Lotus Emeya R review: The next Batmobile?

The biggest challenge for any EV – regardless of segment – is avoiding that flat driving feel. They’re all quick in a straight line, but in a one-dimensional way, and few are able to excite around corners. Lotus, a brand with a legendary handling pedigree, aims to change that. But can they make a 2.5-tonne, four-door electric GT feel engaging?

Lotus Emeya R exterior design - 9/10

Loud and striking design gets attention, no matter the paint shade.

The moment you see it, you wonder if it has a Wayne Enterprises badge on it. In this Stellar Black paint shade, the Emeya R may hide its lines, but up close, every panel looks like it has a gun tucked away beneath it. Calling it radical would be an understatement. In any other colour, it would turn just as many heads – if not more – than any Lamborghini.

Unlike Lotuses of the past, it revels in its size. It’s over five metres long and more than two metres wide, making it the exact opposite of the company’s previous philosophy. Compact and light, it is not.

 Active air inlets open and shut individually.

The front features dual LED daytime running lamps that resemble katanas, LED headlamps low in the bumpers and triangular active aero flaps that add even more drama. From the side, the 20-inch wheels are aero-optimised, and unlike the edgy front end, the profile is smooth and curvy to reduce air resistance. You also get a strong character line and visible LiDAR panels. The rear is a bit more restrained in comparison to the front, but still has its own sense of drama.

A massive carbon-fibre diffuser, an active spoiler that can be set in two modes and a single-piece LED light bar complete the look. No angle on the Emeya R lacks wow factor, and despite its silent nature, the design screams for attention.

Lotus Emeya R interior space and comfort - 9/10

Tastefully unique and high-quality cabin is fitting for the price.

Being a ground-up EV, space management in the Emeya R is impressive. The cabin is roomy and airy, and the optional ‘Magnetite’ grey-toned upholstery adds a unique touch. Also impressive is the quality of materials used – every panel and switch feels high-end, showing where your money has gone.

 No sunshade, but panels can switch transparency.

The seats are sporty, broad and superbly comfortable. They also feature a very good massage function, as well as heating and ventilation, which works brilliantly. Despite the optional carbon pack, the interior isn’t overdone. The only carbon-fibre bits are on the centre console and some on the doors. The rest is a mix of leatherette and suede that feels excellent to the touch.

The seating position is highly adjustable thanks to multi-adjustable seats, and the steering wheel – though not fully circular – feels great to grip. There is no massive instrument cluster, and instead, you get a slim display that shows only the vital stats while driving. The passenger also gets a display to control basic functions.

The air-conditioning vents and even the outside rearview mirrors are controlled digitally via the touchscreen. While the screen is huge and of a high resolution, cramming every function into it does have downsides – we’ll get to that in a bit.

In the rear, the optional ‘Executive Pack’ gives you individual captain’s chairs with a central tablet to control media and infotainment. More importantly, the chairs recline and offer much more comfort if carrying three in the back isn’t a priority. Like in the front, these also offer heating, ventilation and massage functions.

Even without the pack, space is superb. Knee room, headroom and shoulder room are generous, although the battery pack in the floor results in a knees-up seating position, especially for those over six feet tall. As a super-GT designed for long-distance cruising, the Emeya R is comfortable, barring the knees-up seating in the rear. Practicality is surprisingly good, with plenty of storage in the door pockets and centre console. The massive glass roof comprises different panels with controllable opacity for each one.

There are no sunblinds, but the rear windows are heavily tinted to block out harsh sunlight. Boot space is impressive too – 426 litres, with an additional 34 litres in the frunk, but there’s no spare wheel.

Lotus Emeya R features - 10/10

No stone left unturned. Exceptionally well-equipped cabin.

It’s not just about speed – this is also a full-blown tech showcase. Starting with its biggest party trick: automatic doors. Pull the door lever, step back, and the doors open by themselves. Once inside, they can be closed via a gentle tug, the brake pedal, or even the touchscreen. Gimmicky? Maybe. But it’s undeniably cool.

The minimalistic dash is dominated by the large touchscreen. Thankfully, the UI is intuitive, avoiding the clunkiness of other touch-heavy systems. Still, digging through menus for HVAC controls is tedious. Highlights include a crisp 360-degree camera and a 23-speaker KEF audio system – essential in a car without engine noise. Rear passengers can control almost everything via the central tablet: seat settings, lighting and even the roof’s opacity. Few EVs match this level of luxury tech. It’s as much a lounge as it is a speed machine.

