Balancing Thrills

Lotus’s first electric Hyper-GT, the Emeya S, delivers thrilling performance, luxury and practicality in a striking package.

- Low Weixian

THERE’S AN ART to intimidation and Lotus has mastered it with the Emeya. At a glance, it’s clear this isn’t an ordinary electric grand tourer. The Emeya doesn’t merely capture attention, it demands it. Beneath its imposing presence, however, lies an approachable car that harmonises performance, luxury and practicality.

The Emeya S sits comfortably between its siblings: the more accessible Emeya and the outrageously fast final act, the Emeya R. But don’t let its middle child status fool you. With its dual electric motors delivering 603hp and 710Nm of torque, it packs more punch than most drivers will ever need. An assured nudge on the accelerator unleashes a surge of power that hurtles you toward the horizon with ease. The Emeya S achieves the century sprint in just 4.2 seconds and that’s enough to make you feel like your stomach was left behind; the Emeya R’s 2.8-second record feels almost excessive and may obliterate your insides altogether.

But the Emeya S isn’t just about raw power. The model I spent a few days with is shod with Pirelli P-Zero R tyres, which translate its might into impeccable grip and stability. Whether carving through winding roads or accelerating straight on, the car drives fully planted and confident. It’s an electric vehicle imbued with the soul of a sports car.