Skoda reveals Enyaq, its first MEB-based EV

Skoda today revealed the Enyaq, the first Skoda production model based on the Volkswagen Group's MEB modular electric car platform. Offered with a choice of three battery sizes and five power variants, the all-electric SUV is set to be built at Skoda's main plant in Mlada Boleslav, making it the first MEB-based VW Group vehicle in Europe to be produced outside Germany. Given the likes of the Seat el-Born will be built at the same Zwickau plant as the VW ID 3, Skoda must see that decision as an encouraging vote of confidence from the group’s higher-ups. 

Skoda Auto CEO Bernhard Maier, said, “The Enyaq iV marks the beginning of a new era for Skoda, it is the figurehead of our E-Mobility campaign. With it, we’re making E-Mobility Simply Clever thanks to long ranges and short charging times. At the same time, the Enyaq iV takes Skoda-typical virtues such as superior interior space, a trendsetting design and maximum functionality to a new level. Our first all-electric e-model based on Volkswagen Group’s modular electric car platform will be built at our main plant in Mladá Boleslav, at the heart of Skoda. This is an important step towards securing the future of the location and safeguarding jobs in the region.”

The Enyaq is recognisably SUV-like in its proportions, even when wrapped up in its pre-production disguise. After all, the Czech firm has made a name for itself as a pragmatic manufacturer of pragmatic cars for pragmatic people, so given the inexorable rise of the SUV, launching an electric one seems like a pretty pragmatic decision. 

At 4.65m long, the Enyaq sits staunchly at the other end of the size spectrum to the Citigo iV - Skoda’s first electric vehicle of any kind - and between the larger Kodiaq and smaller Karoq SUV models. There’s loads of passenger space front and back, and its 585-litre boot is generously sized, too, but one big benefit of its enlarged footprint is the fact that it has also enabled Skoda to fit the Enyaq with a battery big enough to lend it proper real-world range. 

Options aplenty
Technically, there are three different battery sizes and two different drive systems, which make for a complete line-up of five models. The Enyaq 50 represents the entry-level offering and uses a 55kWh battery to power a 148bhp three-phase synchronous motor mounted at the rear axle. This version comes with a WLTP-certified range of 211 miles, which isn’t outstanding but isn’t terrible, either.

Then there’s the Enyaq 60, which has a 62kWh battery, a 177bhp motor and a claimed range of 242 miles / 387 kilometres; the Enyaq 80, with its 82kWh battery, 201bhp motor and 311-mile / 497km range; and the Enyaq 80X and Enyaq vRS models. Those last two also use the biggest battery, but gain an extra electric motor at the front axle for all-wheel drive. While this increases their total system outputs (to 262bhp for the 80X and 302bhp for the vRS), range takes a bit of a hit at the same time: both are rated for 286 miles / 457km. 

As for charging, all Enyaq models will be able to draw power from chargers rated as high as 50kW as standard - so expect to be able to top up an 82kWh model in around 1.5 hours on a rapid charger. On a 125kW outlet, you can expect to charge the battery from 10% capacity to 80% capacity in around 40 minutes.

The cabin is even more impressive, largely thanks to material quality. On pricier models, the flat, expansive dash top is upholstered in tasteful leather, and the fabric used on other surfaces looks smart and feels plush. Then there’s the 13.0in infotainment system that crowns the dash and should inject a healthy amount of tech appeal into the cabin as well.

Skoda Enyaq 80 prototype specifications

Price £45,000 / Rs 40.76 lakh (est) 
On sale Late 2020 
Engine 3-phase synchronous electric motor 
Battery 82kWh, lithium ion 
Power 201bhp 
Torque 229lb ft 
Gearbox Single-speed 
Kerb weight 2000kg (est) 
Top speed 105mph/172kph (est) 
0-100kph 7.5sec (est) 
Range 311 miles / 510 kilometres (WLTP)