Lotus Emeya R performance and refinement - 8/10

Blisteringly quick – to the point where it might make you nervous.

At 918hp, the Emeya R is as powerful as its SUV cousin, the Eletre R, which uses the same underpinnings. It features a dual-motor setup with a 102kWh battery pack producing 985Nm. “Fast” doesn’t begin to describe it. 0-100kph takes just 2.8 seconds (claimed) – but that’s under ideal conditions with the optional Pirelli P Zero tyres. With the standard Michelin Pilot Sport rubber (as fitted here), managing all that power instantly becomes a real challenge.

Engage launch control, release the brake, and instead of a dead-straight slingshot launch, the tyres fight for grip. After around 30 metres of clinging to the steering, you feel the car veer slightly as the front end tries to rein in the torque. If you’ve ever driven on black ice, you’ll know the sensation. What starts as excitement quickly turns into nervousness.

Sure, a few launches will help you adjust, but you never feel fully in control. Given its weight and size, the Emeya carries a lot of momentum – and that’s partly what causes this instability. If you’re planning drag runs, be aware – the tyre upgrade is strongly recommended. Thankfully, it’s not all terrifying. The Emeya R has multiple drive modes that significantly alter its dynamics.

‘Track’ mode is brutally aggressive. ‘Sport’ dials things back while retaining a sharp response. ‘Tour’ transforms it into a comfortable cruiser, while ‘Range’ focuses on battery efficiency. The best mode, however, is ‘Individual’, which lets you customise motor aggression, suspension stiffness and steering feel. Tweak the settings, and you can make the Emeya R a lot more manageable. 

Lotus Emeya R ride comfort and handling - 8/10

Doesn’t handle like a traditional Lotus, but is surprisingly comfortable in the right mode.

The Lotus badge brings certain expectations – especially with handling. Founder Colin Chapman focused on lightness and cornering precision. But things have changed. Today’s Lotus has no shortage of power – but all that tech, space and battery add significant weight, which always hampers agility.

Custom mode to fine-tune setup is a boon to have.

Drive modes help to some extent, but even after tweaks with ‘Individual’ mode, the weight is hard to hide in corners. At its lowest ride height with active roll stabilisation, the Emeya R stays flat through bends, but it’s far from nimble. The steering gains heft, adding confidence, but it lacks the balance of a Porsche Taycan. As a result, while you can carry speed into a corner, precise placement is harder, and the sudden torque delivery requires caution. ‘Sport’ mode is ideal here. Save ‘Track’ for a track.

Switch to ‘Tour’, and the suspension shines. While it’s inherently firm, the damping is excellent. Even with big wheels, it handles rough roads well. It never feels floaty, and highway comfort is impressive. Lotus may call this a Hyper GT – and it is – but you’ll likely appreciate the “GT” more than the “Hyper”.

Lotus Emeya R range and charging - 8/10

Can’t do more than 350km on one charge. GT capabilities restricted to the outskirts.

Lotus claims a 485km WLTP range for the Emeya R. The real-world numbers will vary depending on your driving mode and style. In our short stint, we couldn’t do a full range test, but you can expect around 350km on a full charge, provided you avoid hard launches and maximise the usage of ‘Range’ mode. The car has four levels of regenerative braking controlled via paddle shifters.

Charging the battery from 0 to 100 percent on a 7.4kW AC charger takes 15 hours and 45 minutes; on a 11kW AC unit, it takes 10 hours and 45 minutes. Topping it up from 10 percent to 80 percent on a 150kW DC charger takes 35 minutes, and with a 350kW DC unit, if you can find one, it can be done in just 18 minutes.

Lotus Emeya R price and verdict - 9/10

Supercar performance with plenty of luxury makes it unique.

At Rs 2.95 crore (ex-showroom, before options), the Emeya R competes with established supercars and super-SUVs. In the EV world, its closest rivals are its own sibling, the Eletre R, and the Porsche Taycan Turbo. As a traditional Lotus, it’s far from its roots. But as a statement of the brand’s future – performance and luxury combined – it’s compelling. Yes, it’s too powerful to push hard, and it feels heavy in corners. But with standout looks and a no-compromise approach to comfort and tech, it carves a niche of its own. So the Emeya is worth a look.

What’s more, there’s the Emeya S: 612hp, more manageable, with better range, the same stunning design, and nearly the same luxury. If your heart is set on the Emeya, the ‘S’ might be the smarter choice.