This Weird-Looking Electric Sedan Might Make You Forget About Tesla, Porsche, and Lucid

It's surprising that Lotus decided against allowing US-based new car buyers to configure their favorite Emeya and place a deposit. After all, it officially launched the car on the left side of the pond. But that's how things are. Let's hope that the Chinese-owned British marque might have envisioned something special for the North American market, and that's why it's stalling.

But until we see the Emeya arrive stateside, let's see what's what. Thankfully, in Europe, the vehicle can already be configured, and Lotus has been kind enough to allow interested parties to see what a generous six-figure expenditure can get them.

First off, the base model. It is simply called the Emeya, although there's nothing simple about the all-electric ride. It has a starting price of €109,685 ($118,293), but don't be discouraged by the high figure. On the other side of the pond, car prices include the value-added tax. It is somewhat similar to the sales tax that exists almost everywhere in the US. The only difference is that it's usually much higher than the American average of 6 percent. In fact, it can be four times as much in countries like Finland or Greece.

The Emeya boasts two motors, which enable it to achieve a maximum power output of 603 hp (450 kW / 612 ps). Riding on 20-inch wheels, the sedan with active air suspension sprints from zero to 62 mph (100 kph) in 4.1 seconds. It'll keep going until it hits an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 kph).

When not put through its paces, the EV can cover a maximum WLTP-rated range of 379 mi (610 km). Since WLTP is more permissive than the EPA testing cycle, take that with a grain of salt. In reality, it might cover around 300 mi (483 km) on a single charge. Depending on the weather, the range could be even more limited.

Quite an intelligent, quirky-looking thing

The EV comes with an aluminum roof, advanced matrix LED headlights with 32 individual bulbs per housing, power-adjustable front seats, four-zone climate control, keyless entry, a head-up display with augmented reality (AR), a 15-speaker 1,380-watt KEF sound system, and a wireless charging pad. The driver will also make use of front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, and automatic cruise control with a stop-and-go function. A 15.1-inch OLED infotainment display, an instrument cluster, and a passenger touchscreen create a good-looking and high-tech center of command.

As expected, there are plenty of options to choose from, and it all starts with non-grey colors. Then, you must choose if you want larger rims, carbon fiber, a different interior upholstery, ventilated and massaging seats, tinted glass, an electric tow bar, more cameras, a different aero kit, a glass or electrochromic roof, and more advanced driver-assistance features.

But if you don't want the base model, there's the €130,585 ($140,818) Emeya S. It adds 21-inch wheels, a better braking system with six-piston calipers, tinted glass, illuminated sill plates, ambient lighting, and pedals with aluminum inserts. Weirdly enough, it has the same WLTP-rated range of 379 mi. It seems there's no penalty for going with more stylish wheels, even though all other EVs currently on the road cover fewer miles on full battery if they have larger rims.

Choosing the Emeya S also opens the door to more options, even though it uses the same 450-kW drivetrain.

The top dog

The best Emeya is the Emeya R, which has a starting price of €155,025 ($167,156). This one also has two motors but develops 905 hp (675 kW / 918 ps). It also has a two-speed transmission, a track mode, an active anti-roll bar, rear-wheel steering, the carbon fiber pack, high-performance Pirelli tires, and a glass roof. Just be aware it'll need to be charged more often because the maximum range is limited to a WLTP-rated 301 mi (485 km).

This sedan can reach 62 mph from a standstill in under 2.8 seconds, and it'll keep going until it reaches a top speed of 159 mph (256 kph). Somewhat unexpectedly and very Porsche-like, Lotus still allows buyers willing to pay top dollar for the most capable Emeya to add a few rather pricey options.

All three models share the same 100-kWh usable battery built on the 800V architecture. That means it can be charged at speeds of around 350 kW when plugged into the right pedestal. Still, be aware that's not guaranteed. Reaching the top rate happens only in ideal conditions. All versions have a curb weight of approximately 5,620 lb (2,549 kg) – just 230 lb (104 kg) heavier than the new BMW M5.

All that begs the question: is Lotus still Lotus? But does anyone care anymore? Perhaps not.

For the road ahead is tough and full of challenges

Gen Z and younger Millennials might not remember what this marque was all about back in the day. Not wanting to bore you with history, I'll just say this: it has 13 Formula 1 world titles (seven constructors' and six drivers') in its portfolio.

Now, you can imagine that such an ambitious and determined car company wasn't very fond of manufacturing heavy, large sedans. Just check out the Seven, the Elan, the Elite, or the Essex Turbo Esprit, and you'll quickly figure out why this brand was a driver's favorite back in the day.

But, alas, Lotus is under foreign ownership, and Geely wants to turn it into a profitable venture. Or, maybe it just wants to learn more about European preferences and habits.

However, could Lotus convince Porsche, Audi, Lucid, and Tesla buyers to consider something else entirely? The Taycan and the RS e-tron GT have just been refreshed and boast better high-voltage batteries, amazing (optional) suspension setups, and the latest Android Automotive-based cabin tech.

On the other hand, the 1,020-hp Model S Plaid and the 1,234-hp Air Sapphire are all-electric four-door sedans that can make anyone feel what absurdly quick acceleration feels like. Both have three motors, but the former is even incredibly affordable, considering the performance. Nobody else is selling a vehicle that can reach 60 mph (97 kph) in two seconds from a standstill for $88,000. Oh, and it also has a top speed of 200 mph (322 kph) and an EPA-rated range of 359 mi (578 km).

Ultimately, the new Lotus may not be the old Lotus. However, it represents a massive step forward for the brand. The car may not be a Tesla Model S Plaid, a Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, an Audi RS e-tron GT, or a Lucid Air Sapphire, but it is a good grand tourer. But one thing I don't know is if I should trust a first-generation EV with my hard-earned money when other tried-and-tested rivals exist. That's the conundrum most prospective buyers will have to answer before signing all the right papers.