The Epiq will be sold with compact 37 kWh and 52 kWh battery packs. All versions have front-wheel drive, with the flagship model delivering 208 hp. In Europe, prices will start at €25,900 for the entry-level Epiq Essence 35. Skoda has just unveiled its long-awaited, entry-level electric Epiq SUV, some two years after it was first showcased to the world. With the potential to outsell other popular Skoda EVs, including the Enyaq and Elroq, the new Epiq looks fun, has solid specs, and most importantly, is affordable. Underpinning the Skoda Epiq is the VW Group’s familiar MEB+ platform. Depending on the market, three versions will be offered: 30, 40, and 55. The two base models use a 37 kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery and can be configured with either a 114 hp or a 133 hp motor, both driving the front wheels exclusively. By comparison, both the base Enyaq and Elroq are rear-wheel drive. Read: Skoda’s Most Dramatic Concept Just Became Its Most Sensible Production Car Driving range for the Epiq 35 and 40 models is capped at roughly 190 miles (306 km). The main difference between the two is that the 35’s charging speeds are limited to 50 kW at a DC charger, while the 40 boosts this to 90 kW. Sitting at the top of the range is the Epiq 55. It uses a larger 52 kWh NMC battery supporting a driving range of 272 miles (438 km) and peak DC charging speeds of 105 kW, allowing the battery to be charged from 10-80 percent in around 25 minutes. The Epiq 55 also sports a more powerful front-mounted motor with 208 hp. One common complaint among Skoda’s current electric SUVs is that they don’t offer a one-pedal driving mode. This has been solved with the Epiq. The SUV has also been designed to be reasonably aerodynamically efficient, with a drag coefficient of 0.275. Cute And Fun Looks Visually, the Epiq immediately stands out from other existing Skoda models and looks all the better for it. It features a sharp front fascia with a blacked-out lower grille and aggressive headlights and DRLs. Black body cladding extends across the wheel arches, down the sides, and fills the rear bumper. Skoda will offer six different paint options for the Epiq. A Normal Skoda Cabin As for the cabin, it shares a lot in common with the Enyaq, Elroq, and other Skoda models. There’s a familiar 13-inch infotainment display on the dashboard, as well as a two-spoke steering wheel. While physical controls are few and far between, there are some physical toggles positioned below the central air vents for important vehicle patrols. As with other Skodas, umbrellas are also hidden in the door panels, like a Rolls-Royce. What About Prices? Then there’s the all-important price. In Europe, the Epiq will start at €25,900 ($30,000) for the base Epiq Essence 35, bringing it to price parity with the similarly-sized combustion-powered Kamiq. In the UK, prices start at £24,950 ($33,400) for the Epiq SE L 40, as the base 35 model won’t be sold there. Prices increase to £27,700 ($37,100) for the SE L 55 and Edition 40, then to £30,450 ($40,800) for the Edition 55, and finally to £31,450 ($42,100) for the First Edition 55.
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