World premiere of the Skoda Elroq: lots of space for little money

The prices of electric cars have long been a much-discussed topic – and not just since Chinese manufacturers have been pushing into Europe (often at a premium). At Skoda, positioned within the VW Group as a brand that offers good value for the money, even the high base price of 48,900 euros for the cheapest electric model to date has not prevented success: The Enyaq continues to sell well.

However, to reach the mass market, the prices must come down! Skoda is not attacking this segment with the 4.65-metre-long Enyaq but with the Elroq, which the Czechs have now presented in Prague. Like its big brother, the new Elroq also utilises Volkswagen’s MEB—but in a class not yet served.

At 4.48 metres, the Elroq is positioned somewhat between the segments. It is noticeably shorter than the Enyaq and ID.4 (4.58 metres), but also longer than the compact ID.3 (4.28 metres) and the comparable Cupra Born. While the ID.3 and Born still try to pass as a classic compact car despite the high battery in the underbody, Skoda has clearly designed the Elroq to look like an SUV. As the Elroq does not have to hide its height, this allows freedom of design and more space in the interior.

Despite the shorter dimensions, the Elroq’s wheelbase of 2.77 metres corresponds to the MEB standard. That means the familiar batteries will also fit in the new Skoda. The Elroq will be available in four variants at launch. The Elroq 50 corresponds to the ID.3 Pure with a 52-kWh battery and 125-kW drive. The Elroq 60 uses the 59 kWh net/63 kWh gross battery familiar from the ID.3 Pro and the 150 kW motor in the rear. Above this is the Elroq 85, which is available in two variants with the 77 kWh battery: With the 210 kW APP550 electric motor (and 545 Nm torque) as a rear-wheel drive model or as the Elroq 85x all-wheel drive model. With an additional electric motor on the front axle, the power output is 220 kW. The 85 models can travel at up to 180 kph, while the Elroq 50 and 60 are limited to 160 kph.

Only some technical data on the new Elroq is available for the premiere in Prague. However, the answer is quite simple when it comes to charging, as the Skoda uses the latest version of the familiar VW technology. The WLTP ranges, on the other hand, are model-specific. Skoda currently only states a maximum range of 560 kilometres for the Elroq 85, but it is not yet clear how far the other engine versions will get.

The carmaker has yet to announce the full prices of all Elroq variants, but it revealed the base price: in Germany, the Elroq 50 will be available from 33,900 euros. It puts the Skoda virtually on par with the VW ID.3 Pure, which has been on sale since October at a list price of 33,330 euros.

With the identical wheelbase, the space in the front and rear of both models will also be very similar, but the Skoda will realise its additional length primarily in the boot. Up to 470 litres fit under the back shelf, compared to 385 litres in the ID.3. With the rear seat backrests folded down, the Skoda’s advantage is even greater (1,580 to 1,267 litres). Speaking of the back shelf, even in the Elroq, there was not enough room for a frunk under the bonnet (typical of the MEB), as the platform is simply not designed for it. Instead, Skoda developers have fitted a net under the parcel shelf where the charging cable can be stowed. It keeps it from flying around in the boot or having to be stowed in a compartment under the boot floor where it is difficult to access. It is within easy reach in the net – true to the Skoda claim ‘simply clever.’

It is these details and the lavish equipment that Skoda wants to score points with. The Elroq also offers the full range of features, from the large touchscreen for infotainment to the head-up display with augmented reality functions and all the assistance systems of the larger models. Also not unimportant for some prospective buyers: Skoda continues to rely on classic steering wheel buttons instead of touch control surfaces and has also placed the gear selector lever in the centre console – and not as a steering column lever.

Just because Skoda has chosen the more traditional route here than the VW brand does not mean that the Elroq has a conservative design.
On the contrary, the Elroq is the first model in the new Skoda design language called ‘Modern Solid.’ The Elroq does without the classic radiator grille. The black element between the headlights is now called the ‘Tech-Deck-Face’ and conceals all the sensors for the driving assistants. There are also the two-part headlights that are now frequently used in the industry – for design reasons, the pure LED daytime running lights are positioned further up, while the main headlights are hidden a little further down in the front apron. At the rear, however, there are no surprises – the Elroq is immediately recognisable as a Skoda.

Only the German base price for the Elroq 50 is currently known, where it will be available starting at 33,900 euros. However, Skoda emphasises that it will be around 33,000 euros in all European markets. And we won’t have to wait long for the prices of other versions either: the Elroq can be configured from 2 October as the Elroq 50, Elroq 85, and the special model Elroq 85 First Edition.

Source: Information per e-mail; in German