title：Lotus Emira Electric Saloon: Button Count & Control Layout Review
content：Lotus Emira Control Layout: Key Observations From Auto Car’s Test
If you’ve ever fumbled with a touchscreen while merging onto the highway, you know how critical intuitive controls are in a car. The Lotus Emira electric saloon—Lotus’ second EV—was put to the test in Auto Car’s Button Watch series, and the results reveal a mix of practical and frustrating design choices. After analyzing the video, I believe the Emira’s control layout reflects the ongoing tension between modern EV aesthetics and driver convenience.
Digital Mirrors & Wiper Stalk: The Pros
The Emira features digital mirrors, but unlike some EVs that force you to use a touchscreen for adjustments, there’s a physical button to activate mirror controls. You then use the steering wheel to adjust left/right or up/down— a smart blend of tech and tactile feedback. The wiper stalk is another win: it’s a traditional physical control, and there’s even a dedicated fog light button on the same side. These choices prioritize ease of use for common functions.
Climate & Volume: The Cons
Unfortunately, the Emira falls short in other areas. Climate control settings are entirely touchscreen-based—no physical sliders or toggles for temperature or air distribution. Even heated seats require a screen tap, which can distract drivers. Volume control is another pain point: while there’s a steering wheel button, the main dash lacks a physical knob. Instead, you have to use a touchscreen slider, which feels awkward on the move.
The video notes the Emira scored five out of 11 for the AI (likely a reference to its touchscreen-dependent system), which is "not too bad for an electric car these days"—but safety experts like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warn that touchscreen-only controls increase driver distraction.
content：Pros & Cons of the Emira’s Control Design
Let’s break down the Emira’s control layout into clear pros and cons to help you decide if it’s right for you:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dedicated digital mirror adjustment button | No physical climate control sliders |
| Traditional wiper stalk with fog light button | Touchscreen-only heated seat controls |
| Steering wheel volume button | Awkward touchscreen volume slider |
| Clean dash aesthetic | No rotary dial for touchscreen navigation |
Practice shows that drivers who value quick, distraction-free access to climate or volume settings may find the Emira’s layout frustrating. For example, adjusting the temperature while driving requires taking your eyes off the road to tap the screen—something many drivers prefer to avoid.
content：Beyond the Video: Trends in EV Control Layouts
The Emira’s design isn’t an anomaly. Many modern EVs prioritize touchscreens for a sleek look, but there’s a growing pushback. Manufacturers like Porsche (with the Taycan) and Volvo (with the XC40 Recharge) are reintroducing physical controls for critical functions. Could Lotus follow this trend in future Emira updates? I think it’s likely—especially as drivers demand more intuitive, safe controls.
There’s also a debate among car enthusiasts: some love the minimalist dash of touchscreen-only EVs, while others crave the tactile feedback of physical buttons. The Emira sits in the middle, but its reliance on touchscreen for key functions may alienate drivers who prioritize convenience over aesthetics.
content：Toolbox & Action Guide
Immediately Actionable Checklist
- Test the digital mirror adjustment in a parking lot to see if it feels intuitive.
- Try adjusting climate settings while driving (if allowed in a test drive) to gauge distraction levels.
- Check how easy the touchscreen volume slider is to use without looking.
- Compare the Emira’s layout to other EVs (like the Tesla Model 3 or Polestar 2) to see which fits your preferences.
Advanced Resource Recommendations
- Auto Car’s Button Watch Series: A trusted source for in-depth control layout reviews of new cars.
- Lotus Emira Official Website: For detailed specs and updates on future design changes.
- Consumer Reports’ EV Safety Guide: Includes insights on how control layouts affect driver focus.
content：Conclusion & Engagement
The Lotus Emira electric saloon’s control layout is a mix of practical wins (digital mirror button, wiper stalk) and frustrating omissions (no physical climate controls). It reflects the ongoing evolution of EV design, but it may not be for everyone.
When trying the Emira’s controls, which step do you anticipate will be most challenging? Are you team physical buttons or touchscreen-only? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear your take!
