Compare the2025 McLaren ArturaVS 2025 Lotus Emira

The McLaren Artura has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Emira doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The Artura offers an optional 360-degree park assist to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Emira only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

Both the Artura and the Emira have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rear parking sensors and available lane departure warning systems.

The Artura comes with a full 5-year/unlimited-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car. The Emira’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 2 years sooner.

The Artura comes with free roadside assistance for 5 years 45000 miles. McLaren will send help if you run out of gas, need a jump-start, lock your keys in or need any assistance on the road. Lotus doesn’t give free roadside assistance for the Emira.

The Artura’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the Emira’s (10 vs. 8 years).

McLaren pays for scheduled maintenance on the Artura for 3 years and 27000 miles. McLaren will pay for oil changes, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance (up to 3 visits). Lotus doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Emira.

The Artura’s 3.0 turbo V6 hybrid produces 291 more horsepower (691 vs. 400) and 221 lbs.-ft. more torque (531 vs. 310) than the Emira’s standard 3.5 supercharged V6. The Artura’s 3.0 turbo V6 hybrid produces 291 more horsepower (691 vs. 400) and 177 lbs.-ft. more torque (531 vs. 354) than the Emira’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the McLaren Artura is faster than the Lotus Emira turbo 4 cyl. (automatics tested):

The Artura can travel with zero emissions for 21 miles. The Emira can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the Artura’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Emira doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Artura’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Emira doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Artura has 3.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Emira (17.1 vs. 13.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

An eight-speed automatic (SMG) is standard on the McLaren Artura, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the Emira.

For better stopping power the Artura’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Emira:

The Artura has standard heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The Emira doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The Artura stops shorter than the Emira:

The Artura has a standard driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The Emira’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The Artura has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Emira doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The Artura has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Emira doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Artura’s wheelbase is 2.5 inches longer than on the Emira (103.9 inches vs. 101.4 inches).

The Artura’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (41.9% to 58.1%) than the Emira’s (39.8% to 60.2%). This gives the Artura more stable handling and braking.

The Artura Coupe handles at 1.08 G’s, while the Emira pulls only 1.00 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Artura’s standard power retractable hardtop allows a seamless transition from an open car, to a completely sealed coupe. The Emira doesn’t offer a retractable hardtop.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Artura Coupe is quieter than the Emira:

With its coupe body style and remote trunk release lockout, the Artura offers cargo security. The Emira’s hatchback body style and non-lockable remote release defeat cargo security.

The engine in the Artura is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Emira. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

The Artura’s optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Emira doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Artura’s standard Keyless Entry and Lock allow you to unlock the doors from either outside door handle and start the car, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Keyless Start standard on the Emira only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the car.

The Artura’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Emira’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Artura offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Emira doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The Artura’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Emira doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

Compared to traditional radio, the McLaren Artura’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio costs extra on the Emira.

The McLaren Artura comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Lotus Emira isn’t available as a convertible.