The Skoda Enyaq iV is arguably one of the company’s most important models in its 125-year history of car production. This striking looking five-seat SUV is a flagship electric vehicle that is built on the Volkswagen Group’s modular MEB platform that also underpins the Volkswagen ID.3. It will come to the UK with two battery capacities: 62kWh and 82kWh, and is to be joined in 2021 by a yet-to-be-named coupe version.
The Enyaq 60 iV, is likely to be the most popular version. It uses a 62kWh battery that has a power output of 177bhp and 310Nm. That larger capacity battery boosts the driving range to 242 miles and is noticeably faster in terms of acceleration, getting to 62mph from a standing start in a respectable 8.7 seconds. Along with a 50kW DC charging rate it has the option of a higher 100Kw DC charging rate.
The Enyaq 80 iV will be range king for Skoda and will the first model to arrive on sale early next year. Thanks to its 82kWh battery, it can travel up to 316 miles on a single charge. It also matches the 310Nm of the Enyaq 60 iV but gets a 201bhp output. The DC charger is also optionally capable of operating at a higher rate of 125kW, allowing the battery to charge from 5 to 85 per cent in 38 minutes.
Skoda uses that same 82kWh battery for its all-wheel-drive variants. The first is the Enyaq 80x iV, receiving a total power output of 261bhp thanks to that additional electric motor on the front axle. However, the driving range does decrease slightly to 286 miles.
Rounding out the lineup is the sporty Enyaq vRS iV. Not only does this get the highest power output at 302bhp and 460Nm, but it is also the fastest thanks to a 0-62mph acceleration of 6.2 seconds and an increase in top speed to 112mph – all Skoda Enyaq iV models will have a top speed limited to 100mph. It’s also possible to two a trailer weighing up to 1,400kg with this version of the Enyaq iV, and Skoda offers an electrically retractable tow bar as an optional extra.
Overall length is 4,649mm, making it slightly shorter than the latest Octavia, but the wheelbase of 2,765mm means that it has generous amounts of passenger space inside closer to that of the Kodiaq SUV, and a 585-litre boot. In comparison to the more curvaceous Volkswagen ID.4 that sits on the same platform, the Enyaq iV has a more striking exterior that features angular LED headlights with the option of LED Matrix lighting. Depending on the specification chosen, the Skoda will run on 18- to 21-inch wheels.
A more generously equipped Founders Edition will be limited to just 1,895 examples paying tribute to the year that Skoda began producing cars. It will be available in the choice of two metallic paint finishes, Black Magic and Arctic Silver. Each one of these will be individually numbered with a small insert on the base of the steering wheel.
One of the more eye-catching features is what Skoda calls the Crystal Face. This illuminated grille comprises of 130 LEDs that light up the vertical slats and horizontal strip between the headlights to create an animated coming/leaving home function. It will be standard on the Founders Edition and the Enyaq vRS iV and is available as an option on the Enyaq 80 iV and 80x iV.
The interior is sure to impress buyers with its airy cabin and comfortable seats. Ahead of the driver is a 5.3-inch colour display that shows the essential driving information and has four layouts. Like in the current Octavia, the setting wheel features a two-spoke design with multifunction controls and paddles on the rear that allow the driver to adjust the degree of energy recovery to the battery.
Inside, there is a freestanding 13-inch display that looks fantastic and is the largest screen that Skoda has ever offered. The stereo gets an eight-speaker layout with the option of a 12-speaker Canton system. Within the centre console, two USB-C ports are usefully illuminated to make them easier to find, and there are two wireless charging pads so both the driver and a passenger can charge their devices at the same time. Beneath this area is an open storage cubby that is ideal for storing a small bag. There is no traditional gear selector as the Skoda uses a new shift-by-wire transmission; instead, a little rectangular button functions for selecting park or drive. Two cupholders, an open oddments tray and another 6.2-litre storage bin beneath the centre armrest contribute to a what is a total of 40 litres of storage throughout the cabin.
For rear passengers there is also ample room with the Skoda offering generous knee and headroom, despite the sloping roofline. Folding tray tables are available on the back of the front seats, and there is a smaller second pocket in the seatback designed to accommodate smartphones. The lack of a transmission tunnel means that the person sitting in the middle seat isn’t compromised for leg space and the rear of the centre console holds two more USB-C ports and a 230-volt power socket. Both the front and rear doors can carry bottles up to 1.5-litres in size.
Taking the place of classic trim levels will be the choice of several themed packages called Design Selections to give buyers more coordinated interior options. From the Enyaq 60 iV there is a standard look called the Loft, with a two-tone dashboard. There will be other choices with different colours and materials available. A more luxurious interior called Lounge creates a more modern and upmarket feel to the interior of the electric SUV.
Skoda is increasing its use of sustainable materials, and this shows in the Lodge seat covers. These comprise 40 per cent new wool that has been independently tested and certified, while the remaining 60 per cent of the material comes from polyester created from recycled PET bottles. In the case of the cognac-coloured leather in the ecoSuite Design Selection, the use of olive leaf extracts for the colouring process replaces chemicals.
Customer deliveries of the first Skoda Enyaq iV models are expected to begin in the Spring of 2021, starting with the Founders Edition and the Enyaq 80 iV. Pricing for the Enyaq 60 iV will start at £33,450 for the Loft specification, with the Lounge model costing £34,565 and £34,735 for the Suite version. The Enyaq 80 iV costs £38,950 for the Loft, £40,065 for the Lounge and £40,235 for the Suite specification. A Founders Edition is only available with the 82kWh battery and costs £49,995. These prices are excluding the UK Plug-in Car Grant.
Keyword: Electric Skoda Enyaq iV revealed in full