The Skoda Epiq has been spied inside and out, ahead of its debut. Model arrives later this month with three different powertrains. Pricing is expected to start around €26,000 ($30,490). Skoda is gearing up to introduce the all-new Epiq on May 19 and they’re rushing to cross all the t’s and dot all the i’s. As a result, spy photographers recently caught two prototypes undergoing last minute testing on the Nürburgring. They were intrigued by the one seen below as they believed it could be a Sportline or RS variant, because it has steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. However, these are common on Skoda EVs as they’re used for regenerative braking. That being said, we wouldn’t necessarily rule out a Sportline version as we can see a sporty steering wheel with a dimpled rim. More: Skoda’s Smallest EV Has One Big-Car Surprise The interior image doesn’t reveal much else, but it gives us our first proper glimpse at the crossover’s 13-inch infotainment system. It will be joined by a 5.3-inch digital instrument cluster, slender air vents, and a wireless smartphone charger. Buyers will also find ambient lighting, sustainable materials, and a cargo compartment that can hold up to 47.5 cubic feet (1,344 liters) of gear. SH Proshots The front fascia and rear bumper are disguised, making it hard to determine if this is indeed a sporty variant. However, testers might have given us a subtle hint in the form of front fender vent stickers. Of course, we probably shouldn’t read too much into that. Regardless of what the prototype is hiding, Skoda has already announced three different variants known as the Epiq 35, 45, and 55. The first combines a 38.5 kWh battery pack with a front-mounted motor producing 114 hp (85 kW / 116 PS) and 197 lb-ft (267 Nm) of torque. This enables the crossover to run from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 11 seconds and have a range of 196 miles (315 km). SH Proshots The mid-level model pares the aforementioned battery with a beefier 133 hp (99 kW / 135 PS) motor. This lowers the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time to 9.8 seconds without having an impact on range. The range-topper sports a larger 55 kWh battery as well as a motor developing 208 hp (155 kW / 211 PS) and 214 lb-ft (290 Nm) of torque. This is the most interesting of the group as it accelerates from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.4 seconds and has a range of up to 267 miles. While we’re skeptical this is a performance variant, it’s not hard to imagine one on the horizon as Volkswagen has already confirmed plans for an ID. Polo GTI with 223 hp (166 kW / 226 PS) in 2027. SH Proshots
