Lotus Cars makes India debut with Eletre e-SUV, lines up Emira for 2024

The Hethel, Norfolk, England-based carmaker, which makes high-performance sports cars such as Emeya, Eletre, Emira and Evija joined hands with Exclusive Motors as its dealer-cum-service partner in India

Lotus Cars, a British multinational automotive manufacturer of luxury sports cars and electric lifestyle vehicles, made its official foray into the Indian market.

The Hethel, Norfolk, England-based carmaker, which makes high-performance sports cars such as Emeya, Eletre, Emira and Evija, has joined hands with Exclusive Motors as its dealer-cum-service partner in India. Exclusive Motors, which already retails Bentley models in the country, will be setting up a dedicated outlet for Lotus in New Delhi next year.

Dominic Baumgart, Head of Aftersales – Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and India, “India for us is a very important market and we have entered the market here at the absolute right time. We have carefully assessed the situation and (did some) research and development in terms of infrastructure here. We have also carefully researched in terms of the right (distribution) partner. With the help of Exclusive Motors, we look forward at establishing the brand in India.”

The British carmaker-owned by Chinese brand Geely - on 9th November, rolled out its first model Eletre, which has been priced at Rs 2.55 crore ex-showroom for the base variant, Rs 2.75 crore ex-showroom for the Eletre S and Rs 2.99 crore ex-showroom for the Eletre R variant (all ex-showroom pan-India). Lotus has maintained that the prices of the Eletre are subject to change based on options, exchange rate fluctuations and tax changes.

Without disclosing any numbers it is looking at for this model, he stated, “The exclusive sportscar segment is rapidly growing in India (and) so is the share of EVs. There is a particular interest in EVs in India and we foresee that we will sell good numbers but it is too early to tell how many (units) we are talking about.” He also didn't reveal the company’s overall sales target from India.

While Eletre and its S variant feature the 450 kW/603 hp single-speed version with a maximum range of 600 km (373 miles), the Eletre R comes with the flagship 675 kW/905 hp dual-speed system and a maximum range of 490 km (304 miles). Lotus claims that it is the world’s fastest dual-motor pure electric SUV with a top speed of 265 kmph and can accelerate from zero to 100 kmph in just 2.95 seconds.

Satya Bagla, Managing Director, Exclusive Motors India, said, "There is a lot of support from the Government of India, in the electrification programme and charging infra are created in a very fast manner. It is done in a very robust manner and is very encouraging. We feel that's the right time now to bring in luxury electric vehicles."  When asked about the waiting period for this model, Satya Bagla, Managing Director, Exclusive Motors India said, “We will start booking now and the customers will have to wait for 6-7 months to about a year.”

He revealed that after opening its first store in Delhi, Exclusive Motors has plans to open more stores in other cities, depending on consumer response and demand.

At the launch event, the brand also confirmed the launch of Emira sportscar, which is its   latest and final internal combustion sports car, during March 2024. To be offered in two choices of powertrains, customers will have the option to go for either a 2L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 60hp or a 6-cylinder supercharged one putting out 400hp.

All Lotus sports cars wil be imported from its UK facilities as a completely built unit (CBU) and will attract more than 100 percent import duty.

When queried about the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the UK, Baumgart said, “Any tax reduction or relief will be greatly appreciated and will further promote our cars here. It will be very beneficial for sales of EVs in India like in other markets.”