Car review – Skoda Enyaq iV 80

On VW territory

With the Enyaq iV Skoda goes on the offensive. This electric SUV is in fact a direct competitor to the ID.4 from parent company Volkswagen, which uses the same technology and has a comparable price.

Same technology, different design

Same technology, different design

Although they are technical twins, the Enyaq iV distinguishes itself from VW's ID.4 on various levels. For example, its body design is much more classic and you can't tell from the Skoda that it is an electric car. Inside, the Enyaq iV is a different car as well, with nicer and better-looking materials than the ones you will find in the ID.4.

The Enyaq iV sits on the MEB platform inaugurated by the Volkswagen ID.3 and will be offered at launch with a 62kWh battery pack (the "60") and one of 82kWh (the "80"). These feed electrons to an electric motor on the rear axle, making the Enyaq iV a rear-wheel drive car. The "60" delivers 180hp, the "80" 204. Both versions offer a maximum torque of 310Nm.

According to the WLTP standard, the 60 achieves 413km of range with a full battery, with the 80 offering 537km. Even after deducting a 33% margin, the large battery still gives a driving range of some 350 kilometres, which is sufficient for most.

Smooth but not fast

Smooth but not fast

The 204hp and 310Nm of the 80 are enough to make the Enyaq iV perform smoothly (the sprint to 100kph takes 8.6 seconds), but it certainly doesn't feel sporty or fast. This is of course due to the high empty weight of no less than 2 tons.

A dynamic driving style doesn’t become the Enyaq iV. It is at its best when you drive it relaxed. You will be rewarded with loads of comfort and a gratifyingly low power consumption.

Enormous space

Enormous space

Contributing to the high comfort level is the forgiving suspension combined with the good soundproofing and the extremely spacious interior. Even basketball players won’t feel claustrophobic, whether they are in the front or the back.

With 585 litres the boot is also more than spacious enough for family use and under the floor there are a few more handy storage compartments. Very practical as well are the numerous Simply Clever features, such as the umbrella in the driver's door or the ice scraper in the boot lid.

Recommended option

The Enyaq iV’s on-board charger can handle 11kW of AC power while DC can be absorbed at 50kW. For an all-new BEV, that’s inadequate. It is therefore recommended to upgrade to 100 kW (on the 60) or 125 kW (on the 80), an option that increases the base price by €520 including VAT. The heat pump (€1,205) is not standard either, unfortunately.

The Enyaq iV is a worthy opponent of the VW ID.4, offering the same qualities while sticking to a more classic look. The materials in the interior feel more qualitative, the price is comparable and so is the performance. It is merely a matter of taste, because fiscally there is no difference.