Škoda Enyaq iV: First MEB-SUV comes from the Czech Republic

Even before the premiere of the VW ID.4 in a few weeks, Škoda is presenting the series version of its MEB-based electric SUV, the Enyaq iV. The Czech company is offering a limited Founders Edition with lavish equipment although even the basic model already offers a high standard.

For the time being, the Enyaq iV will also be the only MEB model made for Europe that is not built in Germany. The Volkswagen brand will assemble the electric vehicle in Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic. “This makes our main plant the only production facility for MEB vehicles in Europe outside Germany,” says the new Škoda boss Thomas Schäfer. “This is a great award for Škoda’s competence.”

That being said, there were no real surprises with the technical data of the Enyaq iV at the world premiere held in Prague. Škoda had already mentioned the details of the five different performance variants (three with rear-wheel drive and two with four-wheel drive) and three battery sizes in May. The electric cars’ ranges between 340 kilometres (Enyaq 50 iV) and 510 kilometres (Enyaq 80 iV) have not changed either.

Škoda gives the cars’ charging capacities as being up to 11 kW AC and up to 125 kW DC. In the basic version, the Enyaq iV does not have a three-phase onboard charger – even the ID.3 Pure only has a two-phase charger with a maximum of 7.2 kW. Škoda has chosen a similar gradation for the DC charging power as VW did for the ID.3: The version with the smallest battery only manages 50 kW, the 58-kWh battery 100 kW and the 77-kWh version manages the maximum specified 125 kW.

Important to note here is that the quick-charging capability of 100 or 125 kW for the Enyaq 60 iV and Enyaq 80 iV costs 500 euros extra each (with 19 per cent VAT). Without the quick-charge option, the DC charging capacity for all battery sizes is only 50 kW, as confirmed by a spokesperson when asked by electrive. The fast-charge option also includes one year of free access to Ionity – but because of the charging power alone, this is an option that Enyaq customers should add.

All versions have a maximum speed of 160 kph. Only the top model Enyaq RS iV is allowed to drive 180 kph. Besides, this version can pull a trailer weighing up to 1,400 kilograms, and a swivelling trailer coupling with an electric release is available as an option. However, it may only pull this load up to an eight per cent incline, and above that, it is limited to 1,200 kilograms. According to earlier information, the three rear-wheel-drive versions can pull up to one ton.

Even the basic model for around 33,800 euros with its 52 kWh battery and the 109 kW electric motor on the rear axle already offers decent equipment. In the UK, prices start from £33,450 (before £3000 PiCG). The founders variant costs almost £50,000.

The standard trim includes, among other things, a two-zone air conditioning system, a leather multifunction steering wheel, a DAB radio and LED headlights. This version comes with 18-inch rims.

Škoda no longer offers the classic equipment lines on the Enyaq iV. Instead, interior options are decoupled from other equipment features that were often part of a higher-value equipment line (for example, leather seats, automatic climate control and navigation system). In the future, the interior can be adapted using what the company calls Design Selections that differ in seat covers, decorative trims and instrument panel materials, for example. Sometimes (as in the basic model), it will be more puristic, sometimes more modern and homely, sometimes classically luxurious, occasionally sporty. A total of ten theme packages will be available, some of them in a basic and a more extensive plus version.

For other equipment features, the scope of the standard equipment depends on the battery size. Škoda mentions parking sensors, rearview camera or steering wheel heating, for example, which are part of standard equipment for larger batteries. Depending on the version selected (Škoda does not, however, specify the factors on which it is measured), the Enyaq should also have steering wheel rockers with which the degree of recuperation can be adjusted.

Irrespective of the different standard equipment, there will be optional extras that will then be available for all versions. Škoda wants to structure the product range in a way that the ordering process is made more comfortable with the standard equipment that depends on the battery size, the Design Selections, option packages and the thinned-out optional extras. In Škoda’s press release, the Czech Volkswagen subsidiary announces that the customer should receive their individually composed Enyaq iV “after just a few clicks”.

Visually, probably the most striking feature of the top model Enyaq RS iV is the illuminated radiator grille. As in the Vision iV study, 130 crystal-look LEDs illuminate the radiator grille and replicate the vertical struts that are common in combustion engines. The feature called Crystal Face is available at an extra charge on the RS series, the Enyaq 60 iV and 80 iV.

In the interior, the Enyaq 50 iV already has a ten-inch display and touch key operating buttons. A free-standing 13-inch touchscreen is installed in premium versions, but the system should also be able to be operated by gesture control and via the digital voice assistant Laura. Also, the car is permanently online via eSIM. It can thus use comprehensive traffic information for route planning, but also be controlled via Škoda app – for example, charging the battery or controlling the air conditioning before the start of the journey. Besides, navigation maps and system software can be updated “over the air”.

Since the classic centre tunnel of the combustion engine models is no longer required, Škoda’s interior designers, known for their “Simply Clever” solutions, have come up with a new interior design concept. The centre console, designed as a bridge, not only offers a 6.2-litre storage compartment, but also an 11.4-litre shelf under the bridge. A smart detail is that the usual storage compartments have been integrated into the backrests of the front seats with another two small storage pockets for smartphones.

A somewhat less intelligent solution was found for stowing the charging cable: it has a separate compartment under the floor of the trunk – which, depending on the cargo, is not easily accessible. In the case itself, an insert with various compartments is intended to reduce the slippage of objects while driving. After all, a cable cleaner should make it easy to clean the charging cable after use. A useful detail is that the ice scraper with a profile depth scale, which is usually hidden in the fuel filler flap, is installed inside the tailgate of the Enyaq iV.

The VW subsidiary plans to offer its charging card with the MyŠkoda Powerpass that will include the unspecified basic price for the first three years. The costs are “transparent and in line with the market,” it says. Also, a Škoda iV wall box is to be offered in three versions that are likely to be rebranded versions of the ID provided by VW. Chargers.

The Founders Edition is limited to 1,895 units – a figure referring to the year the brand was founded. The equipment is available as Enyaq 60 iV and Enyaq 80 iV and is only available in the metallic paint finishes Black-Magic and Arctic-Silver. In addition to 21-inch rims, they feature black exterior trims and, in the interior, the Design Selection called ecoSuite with cognac-coloured leather and contrasting stone-beige stitching.

Immediately following the world premiere of the Škoda Enyaq iV, it will be possible to pre-order some variants of the model in many countries. The basic model is to be available for order at a later date. In the UK, the start of sales is set for early 2021.

Reporting by Sebastian Schaal, Germany with information via email.