The arrival of a new calendar year usually signals the arrival of new or updated car models. In this case, it is news from prestige car maker Lotus that has caught the eye. The famous sports car brand of legend has revamped the line-up for both its electric vehicle (EV) Eletre hyper-SUV and Emeya hyper-GT models. Lotus now offers customers, they say, more convenience, clarity and tailored customisation on new model orders. Part of this are new model designations namely, ‘600’ and ‘900’ that reflects the differing power outputs in addition to the usual equipment level references like GT and GT SE.
Two Of A Kind
Like every Lotus, the Eletre (a pure electric performance SUV) and Emeya (a pure electric hyper-Grand Tourer to differentiate the two) are first and foremost EV’s that you want to drive. Despite the move to electric motive power, the DNA of these cars is 100% Lotus, with exceptional, class-leading ride and handling, steering and aero performance.
With their sleek design, powerful electric motors and luxurious interior, the Eletre and Emeya set new standards in the world of premium electric vehicles. The two share common characteristics like cutting-edge technology, sophisticated design, exceptional performance and unparalleled driving experiences, ensuring exhilarating speed, supreme comfort and advanced safety features.
A signature element of the Eletre and Emeya designs is their ‘porosity’, that is to say the aerodynamic principle of air flowing through the vehicle as well as under, over and around it. Porosity was at the heart of the Lotus Evija’s design, is integral to the Emira model, and this has provided clear inspiration for both the Eletre and Emeya.
The Premium Interiors
Featuring high-quality interiors with luxury materials and tactile surfaces, the cars offer pristine fit and finish as you would expect. There’s customisable ambient lighting, an intelligent driver cockpit and intuitive infotainment systems which create a premium and comfortable cabin environment, with features like ventilated seats with massage options, enhancing the overall immersive driving experience.
The Lotus Eletre is available in six clearly defined trim levels: Eletre 600, 600 GT, 600 GT SE and 600 SPORT SE, as well as 900 SPORT and the Eletre 900 SPORT CARBON as the absolute flagship. The Lotus Emeya follows the same nomenclature. Complementing these well-defined trim levels, customers can subsequently further customise their car to their own personal taste thanks to a wide selection of optional packages, individual options and colours.
The Performance
Although much has changed and has been improved for the new model year, the unrivalled performance of the Lotus Eletre and Emeya has remained untouched, resulting in the two models still being the benchmark in their respective segments.
As a '600', both feature a 450 kW (612hp) all-electric dual-motor power-train with all-wheel drive as standard, a combination that guarantees stunning performance. With a 0-62 mph sprint in just 4.15 seconds for the Emeya 600 GT (the standard Eletre 600 manages 4.5 sec) and a top speed of 155 mph (Eletre: 159 mph) as just some striking examples.
As Lotus founder Colin Chapman may possibly have once said (although we can’t prove he did!), things can always go faster and the new Eletre and Emeya '900' provide unmistakable evidence of this, representing superlatives in terms of performance. Both rely on a 675 kW (918 hp) strong dual-motor power-train, providing the Emeya 900 with an acceleration from a standstill to 62 mph in a stunning 2.78 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.
No less impressive are their electrifying range and charging performances, which boost the Eletre and Emeya to the top performers in their respective segments. With a maximum range of 379 miles (609Km) they are also ideally suited for long electric road trips.
When it is time for a charging stop, the Emeya, for example, also proves itself as an absolute top performer in this area. Thanks to its 800V battery technology with ‘Advanced Lotus Hyper Charging’ it can be charged from 10-80% in around 14 minutes (under perfect conditions) using a 400kW DC charger (Eletre: 20 minutes from 10-80% at a 350kW DC charger), giving it the status of one of the fastest-charging EVs in the world.
What Are They Like To Drive?
These are big, roomy cars with plenty of legroom; they have to be like that because of the large and efficient battery packs. This does not however detract from the performance and handling which is, to say the least, quite startling. Naturally, regeneration features strongly when driving for economy.
With configurable driving modes these cars are never going to feel like the wonderful and tiny Lotus 7 from years ago, but, perhaps surprisingly, they do feel like a Lotus should. Even in the hardcore ‘Track’ mode these cars are perfectly safe, controllable and confidence-inspiring vehicle, in the right hands; although perhaps not for novice drivers, as ever, with performance cars. Tracking through corners safely, the steering feel is excellent, the brakes have instant feedback and progressive action. Overall, very impressive, especially for an EV.
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