The Emira sportscar and Eletre EV SUV are likely to be the first to arrive.
Lotus, the renowned English sportscar brand, will enter the Indian market on November 9, 2023. Lotus, now owned by Chinese brand Geely, will be selling its models through Exclusive Motors of New Delhi, which will also act as distributor for the rest of the country.
- Lotus ties up with Exclusive Motors of New Delhi to enter Indian market
- The first outlet expected in New Delhi in early 2024
- Wuhan-built Eletre EV SUV and Hethel-built Emira to be the first offerings
More details about Lotus’ India plans will be announced in the coming days, 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, which makes it a spiritual successor to 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 before seen 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 Toyota-sourced unit. 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 2.5-3 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 that can be charged by a 350kW unit. Expect prices for the Eletre to range between Rs 2.5-3.1 crore, ex-showroom.
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