Lotus, the iconic British sportscar manufacturer, is gearing up to make a grand entrance into the Indian market on November 9, 2023. This historic moment is eagerly anticipated by auto enthusiasts and speed demons alike. Under the ownership of the Chinese automotive giant Geely, Lotus has chosen Exclusive Motors of New Delhi to serve as its primary distributor for the entire country. The road ahead promises an exhilarating journey filled with stunning cars, exclusive variants, and an unforgettable driving experience.
A Spectacular Arrival
On November 9, 2023, the streets of India will witness the arrival of two exceptional Lotus models – the petrol-powered Emira sportscar and the all-electric Eletre SUV. These automotive marvels will be imported as completely built units (CBUs), offering a premium experience with premium price tags. Lotus enthusiasts will be thrilled to hear that more models are expected to follow, although the timelines and model names remain shrouded in secrecy for now.
Lotus Emira: An Ode to Driving Pleasure
The Lotus Emira embodies the essence of agility and driving pleasure that the brand is renowned for, paying homage to iconic predecessors such as the Elise, Exige, Esprit, and Elan. What sets the Emira apart is its elevated level of refinement, featuring door pockets, cup holders, digital instruments, and a central touchscreen. Indian buyers will have the privilege of choosing from two powerful powertrains: a 365 bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder AMG-sourced engine and a 406 bhp 3.5-litre V6 Toyota-sourced engine. The former will be coupled with an 8-speed automatic, while the latter is expected to feature a 6-speed gearbox. Unfortunately, Indian enthusiasts may miss out on the 6-speed manual option available in the international market.
When the Lotus Emira rolls into showrooms, expect the price to range between Rs 2.5-3 crore (ex-showroom). While the Emira stays true to Lotus’s legacy, it promises a fresh, refined driving experience that’s bound to captivate sports car enthusiasts across India.
Lotus Eletre: Electrifying the Road Ahead
In contrast to the Emira’s ode to the brand’s illustrious past, the Lotus Eletre SUV paves the way for the brand’s electrifying future. This head-turning SUV breaks free from tradition, showcasing modern aesthetics and boasting a spacious and bold interior. Despite its robust construction with 47 percent high-strength steel and 43 percent aluminum, the Eletre retains its lightweight spirit at 2,520kg, making it a standout in the SUV category. The streamlined design, with a drag coefficient of 0.26, gives the Eletre an incredible maximum range of 600km on a single charge.
The Lotus Eletre lineup offers three electrifying variants: Eletre (611 bhp), Eletre S (611 bhp), and Eletre R (918 bhp). All three pack the same 109kWh battery, tucked neatly under the floor and operating on an 800V system. Charging is a breeze with a 350kW unit. When it comes to pricing, the Eletre is set to impress with a range between Rs 2.5-3.1 crore (ex-showroom). This all-electric SUV represents a significant step forward for Lotus as it combines eco-friendliness with stunning performance.