Lotus India entry confirmed for November 9

Renowned English sportscar brand, Lotus, will enter the Indian market on November 9, 2023. Lotus, which is now owned by Chinese brand Geely, will be selling its models through Exclusive Motors of New Delhi, which will also act as a distributor for the rest of the country.

1. Exclusive Motors, Delhi, to sell Lotus cars in India
2. First outlet expected in early 2024
3. Eletre EV SUV and Emira to be the first offerings

More details about Lotus’ India plans will be announced in the coming days, right from which cars and which versions will be introduced, to when bookings will commence and deliveries are expected to begin. Sources tell us that the first two models are likely to be the petrol-powered Emira sportscar and the all-electric Eletre SUV. Both will be brought in as CBUs, and will carry hefty price tags as a result. More models are expected to follow the launch of these two, though no timeline or model names have been confirmed.

Lotus Emira

The Emira is typically Lotus – a lightweight sportscar that is meant to focus on agility and driving pleasure, rather than outright power or comfort. This makes it a spiritual successor to the famous Lotus models like the Elise, Exige, Esprit and Elan. Where the Emria differentiates itself from its predecessors is in the level of fit and finish and comfort features. The door pockets and cup holders, the digital instruments and the central touchscreen add a degree of luxuriousness not seen before in the company’s cars.

Buyers in India will be able to choose from two powertrains – a 365hp, 2.0-litre four-cylinder AMG-sourced engine and a 406hp, 3.5-litre V6 sourced from Toyota. The former will come paired with an 8-speed automatic, while the latter is expected to have a 6-speed gearbox; there is a 6-speed manual on offer with the V6 in international markets, though it is unlikely to be offered here.

Expect prices for the Emira to range between Rs 2.5 crore-3 crore, ex-showroom, when it arrives at a showroom near you.

Lotus Eletre

While the Emira harks back to Lotus’ past, the Eletre looks to the brand’s future and panders to the SUV craze that has taken over the world. This striking-looking SUV will definitely draw eyeballs with its modern design, and the cabin is said to be spacious and bold as well.

Despite using 47 percent high-strength steel and 43 percent aluminium, the Eletre weighs in at a very un-Lotus-like 2,520kg. Still, this 5.1m long and 1.6m tall SUV is quite slippery, with a drag coefficient of 0.26, which helps achieve a maximum range of 600km on a single charge.

Lotus will offer the all-electric SUV in three forms – Eletre (611hp), Eletre S (611hp), and Eletre R (918hp). All three are powered by the same 109kWh battery – mounted under the floor – that runs on an 800V system, and can be charged at up to 350kW. Expect prices for the Eletre to range between Rs 2.5 crore-3.1 crore, ex-showroom.