Lotus may have already embarked on its journey towards full electrification with cars like the Evija supercar and Eletre SUV, but it’s still best known for its hyper-focused lightweight sports cars. To that end, the company has introduced its last car to be powered solely by an internal combustion engine, the Emira i4—a more affordable variant of its V6 that is barely any slower. But cheap it most certainly isn’t.
Lotus Emira i4 Malaysia price
Lotus may have made a name for itself with the relatively inexpensive Elise nearly 30 years ago, but its cars have gotten seriously expensive these days. Even though the i4 is slightly cheaper than the RM1,131,800 V6 model, it barely slips under the million-ringgit mark at RM998,800 on-the-road without insurance.
And that’s the promotional price for 2023 units; that figure will rise up to RM1,095,800 next year. Those who purchase their cars in Langkawi will enjoy a duty-free price of RM509,000, which is still plenty pricey. The first units will be delivered to Malaysian customers in November.
Lotus Emira i4 performance
The Emira i4 may be considered a lesser version of the V6, but it still packs quite a punch. Under the glass rear deck lid lies a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine from new partner Mercedes-AMG. This is the same M139 unit found in the A45 S and CLA45 S, featuring a stronger closed-deck block, low-friction Nanoslide cylinder wall coatings and a twin-scroll turbocharger.
However, the Lotus version gets unique intake and exhaust systems, plus a “bespoke calibration”—another way of saying that the Emira’s engine has been detuned, losing nearly 110hp in the process. It’s still potent, however, producing 360hp and 430Nm of torque. Paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission—also derived from Mercedes-AMG—it loses just two tenths of a second to the V6 model from zero to 100km/h, completing the century sprint in 4.4 seconds on its way to a heady top speed of 290km/h.
The new mill also necessitated the addition of new rear suspension and a redesigned lightweight aluminium rear subframe, the latter dropping 12kg from the same component in the V6 model. Retaining Lotus’ trademark bonded and extruded aluminium construction, the Emira i4 tips the scales at 1,446kg.
As with the V6 model, the i4 continues to be offered with either a more comfort-oriented Tour chassis setup and the stiffer Sport, both utilising Eibach springs and passive Bilstein dampers. They also come with electro-hydraulic steering for increased feel and Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tyres; the Sport is also available with stickier Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber.
Same looks, tech as V6 model
Despite the wholesale engineering to fit the four-cylinder engine, the Emira i4 looks identical to the V6 version, sporting the same curvaceous styling with tall LED headlights, a split-roof design, C-shaped taillights and plenty of vents and scoops that are reminiscent of the Evija. You also get 20-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels as standard, in either silver, black or diamond-turned two-tone finishes.
The similarities continue on the inside, where you’ll find a sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel and bucket seats upholstered in leather (Alcantara is optional). The Emira benefits from technologies borrowed from Chinese part-parent Geely—the seats feature 12-way power adjustment, and you’ll also find a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, automatic climate control and a six-speaker, 560W KEF sound system.
The first run of cars carry the First Edition branding and are fitted with four option packs as standard. These include the Black Pack (gloss black roof and door mirrors), the Design Pack (darkened privacy glass, metal sports pedals and Alcantara headlining), the Convenience Pack (front parking sensors, reverse camera, auto wipers, auto-dimming mirrors and a rear luggage net) and the Lotus Track Pack (a track mode for the stability control).
Want to know more about Lotus’ electric models instead? Check out our first look at the new Eletre in the video below.
