The winner of the atHomeGroup 2025 Advent calendar takes the Lotus Emira and Emeya for a test drive

In a draw held on 16 January 2026, Mike won the 19th box in the Advent calendar atHomeGroup. His prize: a day behind the wheel of two Lotus cars, with Antonio da Palma Ferramacho, our partner Luxgears. On the programme, the'Emira Turbo SE petrol and the'Emeya 600 electric, on the road and then on a closed circuit

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From the Advent calendar at Lotus Luxembourg

It all started with an Instagram post. On 19 December 2025, the 19th door of the atHomeGroup Advent calendar offered the chance to win a day of test drives, filmed with two Lotus cars. Mike entered the competition – «you never know». Selected in a prize draw on 16 January 2026, he spent the day with Antonio, our partner at Luxgears.

Mike is a real enthusiast. He drives a petrol car every day and knows several circuits in the region. But he had never driven a Lotus before.

The meeting is to take place at Lotus Luxembourg, with Ronan Erb, Head of Marketing at Lotus West Europe. Two cars are waiting for Mike. The rest of the programme remains a surprise.

Thanks to Lotus Luxembourg and Louyet Group for providing the cars, to Ronan Erb for his availability, and to the Chambley Grand Est Circuit for his hospitality.

Lotus Emira Turbo SE: a sports car for everyday driving

The Emira Turbo SE is Lotus’s petrol-powered sports car. It combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, sourced from AMG and mounted in a mid-rear position, with a dual-clutch gearbox and rear-wheel drive. Its claimed power output is 406 ch.

On the road, Mike notes that the steering is responsive and precise. The suspension absorbs bumps well, even over speed bumps. He finds the car comfortable and quiet enough for everyday use, and even for going on holiday. There’s plenty of space in the passenger compartment, and there’s a storage compartment hidden behind the seats.

The test car is fitted with the Touring chassis, which is more supple and road-oriented. The stiffer Sport chassis is fitted with tyres designed for the track. On the Chambley circuit, however, the Emira Touring remains at ease, with sharp braking. For Mike, it strikes a good balance between everyday use and the occasional track day.

Lotus Emeya 600: a large electric GT that takes you by surprise

It’s a whole new world with the Emeya 600, Lotus’s large electric GT 100 %. It features two motors, all-wheel drive and, on the model we tested, rear-wheel steering. The technical specifications shown in the video state 612 ch, 710 Nm and a range of 540 km.

Mike isn’t a fan of electric cars. He first tries out the Emeya on the track, then on the road. He’s surprised by its handling: despite the car’s weight and length, it remains precise through corners and brakes powerfully. Antonio comes to the same conclusion on the circuit’s sweeping bends.

On the road, Mike appreciates the interior finish and comfort, even in Sport mode, which offers a firmer ride. The instant torque, characteristic of electric cars, also changes the way you drive. His verdict: «For my first electric car, I think I’ve made a good choice.»

Thermal or electric: two uses, not two camps

On reflection, Mike says he prefers the Emira. Being used to petrol engines, he finds the sound and vibrations in the Emeya a bit of a let-down – that «analogue» feel which, for him, is what creates a connection with the car.

He does, however, acknowledge that the two cars complement each other. Ronan Erb sums it up as follows: the Emeya is a versatile family saloon, designed for business journeys or long-distance travel. The Emira, on the other hand, is geared more towards leisure and weekend use. Two different needs, which can coexist within the same household.

When it comes to making your own choice, your journeys, access to charging points and your budget are more important than a test drive. Find out more our guide to choosing between an electric car, a hybrid or a petrol/diesel car, then compare Electric cars available on Luxauto.lu or hybrid cars.

Both Lotus cars at a glance

What Lotus has in the pipeline: the Eletre X, the Emira 420 Sport and the V8 hybrid

Back at Lotus Luxembourg, Ronan Erb outlines the brand’s roadmap. Owned by the group Geely Since 2017, Lotus has been focusing on a range of energy sources. The information below is based on details provided during filming.

• Lotus Eletre X. The Eletre SUV, which until now has been a 100 % electric vehicle, is set to be available in a hybrid version. Lotus has announced a 900 V architecture, an electric range of around 350 km and a total range of over 1,200 km. The first deliveries were scheduled for around November–December 2026.
• Lotus Emira 420 Sport. Based on the 2.0-litre turbo, it gains power, loses weight and benefits from improved aerodynamic downforce. Its exhaust is made of titanium, fitted as standard or as an option depending on the specification. It was already available to order at the time of filming.
• A future V8 hybrid model. Announced as part of the Focus 2030 strategic plan, it is expected around 2028. According to Lotus, this will be a first in the brand’s history.

Read the essay, chapter by chapter

Watch the full review at the LuxGears YouTube channel. Do you like this format? Find all the Luxgears videos featured on the blog, including The Maserati GranCabrio Trofeo test drive or even The Aston Martin DB12 S test drive.

FAQ

Which Lotus LuxGears did he try out in this video?

Antonio da Palma Ferramacho and Mike, the winner of the Luxauto Advent calendar, test-drove two models. The Lotus Emira Turbo SE is a 406 ch petrol-powered sports car. The Lotus Emeya 600 is a large, 612 ch electric grand tourer. Both were driven on public roads and then on the Chambley circuit in the Grand Est region.

Is the Lotus Emira suitable for everyday use?

According to Mike’s impressions, yes. He finds the steering precise, the suspension comfortable over speed bumps and the noise levels reasonable on long journeys. The main limitations are practical: two seats and limited storage space behind the seats. The version tested, with the Touring chassis, prioritises comfort.

What is the range of the Lotus Emeya 600?

The technical specifications shown in the video state a range of 540 km. In real-world use, the range varies depending on temperature, speed and the type of journey. For everyday use in Luxembourg, access to a charging point at home or at work is just as important as this figure.

What is the Lotus Eletre X?

This is the hybrid version of the Lotus Eletre SUV, which until now has been a 100 % all-electric model. According to Lotus, it features a 900 V architecture, an electric range of around 350 km and a combined range of over 1,200 km. At the time of filming, Lotus announced that the first deliveries would take place towards the end of 2026.