Lotus, the renowned British automaker, has officially entered the Indian market with the inauguration of its first showroom, the Lotus Centre, in Delhi on January 16, 2025. With a rich legacy of creating high-performance vehicles, Lotus is stepping into the Indian luxury car space cautiously, but with a clear roadmap for growth.
Expansion Plans in India
The opening of the Lotus Centre marks the beginning of the brand’s physical presence in India. The automaker is adopting a careful, phased approach:
- 2025 as a Testing Phase: Lotus aims to use this year to test the waters as a bespoke automaker in India.
- Future Showrooms: Expansion plans include setting up facilities in metro cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru by 2026, with tier-1 cities to follow.
- Service Centers: Lotus currently has service centers in Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, with additional locations planned based on customer demand.
Lotus is optimistic about India’s potential, particularly as the country’s EV ecosystem develops. The automaker believes that the growth in EV infrastructure will create opportunities for high-end electric vehicles, positioning Lotus to cater to premium EV buyers.
2025 Emira and Emeya GT
Alongside its showroom launch, Lotus introduced two new models to the Indian market: the 2025 Emira sportscar and the all-electric Emeya GT.
2025 Emira
The refreshed Emira lineup brings cutting-edge performance to Indian roads.
| Variant | Engine | Performance | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emira Turbo | Turbocharged Petrol | Dynamic and precise handling | 260 mph |
| Emira Turbo SE | High-Performance Turbo | 0-100 mph in 4 seconds | 290 mph |
| Emira V6 | Supercharged V6 | Powerful and smooth acceleration | 280 mph |
The Emira Turbo SE, the lineup’s flagship, exemplifies Lotus’s focus on speed and precision, with enhanced aerodynamics and premium interiors.
Emeya GT
The Emeya GT, Lotus’s first electric hyper-GT, is a testament to the brand’s transition to electrification and global luxury aspirations.
- Performance: Produces 905 bhp and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in under 2.8 seconds.
- Charging Capabilities: Features 400 kW DC fast charging, enabling a 10-80% charge in just 14 minutes.
- Design Elements: Aerodynamic innovations like an active front grille, rear diffuser, and spoiler optimize handling and performance.
- Color Options: Boreal Grey, Fireglow Orange, Solar Yellow, Akoya White, Stellar Black, and Kaimu Grey.
Emeya GT retains Lotus’s hallmark of precision engineering while embracing its electric future.
Market Positioning
Lotus is not targeting mass-market sales in India but instead focusing on niche, affluent buyers seeking exclusivity and high performance. All global models will be available in India, including future EVs, ensuring a robust lineup for discerning customers.
The automaker has also emphasized its resilience to global EV market slowdowns, citing its small volumes and bespoke approach as key advantages.
The launch of Lotus’s first showroom and the introduction of the 2025 Emira and Emeya GT signal the brand’s serious intent to establish itself in India’s luxury automotive market. With a careful expansion strategy, high-performance models, and a strong emphasis on electrification, Lotus is poised to carve out a niche in a rapidly growing market.
The automaker’s commitment to offering cutting-edge technology, precision engineering, and exclusivity aligns perfectly with the aspirations of India’s affluent car buyers. As Lotus continues its journey, its ability to adapt to India’s evolving automotive landscape will determine its long-term success.
FAQs
Where is Lotus’s first showroom in India?
The first showroom, Lotus Centre, is in Delhi.
What are the key features of the Emira Turbo SE?
It accelerates 0-100 mph in 4 seconds with a top speed of 290 mph.
How fast can the Emeya GT charge?
It charges from 10-80% in just 14 minutes with a 400 kW charger.
Will Lotus expand to other Indian cities?
Yes, Mumbai and Bengaluru are next in the expansion plan.
What makes the Emeya GT special?
It’s Lotus’s first electric hyper-GT with 905 bhp and advanced aerodynamics.
