform. A 15.1-inch OLED infotainment show, an instrument cluster, and a passenger touchscreen create a handsome and high-tech middle of command.
As anticipated, there are many choices to select from, and all of it begins with non-grey colours. Then, you should select if you need bigger rims, carbon fiber, a unique inside upholstery, ventilated and massaging seats, tinted glass, an electrical tow bar, extra cameras, a unique aero package, a glass or electrochromic roof, and extra superior driver-assistance options.
But when you do not need the bottom mannequin, there’s the €130,585 ($140,818) Emeya S. It provides 21-inch wheels, a greater braking system with six-piston calipers, tinted glass, illuminated sill plates, ambient lighting, and pedals with aluminum inserts. Weirdly sufficient, it has the identical WLTP-rated vary of 379 mi. It appears there is no penalty for going with extra fashionable wheels, regardless that all different EVs presently on the street cowl fewer miles on full battery if they’ve bigger rims.
![Lotus Emeya Lotus Emeya](https://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/news-gallery-860x/this-weird-looking-electric-sedan-might-make-you-forget-about-tesla-porsche-and-lucid-thumbnail_9.jpg)
Picture: AutoTrader on YouTube
Selecting the Emeya S additionally opens the door to extra choices, regardless that it makes use of the identical 450-kW drivetrain.
The highest canine
The very best Emeya is the Emeya R, which has a beginning value of €155,025 ($167,156). This one additionally has two motors however develops 905 hp (675 kW / 918 ps). It additionally has a two-speed transmission, a monitor mode, an lively anti-roll bar, rear-wheel steering, the carbon fiber pack, high-performance Pirelli tires, and a glass roof. Simply bear in mind it will must be charged extra actually because the utmost vary is restricted to a WLTP-rated 301 mi (485 km).
This sedan can attain 62 mph from a standstill in below 2.8 seconds, and it will maintain going till it reaches a prime velocity of 159 mph (256 kph). Considerably unexpectedly and really Porsche-like, Lotus nonetheless permits patrons keen to pay prime greenback for essentially the most succesful Emeya so as to add a couple of quite dear choices.
All three fashions share the identical 100-kWh usable battery constructed on the 800V structure. Which means it may be charged at speeds of round 350 kW when plugged into the correct pedestal. Nonetheless, bear in mind that is not assured. Reaching the highest charge occurs solely in best circumstances. All variations have a curb weight of roughly 5,620 lb (2,549 kg) – simply 230 lb (104 kg) heavier than the brand new BMW M5.
![Lotus Emeya Lotus Emeya](https://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/news-gallery-860x/this-weird-looking-electric-sedan-might-make-you-forget-about-tesla-porsche-and-lucid-thumbnail_5.jpg)
Picture: AutoTrader on YouTube
All that begs the query: is Lotus nonetheless Lotus? However does anybody care anymore? Maybe not.
For the street forward is hard and filled with challenges
Gen Z and youthful Millennials may not keep in mind what this marque was all about again within the day. Not desirous to bore you with historical past, I will simply say this: it has 13 Formulation 1 world titles (seven constructors’ and 6 drivers’) in its portfolio.
Now, you may think about that such an bold and decided automotive firm wasn’t very fond of producing heavy, giant sedans. Simply try the Seven, the Elan, the Elite, or the Essex Turbo Esprit, and you may rapidly determine why this model was a driver’s favourite again within the day.
However, alas, Lotus is below international possession, and Geely needs to show it right into a worthwhile enterprise. Or, perhaps it simply needs to study extra about European preferences and habits.
![Lotus Emeya Lotus Emeya](https://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/news-gallery-860x/this-weird-looking-electric-sedan-might-make-you-forget-about-tesla-porsche-and-lucid-thumbnail_3.jpg)
Picture: AutoTrader on YouTube
Nonetheless, might Lotus persuade Porsche, Audi, Lucid, and Tesla patrons to think about one thing else fully? The Taycan and the RS e-tron GT have simply been refreshed and boast higher high-voltage batteries, wonderful (non-compulsory) suspension setups, and the newest Android Automotive-based cabin tech.
Then again, the 1,020-hp Mannequin S Plaid and the 1,234-hp Air Sapphire are all-electric four-door sedans that may make anybody really feel what absurdly fast acceleration appears like. Each have three motors, however the former is even extremely inexpensive, contemplating the efficiency. No person else is promoting a car that may attain 60 mph (97 kph) in two seconds from a standstill for $88,000. Oh, and it additionally has a prime velocity of 200 mph (322 kph) and an EPA-rated vary of 359 mi (578 km).
Finally, the brand new Lotus will not be the outdated Lotus. Nonetheless, it represents an enormous step ahead for the model. The automotive will not be a Tesla Mannequin S Plaid, a Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, an Audi RS e-tron GT, or a Lucid Air Sapphire, however it’s a good grand tourer. However one factor I do not know is that if I ought to belief a first-generation EV with my hard-earned cash when different tried-and-tested rivals exist. That is the conundrum most potential patrons should reply earlier than signing all the correct papers.