Skoda crowns its recently released Enyaq electric series with a sporty top model. It can also sparkle.
The new Skoda Enyaq has made a lightning start. Only on the road since April, orders for the electric SUV are already approaching 10.000 units in Germany alone. And now the beautiful VW subsidiary from the east is also stepping up, targeting fans of all-wheel drive. As is usual with electric cars, a second electric motor is needed, which is now responsible for the front axle. Together with the already established colleague at the rear, the double heart has an output of 195 kW / 265 PS. No Enyaq has ever been so strong.
Pretty face
To ensure that the newcomer is also visually befitting, it is preferred to wrap itself in the likewise new "Sportline" equipment, the features of which are, for example, sills and front apron painted in the vehicle color, standard LED matrix or, on request, wheels up to 21 inches. The absolute highlight of this Enyaq version is undoubtedly the central front grille, whose vertical ribs and the cross brace are illuminated by 131 LEDs. Skoda calls the structure "Crystal Face" because of its decorative appearance. It is included in another equipment package, the price of which has not yet been determined.
The model is the BMW X6, which offered a glowing grill for the first time in Germany. During the test lap on the motorway, in the thick of Prague's hustle and bustle, or on the often very narrow country roads near the Skoda headquarters in Mlada Boleslav, the illuminated crystal light naturally did not come into its own during the day, apart from the tunnel under the Vltava. It always comes into action together with the normal lighting and cannot be switched on or off separately. The “prohibition” of switching off also applies to the all-wheel drive, which is controlled by the on-board electronics. Man can only express his intentions through his right foot. How or when the human commands are then implemented is left to the machine logic.
Sufficient performance
Take the example of motorway practice: Because of the speed limit of 130 km / h, the rear engine is completely sufficient for the usual local progress. Especially when an overtaking truck slows down the forward thrust again and again. If the driver then clears the left lane, it takes what feels like a moment of shock until the front engine implements the driver's request for acceleration. But then things get down to business in the 2,3-ton ship, the duo pulling and pushing in unison. All-wheel drive not for off-road use, but for fun in times of new mobility. Later on the road, the Enyaq iV shows that it can also master the curve twist.
If it really has to be. In addition to icy temperatures, the biggest enemy of an e-car is a heavy foot on the right pedal, which was previously known as “gas”. This also applies to the all-wheel drive, which costs around 50.000 euros. At 82 kWh, its battery is the same as that of the Enyaq with rear-wheel drive and only one engine. Anyone who uses the higher performance and the significantly more powerful pulling power (425 instead of 310 Newton meters) of the duo motor too liberally will be punished with a shorter range. Nothing there with a distance of more than 500 kilometers.
A finding that all e-cars have in common. What is needed is a slightly different type of driver. Skoda in particular is known for its level-headed, unexcited clientele who also live the brand promise of “simply clever”. The future buyers will decide whether a strong and fascinating Enyaq with all-wheel drive is really "clever". Because the normal items in the model family also have a lot to offer for significantly less money. Some new Skodans will even wait for the announced Skoda Enyaq RS with even more power. Nothing is just the way it used to be.
Technical data
Five-door SUV with five seats, length: 4,65 meters, width (without exterior mirrors): 1,88 meters, (with exterior mirrors: 2.17 meters), height: 1,60 meters, wheelbase: 2,77 meters, trunk volume: 585 - 1.710 liters
Two electric motors with a total of 195 kW / 265 PS (front 80 kW / 109 PS, rear 150 kW / 204 PS), maximum torque: 425 Nm, battery capacity: 82 kW / h, range of over 500 kilometers, all-wheel drive, 1-speed Gearbox, 0-100 km / h: 6,9 s, Vmax: 160 km / h (restricted), standard consumption according to NEDC: 16 kWh / 100 kilometers, CO2 emissions: 0 g / km, efficiency class A +
Price: probably around 50.000 euros
In brief
Why: Because it unites two worlds with sport and electricity, even if they don't really go together
Why not: A little less can be more (range)
What else: Ford Mustang-e, Audi Q4 e-tron, VW ID 4