2024 Lotus Emira First Edition review (video)

The 2024 Lotus Emira is a linchpin for the British marque, as it is set to be the last petrol-powered model before electrification takes over. Blending its signature lightweight sports car philosophy with a more premium, daily-usable package, it could be the ideal gentlemen’s weekend toy.

Direct competitors are the likes of the high-end Porsche 718 Cayman and the Alpine A110, targeting a niche group of enthusiasts who value razor-sharp handling and an engaging driving experience above all else, wrapped up with premium undertones.

The First Edition adds a layer of exclusivity, with enhanced features and some luxurious touches not often seen in Lotus’s traditionally-spartan packages. How does it all go? Let’s find out.

2024 Lotus Emira First Edition: Specifications

Engine: 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder
Output: 268kW@6500rpm / 430Nm@3000-5500rpm
Gearbox: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
Drive type: Rear-wheel drive
Wheels: F: 20×8.5, 245/35 R: 20×10.5, 295/30
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 1453kg
Power-to-weight: 5.42:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 9.2L/100km
Our consumption: 11.7L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 53L/98 RON

Power efficiency: 29.13kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 2.30 seconds*
0-100km/h: 4.20 seconds*
0-200km/h: 14.68 seconds*
60-110km/h: 2.54 seconds*
1/4 mile: 12.41 seconds at 186.0km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.990g*
100-0km/h braking: 36.87m in 2.89 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.180g*
Decibel at idle: 53*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 88*
Starting price: $199,990

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2024 Lotus Emira First Edition: How much does it cost?

It ain’t cheap, starting from $199,990 for this First Edition, which is actually the entry model. The only way is up, and the top floor is the $213,990 V6 First Edition automatic, and $209,990 for the MY24 First Edition V6 manual (all excluding on-road costs).

The most affordable Porsche Cayman kicks off from $132,500, but for that you get a 2.0-litre turbo producing 220kW and 380Nm, paired with a six-speed manual and a 0-100km/h time of 5.1 seconds.

To reach the Emira’s performance level you need the Cayman S auto, with its 257kW 2.5L turbo and 0-100 time of 4.2 seconds, which starts from $163,180. So as you can see, even against a pricey Porsche the Lotus is dear.

2024 Lotus Emira First Edition: Interior & packaging

Lotus has made a noticeable effort to modernise the Emira’s interior compared with its predecessors. It’s more upscale, and there’s a distinct focus on refinement. High-quality materials such as leather, Alcantara, and soft-touch surfaces replace the stripped-back, bare-bones design Lotus is known for, making it look and feel like a proper high-end product.

The cockpit is more user-friendly than before as well, featuring a 10.25-inch touch-screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. These touches bring Lotus into the realm of more tech-savvy customers while preserving the brand’s lightweight ethos. However, the screens present fairly basic graphics and menu depth, but again, that was probably done on purpose to retain a level of rawness, even with digital tech.

Seating is surprisingly comfortable for a mid-engine sports car. The adjustable sports seats provide adequate lateral support and lower cushioning, making the Emira comfortable for both spirited driving and longer journeys. There’s enough room for taller drivers, and visibility is good from most angles (for a mid-engined vehicle). Rear visibility can seem somewhat restricted as the engine bay bulkhead is positioned high, but you can see what’s going on.

Practicality has always been a secondary concern for Lotus, and while the Emira is an improvement, it’s still not the most accommodating car for everyday use in terms of sports car standards. The cargo space behind the seats is limited to a narrow shelf (108L), with only just enough room for a small gym bag.

Behind the engine there is a tub measuring in at 100L. It’s wide but not very long as in longitudinally, which means it might be tricky to fit in a set of golf clubs. Still, if you regard this as a supercar, being mid-engined and whatnot, then the space is impressive.

2024 Lotus Emira First Edition: Powertrain & handling

Power comes from a Mercedes-AMG-sourced 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine producing 268kW at 6500rpm, and 430Nm between 3000-5500rpm. This engine is a retuned version of the ‘M139′ that powers various AMG ’45’ models, offering strong mid-to-high range torque and peaky top-end power.

From behind the wheel you can hear the turbo sneezing and whistling, adding a high sense of theatre to the drive experience. However, the exhaust isn’t as loud as you might expect, in contrast to the supercar design on the outside anyway.

It pops and bangs quietly but noticeably, resulting in a surprisingly refined drive. In fact, you could happily go out to dinner in this to a fine restaurant without looking like an absolute wanker. It smoothly burbles and lets only true enthusiasts know about your presence.

There are three driving modes to select from, including a Track mode. And in that, the exhaust is louder and gear shifts are more pronounced. But even so, it’s not as loud as some rivals. Personally, I would prefer a more dramatic noise when in Track mode to help match the performance thrill. But, on the other hand, the noise levels in the Tour and Sport modes are appreciated when you’re simply driving around busy streets.

In terms of acceleration, we ran the usual tests on a private road with the Vbox and it returned some impressive results. The standard 0-100km/h sprint is claimed in 4.4 seconds, and we recorded it in 4.20 seconds. We also saw 0-200km/h in 14.68 seconds, and crossed the quarter mile in 12.41 seconds at 186km/h. There’s no doubt about it, it’s fast.

Lotus’s extensive engineering expertise shines through in the Emira’s handling. The car is built on a bonded aluminium chassis, which helps keep the overall weight down to 1453kg (tare). The steering is hydraulically assisted, offering proper feedback – a rarity in the modern sports car market where electric steering systems dominate – and the suspension layout adopts racing-like double wishbones front and rear. When it comes to driving feel, Lotus doesn’t mess about.

On twisty backroads, the Emira is pure joy, delivering an engaging and communicative feel at all times. The chassis is perfectly balanced, and the car’s low centre of gravity makes it very agile through corners. Being so low and flat, and with the grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, it produces huge lateral g-forces yet it remains very predictable and precise.

By far the biggest highlight for me is the suspension. Its ability to soak up bumps and road imperfections while remaining so flat and committed is amazing. And in Australia this is important as a lot of our country roads are in poor condition. In this you can go for a spirited drive without constantly worrying about every single bump and bridge connection. This is incredibly composed.

2024 Lotus Emira First Edition: Key attractions/reasons to buy

• Pure driving feel: The Emira’s handling is among the best in its class, with a superbly balanced chassis and organic, non-electric steering.
• Suspension: Proper double-wishbone suspension front and rear, with one of the best ride and comfort tunes in the industry; you can drive this on country roads, unlike some supercars.
• Nice interior with premium touches: Lotus has made a concerted effort to improve interior quality, making the Emira a more comfortable and more refined place than its predecessors.
• Supercar design: It looks stunning from every angle and in any colour, even white.

2024 Lotus Emira First Edition: Key considerations before you buy

• Limited practicality: With minimal storage space, the Emira is not ideal for those seeking a versatile daily driver.
• High price: While well-equipped, the Emira First Edition comes at a high cost, even pricier than an equivalent Porsche 718 Cayman.

2024 Lotus Emira First Edition: Video