2024 Lotus Emira First Edition in XPEL Stealth PPF, Dubai

This 2024 Lotus Emira First Edition came to Apex Detail Studio in Al Quoz, Dubai, for XPEL Stealth paint protection film. The matte PPF gives the Emira a soft satin look while shielding the paint from stone chips and scratches. We used DAP precut patterns and full tuck-in edges. Full-body PPF starts from AED 12,000 for sedans and AED 13,500 for SUVs and trucks, depending on options, before 5% VAT.

What did we do to this Lotus Emira First Edition?

We protected the painted body of a 2024 Lotus Emira First Edition with XPEL Stealth, a matte paint protection film, so the car now wears a satin finish over a self-healing protective layer.

The Emira First Edition is the launch version of Lotus’s mid-engine sports car, powered by a 3.5-litre V6. It is low, wide and full of sculpted surfaces, with deep intakes ahead of the rear wheels and an aggressive front grille. Those shapes look superb, but they also catch everything the road throws at them. The nose, the front wing tips and the leading edge of the side intakes are the first places to chip on a car like this.

The owner wanted two things: protection for the paint during fast Dubai driving, and a finish that made the Emira look even more purposeful. Stealth delivers both, so it was the film we fitted.

Why choose matte XPEL Stealth PPF on a Lotus Emira?

XPEL Stealth turns gloss paint into a satin matte finish without changing the colour, and it protects the paint at the same time. On a car shaped like the Emira, the matte finish makes every crease and surface change read more clearly.

Gloss paint reflects its surroundings, which can soften the lines of a complex body. A satin finish shows the shape itself, so the Emira’s sculpted doors, rear haunches and bonnet vents become sharper to the eye. It is a look that suits a driver’s car.

The protection is the same as a gloss film. Stealth is a thermoplastic urethane film that takes the hit from stone chips, sand and light scratches instead of the paint. Light swirls and marks in the top layer heal with heat, which in Dubai often means simply leaving the car in the sun for a while. The film also resists fading and discolouration, which matters on a car that spends time outdoors under strong UV.

Because Stealth is removable, the owner keeps the factory paint underneath in its original state. If they ever want the gloss back, the film can come off and the paint underneath is as it was on the day we fitted it.

If you want to compare the two looks, our guide to the types of PPF explains gloss, matte and colour films side by side.

How was the XPEL Stealth film installed on the Emira?

We installed the film with XPEL’s Design Access Program (DAP) precut patterns, so every panel was cut on the plotter to the Emira’s exact shape and no blade touched the paint.

Our standard steps for a Stealth install look like this:

• Clean paint: the surface has to be free of residue, because anything left on the paint would sit under the film.
• Pattern cutting: on this Emira, each panel pattern came from DAP precut software and was cut on the plotter in our studio.
• Panel by panel fitting: each piece was laid on with slip solution, positioned, then squeegeed to push out the solution and bond the film to the paint.
• Full tuck-in edges: wherever the panel allowed, the film was wrapped around the edges so no film line is visible from normal viewing angles.
• Final inspection: we checked every edge and surface under studio lighting before handover.

Matte film is less forgiving than gloss, because any stretch mark or lifted edge shows clearly on a satin surface. That is why we fit it in controlled installation bays inside our 20,000 sq ft studio in Al Quoz, where dust and temperature are under control. You can read more about the cutting method in our article on DAP precut PPF.

Step by step on this Lotus Emira

These stills come from the full build video further down the page, so every photo shows this exact car in our Al Quoz studio.

What does the finished Lotus Emira look like?

The finished Emira has an even satin finish across the bodywork, with the original colour intact and no visible film edges from normal viewing distance.

The matte surface makes the car look lower and more focused. Highlights now sit on the creases rather than spreading across the panels, so the side intakes and the curve of the rear wings stand out. The edges are tucked, so the film reads as a factory finish rather than an add-on.

The owner also has a yearly service check included in the package. At that visit we inspect the film, look at the edges and clean the surface properly so the satin finish stays even. Matte film should be washed with a pH-neutral shampoo and never waxed or polished, because wax fills the texture and leaves shiny patches.

Watch the full Lotus Emira Stealth build

The video follows the 2024 Lotus Emira through the XPEL Stealth installation at our studio.

How much does PPF cost on a Lotus Emira in Dubai?

Full-body PPF at Apex starts from AED 12,000 for sedans and AED 13,500 for SUVs and trucks, depending on options, before 5% VAT. Matte Stealth and gloss films are priced by the film and the coverage you choose.

The final figure for an Emira depends on whether you want full-body coverage or a front-end package, which film you choose, and whether the paint needs polishing before the film goes on. Send us the car’s details on WhatsApp on +971 58 549 2739 and we will confirm an exact quote. You can also see our full paint protection film service in Dubai, or visit us at 6A Street, Al Quoz Industrial 3, Dubai.

Many Emira owners also ask about coating the car after PPF. We covered a Lotus Emira ceramic job in our Lotus Emira ceramic coating article.

Frequently asked questions

Does XPEL Stealth change the colour of a Lotus Emira?

No. Stealth keeps the original paint colour and changes the finish from gloss to a satin matte look.

Can matte PPF be removed later?

Yes. Stealth can be removed by a professional, and the factory paint underneath stays protected while the film is on.

Do you cut PPF on the car?

No. We use XPEL DAP precut patterns cut on a plotter, so no blade touches the paint.

How do I wash an Emira with Stealth film?

Use a pH-neutral shampoo and a soft wash mitt, dry with a microfibre towel, and avoid wax, polish and brush car washes. Wax leaves shiny patches on matte film.

Is there a warranty on XPEL Stealth?

Yes. The film carries a manufacturer warranty, and our team explains the terms when you book. A yearly service check was included in this Emira’s package.

Can I get only the front of the Emira covered?

Yes. We can fit front-end coverage on the bumper, bonnet, wings and mirrors, though full-body coverage gives an even matte finish across the whole car.