Lotus Emeya vs Subaru WRX
Verdict
The Lotus Emeya asks RM459,000 against the Subaru WRX’s RM286,245, a RM172,755 jump that buys a very different car: dual-motor electric drive, 603 hp, a 102.0 kWh battery and 610 km of range. It is also much bigger, with a 3,069 mm wheelbase and 509-litre boot. The WRX counters as a petrol, manual, all-wheel-drive C-segment sedan with 271 hp, 375 Nm and a 63-litre tank. It is narrower, shorter and easier to place. But on paper, the Emeya has the stronger GT brief.
Pick the Lotus Emeya if you want the bigger electric GT with 603 hp, 610 km range and a 509-litre boot.
Pick the Subaru WRX if you want a petrol manual AWD sedan with a smaller footprint and a much lower entry price.
Key differences
- Price: Lotus Emeya RM459,000; Subaru WRX RM286,245
- Power: Lotus Emeya 603 hp; Subaru WRX 271 hp
- Drivetrain: Lotus Emeya dual-motor electric AWD; Subaru WRX 2,387 cc petrol AWD
- Size: Lotus Emeya 5,139 mm long and 2,241 mm wide; Subaru WRX 4,669 mm long and 1,826 mm wide
- Boot space: Lotus Emeya 509 litres; Subaru WRX 411 litres
- Road tax: Lotus Emeya RM1,440 a year; Subaru WRX RM767 a year
Emeya
- 603 hp dual-motor AWD
- 610 km EV range from a 102.0 kWh battery
- 509-litre boot and 3,069 mm wheelbase
- RM172,755 dearer than the WRX
- Very wide at 2,241 mm
- Higher annual road tax at RM1,440
WRX
- Manual gearbox with AWD
- Lower price than the Emeya
- Narrower 1,826 mm body is easier to place
- 271 hp versus the Emeya’s 603 hp
- Smaller 411-litre boot
- No listed 0-100 km/h or top speed figure
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 459,000 | RM 286,245✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Grand Tourer | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | — | 16-valve DOHC with turbocharger, variable valve timing |
| Capacity | — | 2,387 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 271 hp |
| Torque | — | 375 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | — | Flat 4 |
| Timing Type | — | Chain |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 94 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.6 |
| Number of Motors | 2 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 603 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 710 Nm | — |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion | — |
| Battery Capacity | 102 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 610 km | — |
| Charger Type (AC) | Type 2 | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 22 kW | — |
| Charger Type (DC) | CCS | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 420 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Manual |
| Transmission Name | — | 6-speed manual |
| Gears | — | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Subaru |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 4.15 seconds | — |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,139 mm | 4,669 mm |
| Width | 2,241 mm | 1,826 mm |
| Height | 1,459 mm | 1,468 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,069 mm | 2,672 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,510 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 63 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 509 litres✓ | 411 litres |
| Front Tyre | 255/45R20 | 245/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 285/40R20 | 245/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Pirelli P-Zero | Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600A |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 20" 5-spoke Aero Grey Alloys | 18" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 20" 5-spoke Aero Grey Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Solid Disc |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Chassis Notes | Continuous Dampening Control with Air Suspension | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags, Front Center Airbag and Driver's Knee Airbag | Front, side, curtain, driver's knee airbags |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | — |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Electronic for Rear Doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available on two rear passenger seats | Available for two rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | — |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Projector LED with Dynamic Indicators | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED with Dynamic Indicators | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats | Manual Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | Fixed | 60:40 split folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | — |
| Power Sockets | — | 1 Front, 3 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 15.1" Touchscreen with Lotus Hyper OS, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 15-speaker KEF Reference Audio | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Automatic with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Driver's side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Operation (Depress Brake Pedal) | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Entry | Keyless Entry |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation with Contactless Boot Opening | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Surround View | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Power Door | No | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Convenience Notes | Tyre puncture repair kit | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/200,000 km Battery Warranty | — |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 1,440 | RM 767✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Emeya vs WRX FAQ
Is the Lotus Emeya or Subaru WRX better?
The Lotus Emeya is stronger on paper for pace, range and space. The Subaru WRX is the better fit if you want a petrol manual AWD sedan with a smaller body and lower price.
What is the price difference?
The Lotus Emeya costs RM172,755 more than the Subaru WRX. That gap buys the Emeya’s electric drivetrain, 603 hp output, larger body, bigger boot and 610 km EV range.
Which one is more practical?
The Lotus Emeya has the edge for luggage space with 509 litres versus the Subaru WRX’s 411 litres. Both seat five, but the Emeya also has the longer 3,069 mm wheelbase.