Lotus, the renowned British automotive manufacturer, is reportedly in the early stages of developing an estate version of their all-electric Emeya, a move aimed at diversifying their product lineup and appealing to a broader range of customers. This strategic move could also position them as a worthy contender against the Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo, a popular choice in the luxury electric sports estate segment.
The concept of producing an estate variant of the Emeya holds significant promise for Lotus. Given that this new iteration would share the majority of its components with the existing Emeya sedan, it would result in substantial cost savings compared to developing an entirely new model. Moreover, it has the potential to bolster Emeya sales significantly. While Lotus has not officially confirmed the development of such a model, enthusiasts and experts are already imagining what it might look like.
Lotus Design Chief, Ben Payne, hinted at the company’s creative ambitions, saying, “Let’s just say I know a lot of creative people that these kinds of products appeal to. The design team is always looking at the next opportunity and how we can do something a bit different and get more [opportunities]. Is it in the product plan? I can’t comment on that.”
Mike Johnstone, Lotus’ Commercial Boss, echoed similar sentiments, emphasising their commitment to exploring new opportunities. He stated, “New market segments appear and new technologies come into play that mean we would do things in a different way. We’re always looking for new opportunities.”
If Lotus were to bring an Emeya estate to fruition, it would share the same Electric Premium Architecture as the sedan and the Eletre SUV. The Emeya sedan utilises a substantial 102 kWh battery pack, which would also be employed in the estate variant. In its most potent configuration, this powertrain delivers a remarkable 905 horsepower and 726 lb-ft (984 Nm) of torque. While precise range figures for the Emeya remain undisclosed, it is expected that range-focused versions could achieve approximately 373 miles (600 km), while the high-performance 905 hp version would offer a range closer to 304 miles (489 miles).
The inherent design characteristics of the Emeya lend themselves well to an estate variant. By extending the sedan’s roofline, Lotus has the potential to create an electric estate vehicle that not only delivers exceptional performance but also boasts a striking and distinctive appearance. While the project remains speculative at this stage, it underscores Lotus’ commitment to innovation and expanding their product portfolio to meet the evolving demands of the electric vehicle market.