2026 Lotus Emira Expert Review
Reviewed by Billy Rehbock
Lotus founder Colin Chapman is famous for his car-building philosophy: “Simplify and add lightness.” The 2026 Lotus Emira may not be as simple or light as its predecessors, but this mid-engine sports car builds on Chapman’s original vision with more tech and increased comfort.
For the new model year, Lotus introduces new trim levels and mechanical refinements. Although there are obvious choices for sports car shoppers, the 2026 Lotus Emira is a compelling alternative to the likes of the Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche 911, and Maserati GranTurismo.
What’s New
- A revised lineup with Turbo, Turbo SE, and V6 SE trims
- Emira Clark Edition model nodding to champion racer Jim Clark
- Improved and lightened cooling system with better flow to the transmission oil cooler and main cooling radiator
- A recalibrated dual-clutch transmission with smoother and faster shifts
- EOS Green and Purple Haze paint colors
What We Think
Lotus fights on the back foot thanks to its reputation as a sports car manufacturer for only the most hardcore drivers. To shift consumer perception of the brand, the automaker appeals to a wider audience of enthusiasts with the 2026 Emira, which seeks to combined signature Lotus handling characteristics with more luxurious appointments inside the cabin.
To a certain extent, Lotus succeeds in its mission. The Emira exhibits sublime mid-engine balance supported by quick, light steering. The Toyota-sourced V-6 engine howls at the top of the rev range while delivering constant, linear power.
We haven’t tested the Emira’s standard turbocharged I-4 from Mercedes-AMG, which is now available in two states of tune for 2026 depending on which trim level is equipped, but we’re eager to see how the high-strung four-cylinder powerplant and automatic transmission combination changes the Lotus’ personality.
The Emira receives some interior upgrades over its predecessor, the Evora, which include more sophisticated displays and upscale materials. Still, the build quality inside the cockpit leaves something to be desired.
The issues aren’t limited to the cabin, however—we experienced mechanical failure twice while testing the Emira, and even well-sorted examples of the mid-engine Lotus suffer from a frustrating six-speed manual transmission with a narrow pedal box and poorly spaced shift gates.
Still, these difficulties don’t overshadow the 2026 Lotus Emira’s ability to deliver a thrilling and engaging drive. With a blend of grand-touring comfort and exhilarating driving dynamics, the 2026 Emira has even managed to best the Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray in a comparison test. If you thought this was the stodgy old Lotus of yore, think again.
Top-Ranked Competitors:
MotorTrend Tested
Just one of the 2026 Lotus Emira’s trio of powertrains has undergone MotorTrend testing. It’s a setup familiar to fans of the brand: a Toyota-sourced supercharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine developing 400 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to the rear wheels by way of either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.
Equipped with the three-pedal option, the 2026 Lotus Emira sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and blitzes the quarter mile in 12.6 seconds at 109.7 seconds. For comparison, a base Porsche 911 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and runs the quarter mile in 11.7 seconds at 118.8 mph, albeit with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Those looking for a fresher take on the Lotus formula can option the 2026 Emira with a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 from Mercedes-AMG. The four-banger develops 400 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque and is paired exclusively with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 0– –60-mph sprint should take just 3.8 seconds.
Lotus also offers a new entry-level powertrain for the 2026 Emira. The same turbo-four that was introduced for 2025 returns in a detuned guise with an output of 360 hp. With reduced specs, the basic 2206 Lotus Emira Turbo should be good for a 0–60-mph time of 4.5 seconds.
MPGs and Range
According to the EPA’s most recent test results for the 2024 model year, the six-cylinder 2026 Lotus Emira is expected to continue to return 18/26 mpg with the automatic transmission and 16/24 mpg with the manual gearbox. Driving range should be pegged at about 300 miles.
Safety Features
The 2026 Lotus Emira comes standard with the following active safety features:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Traffic sign recognition
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Driver attention monitoring
Models equipped with the Convenience pack receive front parking sensors, an automatic dimming rearview mirror, and automatic dimming side mirrors with memory and reverse dipping functionality. The optional Extended Co-Drive pack bundles adaptive cruise control for models with the automatic transmission, rear cross-traffic alert, door opening warning, and automatic high-beam assist.
Cargo Space
The 2026 Lotus Emira makes small concessions to everyday practicality with a small trunk and 7.3 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seats. Its 5.3-cubic-foot trunk is larger than the Porsche 911’s 4.6-cubic-foot frunk, but the Chevrolet Corvette offers a lot more enclosed cargo space with its frunk and trunk combined.
Technology
Infotainment
All 2026 Lotus Emira sports cars come with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Lotus outfits the Emira with two USB-A ports, a single USB-C port, and a 12-volt power outlet. Keyless entry and ignition are standard.
Sound System
A seven-speaker sound system is standard on the 2026 Lotus Emira. As an upgrade, Lotus offers a 10-speaker premium audio system from KEF.
Available Upgrades
For peace of mind, Lotus offers the 2026 Emira with a Scorpion vehicle tracking system with mobile functionality. Ticking the box for this option grants a one-year subscription.
Value
Standard Features
Lotus offers the 2026 Emira Turbo as the entry point to the mid-engine sports car’s lineup. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder inline-four engine is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. Lotus equips Tour and Sport drive modes, double A-arm suspension, an integrated rear spoiler, and electrohydraulic power steering.
Driver assistance equipment includes automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot warning, and driver attention monitoring. Lotus equips the cabin with luxurious niceties such as 12-way power seats with memory settings, a seven-speaker audio system, a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, and a 10.3-inch touchscreen.
Recommended Trim
The revamped 2026 Lotus Emira lineup includes the following trims: Turbo, Turbo SE, and V-6 SE. Pricing for the entry-level Turbo model starts at about $110,000, and approximately $133,000 for the V-6 SE.
That means the Turbo SE model should begin somewhere in between, at about $120,000. We’ll have to reserve our recommendation until after our First Drive of the AMG-powered Emira variants, but we suspect the Turbo SE will be the sweet spot.
We aren’t fans of the V-6 model’s manual transmission and would rather not use a six-speed automatic. Instead, we will likely recommend the more powerful turbocharged sports car and its eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, which has been refined for 2026. Not only does its power output match the V-6 Emira, but its torque rating is higher. Turbo SE models come standard with the Lotus Drivers pack, which includes a sportier suspension setup, an improved brake kit, and launch control.
2026 Lotus Emira Clark Edition
Lotus honors Formula 1 world champion and Indy 500 winner Jim Clark with a new 2026 Lotus Emira Clark Edition equipped with model-specific touches. Based on the six-cylinder Emira, it wears styling inspired by the iconic green and yellow Lotus Type 38 he drove to victory at the 1965 Indy 500.
The Emira Clark Edition’s exterior is painted Clark Racing Green with a flared yellow racing stripe that runs from tip to tail. Other cosmetic touches include a black roof, a machined aluminum fuel filler cap with a blue anodized center, and yellow exhaust tips.
Inside the cabin, there’s a red leather and Alcantara driver’s seat paired with an asymmetrical black leather and Alcantara passenger’s seat. A wooden shift knob furthers the midcentury race car aesthetic.
Lotus decks out the Emira Clark Edition with model-specific branding on the doors, a Jim Clark signature on the dash, Team Lotus accents on the seats, carbon-fiber door sill plates with the vehicle’s edition number, and a handcrafted leather bag. Just 60 examples are slated for production, with pricing starting at approximately $157,000 at the time of writing.
