2025 Lotus Emeya Test Drive: Luxury, Performance, and Rapid Charging in a 100% Electric Sedan
The Lotus Emeya, a groundbreaking 100% electric sedan, measures an impressive 5.14 meters in length and effortlessly combines luxury, space, and performance. Weighing in at 2.5 tons, this electric marvel makes its heft nearly forgettable with its remarkable dynamics. Fans of Lotus founder Colin Chapman, who coined the philosophy “light is right,” might be surprised by the Emeya’s imposing stature. However, they’d certainly be impressed by its formidable performance.
Equipped with dual electric motors, the Emeya offers all-wheel drive and exhilarating acceleration. The Emeya S produces 603 horsepower, while the Emeya R takes it a step further with a robust 905 horsepower. The Emeya S can go from 80 to 120 km/h in just 2 seconds, while the Emeya R achieves the same feat in an astonishing 1.7 seconds. Despite its considerable weight, the chassis handles the instantaneous torque from the electric motors with impressive poise, offering an extraordinary driving experience.
The Emeya R: Peak Performance
The Emeya R is truly a standout, particularly with its sophisticated features such as air suspension, active anti-roll, rear-wheel steering, carbon-ceramic brakes, and Pirelli P Zero R tires. This combination delivers exceptional stability and agility, especially on the winding roads of the Austrian Tyrol. Despite the car’s considerable weight, it maintains excellent handling characteristics. However, the aggressive braking system may prove uncomfortable for passengers, as it can feel harsh at times.
Have you ever experienced a car with such advanced features? The Emeya R is a true engineering marvel, providing a driving experience that is second to none.
The Emeya S: A Balanced Alternative
If you’re looking for something slightly more grounded, the Emeya S delivers a more natural driving experience thanks to its steel disc brakes. It stands as the preferred choice for many, even without the cutting-edge technologies of the R model. The S excels in summer conditions with a chassis that feels both responsive and engaging. However, its heavy weight can be a downside when driving on wet roads.
Across both models, one common issue is the limited depth adjustment of the steering wheel, which may be uncomfortable for taller drivers. Additionally, the mirror/camera system isn’t ideal due to the small screens and poor placement—traditional mirrors are often more effective. Visibility from the rear is also limited, primarily due to the small rear window and retractable spoiler.
Comfort & Sound System: A Mixed Experience
The Emeya impresses with its attention to detail in comfort. Despite the large 22-inch wheels on the S (and 21 inches on the R), some road vibrations still make their way into the cabin, even with the standard air suspension. While the car is firm in Sport mode—which lowers its ride height by 15mm—the standard mode offers a more comfortable experience for longer drives.
One of the highlights of the interior is the KEF audio system, which features 15 speakers, 3D sound, and Dolby Atmos. The cabin is acoustically optimized, creating an immersive listening environment that transforms the Emeya into a concert hall on wheels.
The interior design of the Emeya is sleek, with a striking 15-inch OLED display as its centerpiece. As expected from a car in this price range (starting at €129,890 for the S and €154,090 for the R), the build quality and equipment are second to none.
Rapid Charging and Range
The Emeya is designed for long-distance journeys, with a battery optimized for rapid charging. Although slightly smaller than the 800V battery of the Eletre SUV (102 kWh vs. 112 kWh), the Emeya’s system supports up to 420 kW of charging power. During a recent charge at an Ionity station, the Emeya S charged from 49% to 80% in less than 10 minutes, initially drawing 333 kW of power before tapering down to 285 kW.
Lotus promises the Emeya can charge from 10% to 80% in just 14 minutes, assuming you can access a sufficiently powerful supercharger. With a range of 300 km on highways between charges, the Emeya is ideal for weekend getaways and vacations, though it’s important to plan routes that have sufficient high-power charging stations.
Réaliser par Khadija Benjohair
