2025 Lotus Emira Review: A Last Hurrah for Petrol-Powered Thrills

Abu Dhabi : Lotus brings the spirit of its legendary sports cars to life in the Emira, blending bold design, playful power, and a premium finish into one electrifying machine.

• Final internal combustion engine sports car from Lotus.
• AMG-sourced 2.0L engine with 365 PS and 430 Nm.
• Bold, supercar-inspired design from the Evija.
• Strong driver focus with luxury and tech features.

The 2025 Lotus Emira enters the UAE market with a clear mission: deliver driving joy in its purest form. As the brand’s last internal combustion sports car, it balances the nostalgia of its petrol legacy with modern performance, tech, and styling. For many, this could be the last chance to own a truly analog Lotus before the brand’s electric future fully takes over.

Design and Cabin Feel

The Emira borrows design cues from the all-electric Evija hypercar, giving it a head-turning look. From the swooping silhouette to the bubble-top roof and wide air intakes, everything about it screams performance. The C-shaped LED rear lights and large dual exhausts enhance the rear’s aggression. Finished in Seneca Blue with 10-spoke forged wheels, the car exudes a youthful, dynamic vibe.

Inside, the cabin is both sporty and elegant. Black Alcantara and leather are finished with bold yellow stitching. A red fighter-jet-style starter button adds drama, while tech includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital display for the driver. “Despite its size, occupants sit in comfort, and the driving position is nearly perfect,” the reviewer notes.

Performance and Handling

Under the bonnet, the i4 First Edition packs a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine sourced from AMG, pushing out 365 PS and 430 Nm. It rockets from 0–100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and hits a top speed of 275 km/h. Though the engine isn’t symphonic at idle, it delivers a “high-pitched rhapsodic howl” at high revs.

Handling is a strong suit. The hydraulic power steering offers real connection to the road, and the chassis allows quick direction changes. It’s not plush but avoids harshness, keeping things engaging yet manageable for daily use. Parking is slightly hampered by the slow Drive-Reverse shifts, but tight dimensions help.

What Works and What Doesn't

 

• GOOD

• Supercar-style body from Evija.

• Solid build quality.

• Fun, responsive drive.

• Great steering feedback.

• BAD

• The engine sounds best only at high revs.

• Transmission hangs on to revs.

• Slow to switch between Drive and Reverse.

• No native sat-nav system.

 

Features and Practicality

While there’s no built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make up for it. The KEF 10-speaker audio setup delivers strong output—best enjoyed loud. Practicality includes 201 litres behind the seats and 151 litres in the trunk. Twin cup holders, phone slots, door bins, USB and 12V ports round off everyday usability. A full set of advanced driver aids and a reversing camera come standard.

At a starting price of AED 385,000, the Lotus Emira offers supercar looks, thrilling performance, and a dose of everyday usability. It may be the brand’s entry-level offering, but it delivers the full Lotus experience—sharp, focused, and engaging. For petrol purists, this might be your last shot at a truly soulful Lotus.