2025 Lotus Emira: A true unicorn

A few weeks ago, we drove the Lotus Emeya, an electric luxury super saloon that was capable of going from 0-100 in under 2.8 seconds. This time around, we have something very different in our hands: A 2L, four cylinder turbo engine paired with a 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It’s hard to imagine that both of these cars came from the same manufacturer considering how different they are: how they look, how they drive and what they were built for.

First impressions

The 2025 Lotus Emira makes an unforgettable first impression, turning heads with its bold, sculpted design and striking bright blue paintwork. Everywhere it went, it drew attention, with many onlookers mistaking it for a Ferrari—proof of its exotic styling and aggressive stance. The Emira carries a sense of occasion, exuding the presence of a true supercar while maintaining Lotus’s signature lightweight philosophy.

Step inside, and the focus shifts entirely to the driver. The interior is minimal yet purposeful, stripping away unnecessary distractions in favor of a cockpit that feels precision-engineered for engagement. The layout is clean, intuitive, and free from excess, reinforcing the idea that this car is built for pure driving enjoyment. Unlike many modern sports cars that overwhelm with screens and buttons, the Emira keeps things simple, making it clear that performance is the priority.

The Exterior

The 2025 Lotus Emira was built to demand attention. With its wide stance and large wheels filling out the arches, it looks planted and aggressive, even when standing still. There’s a clear sense of speed in its design, with sculpted lines flowing seamlessly from front to rear, giving it a dynamic, almost muscular appearance. Bold curves add to its athletic look, striking a balance between elegance and raw performance.

Aero elements play a big role in the Emira’s design, with large air ducts carved into the bodywork, hinting at both function and form. These aren’t just for show—they channel air efficiently to improve performance and cooling. The combination of sharp lines and smooth surfaces gives the Emira a modern yet classic sports car feel, reminiscent of high-end exotics. It’s interesting to see this 2-door car fill up a parking spot of almost a big SUV.

The Interior

Step inside the 2025 Lotus Emira, and it’s immediately clear that this car is all about the driving experience. The interior is minimal and purposeful, free from the clutter of unnecessary tech. Unlike many modern sports cars, the Emira skips features like adaptive cruise control and lane guidance—there’s no hand-holding here. It’s a refreshing return to a driver-focused setup, where everything is designed to keep you engaged with the road.

The premium Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel feels great in hand, adding a touch of luxury to the otherwise simple cabin. While the focus is on performance, Lotus hasn’t completely ignored modern conveniences. The digital screens are crisp and well-integrated, providing just the right amount of information without distraction. That said, with the engine sitting right behind the seats, you do get a fair bit of road and engine noise—something purists might see as a feature rather than a flaw. The Emira doesn’t try to isolate you from the driving experience; instead, it immerses you in it. It’s a car that makes you feel connected to the road, and in a world of increasingly digitalized sports cars, that’s something special.

The driving experience

Driving the 2025 Lotus Emira is an experience that feels raw and engaging, exactly what you’d expect from a proper driver’s car. From the moment you hit the road, you feel completely connected—the feedback through the chassis and steering is immediate, making every input feel precise and deliberate. The steering wheel itself has plenty of grip, giving you total control, whether you’re carving through corners or cruising on the highway. The seating position is spot-on, placing you low in the car with the pedals perfectly aligned for a natural and comfortable driving stance.

However, not everything is perfect. While the car is built for performance, the transmission leaves something to be desired. It feels a bit laggy, occasionally holding the car back even when switching to more aggressive driving modes. It’s not a dealbreaker, but in a car that feels so sharp and connected in every other way, it’s a slight letdown. Still, the Emira delivers an engaging, old-school driving experience that’s becoming increasingly rare. It’s a car that rewards skill and confidence, making every drive feel special.

Conclusion

The 2025 Lotus Emira is a breath of fresh air in a world where sports cars are becoming increasingly digitalized and detached. It stays true to Lotus’s legacy of lightweight, driver-focused performance while offering a design that turns heads everywhere it goes. From its bold exterior to its minimal yet well-appointed interior, the Emira makes it clear that this car was built for those who love to drive. While it isn’t perfect—the transmission could be sharper, and road noise is noticeable—it delivers an engaging experience that few modern sports cars can match.

It’s raw, responsive, and makes you feel truly connected to the road. Compared to the high-tech, all-electric Emeya, the Emira is a completely different beast, emphasizing mechanical purity over futuristic innovation. It’s proof that Lotus hasn’t forgotten its roots, and for enthusiasts who crave an unfiltered driving experience, that’s a very good thing.

In terms of pricing, the particular car we drove was the Lotus Emira First Edition and retails at AED 315,000