"Even EVs Have a Beating Heart"... Lotus Emeya and Eletre [Gidongchan Mobility]

[The Financial News] The evolution of premium electric vehicles is no longer just about switching to electric power. The pure electric hyper grand tourer (GT) sedan Lotus Emeya and Lotus Cars' first all-electric sports utility vehicle (SUV), the Lotus Eletre, reinterpret the brand’s 70-plus years of racing DNA through electric technology. After driving both models at a Lotus Cars test-drive event held on the 13th, it was clear that the "Lotus feel" that stirs the soul remains alive, even within the characteristic quiet of an EV.
The first impression of the Emeya is its sophisticated cabin. A 55‐inch augmented reality (AR) head-up display projected onto the windshield and a 15.1‐inch central HD OLED display complete the feel of a high-end GT.
The sound system developed by British premium audio brand KEF reproduces sound fields tailored to each music genre with great precision, while Dolby Atmos 3D surround technology enhances immersion.
In contrast to the quiet interior, once on the move the car delivers a sense of speed that feels as if it could make the body vibrate. Its unbelievable acceleration and equally formidable braking performance took quite some time to get used to on the first drive. The Emeya is equipped with a dual‐motor all‐wheel‐drive system that produces more than 600 horsepower. It sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 2.78 seconds.
Body roll in corners is minimal. This is thanks to the electronically controlled air suspension, which uses a camera to scan the road ahead 1,000 times per second and adjusts damper stiffness accordingly. On regular roads it offers the comfort expected of a flagship sedan, while on winding sections it delivers the dynamism worthy of the Lotus badge.
Lee Su-won, a team manager at Lotus Cars Korea, said, "Many people still think Lotus only makes lightweight sports cars, but with the Emeya you can experience the brand’s signature smooth handling even in cornering."
As an SUV, the Lotus Eletre gives a heavier and more imposing impression than the Emeya. With an overall length of 5,103 mm and a wheelbase of 3,019 mm, its generous dimensions translate into a spacious feel in the second row. An 8‐inch touchscreen for rear passengers further enhances convenience.
From the front seats, the meticulousness expected of a luxury brand is evident. Thanks to top‐grade leather with a soft touch, every contact point, including the seats and armrests, remains pleasantly comfortable. Lotus Hyper OS, the brand’s in‐house infotainment system, provides a seamless digital environment that preempts inconvenience while driving.
On the move, the Eletre feels almost as powerful as the Emeya, despite being an SUV. This is due in part to the air channels not only around the front and rear fenders but also at the top of the D‐pillars, which manage airflow. The claim by Lotus Cars Korea that this over‐five‐meter SUV achieves a sports‐car‐like low drag coefficient feels convincing from behind the wheel.
Its charging capability is also impressive. With a 112 kWh lithium‐ion battery and a 705 V electrical system, it can charge from 10% to 80% in about 20 minutes using a 350 kW DC fast charger. On a single charge, it offers a combined driving range of 463 km under Ministry of Environment standards with 20‐inch tires, and up to 600 km under the WLTP cycle, making it well suited for long‐distance travel.
A representative from Lotus Cars Korea noted, "Considering the growth of the domestic premium EV market, we have set this year’s sales target at around 100 units," adding, "In the second half of the year, we also plan to launch a plug‐in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Eletre."
eastcold@fnnews.com Kim Dong-chan Reporter