Skoda Enyaq: another look at its formidable e-SUV

Popular in the electric market, the Škoda Enyaq has been updated. A rejuvenation of its style is visible at first glance. Has this SUV pulled any other arguments out of its hat?

They say that clothes don't make the man. But a new look can bring a nice spotlight. We could call it the Enyaq effect. Indeed, Škoda has given its range a new look with the Modern Solid design. A style that instantly modernizes this model and its roommates. On the road, the operation also saves the Czech car around twenty kilometers thanks to work on aerodynamics. Therefore, the official data sheet promises 586 km according to the WLTP standard. Otherwise, nothing really changes. In fact, with this model already having a bit of a success, why risk everything? At worst, the new nose makes its predecessor look a little old.

Simple and efficient

Sitting behind the new steering wheel, a panoramic tour of the cockpit confirms: we're still on familiar ground. However, some more environmentally friendly materials have made their appearance in this EcoSuite interior with its orange highlights. This reassuring environment is easy to navigate for those familiar with the VW Group. There are still buttons, aligned along a ramp. The controls on and behind the steering wheel are simple. There are paddles for managing regeneration while braking. The start-up is classic: a Start-Stop button on the steering column and a switch on the center console. Of course, there's no escaping the 13-inch touchscreen, mounted on the dashboard.

While we're at it, before we get started, let's try to find the typical Škoda extras. Yes, there's an umbrella hidden in the door. The ice scraper for winter isn't behind the hatch, but in a storage compartment inside the tailgate. Rear passengers can store their smartphone in a special pocket on the back of the front seat.

To store cables, there's no frunk, but a small bag that fits in the corner of the trunk. A 585-liter trunk with a false floor to store, for example, the storage nets from the Transport pack (€405) or the partition net (€230). When you fold down the bench seat, you can transport 1710 liters of various objects. And if that's not enough, the swivel tow ball is available for €810 (towing capacity of one ton). In any case, on board, there's room for everyone.

On the road

To power this large 4.66m car, after gaining 9mm, the 210 kW (286 hp) and 545 Nm electric motor drives the rear wheels. In fully automatic mode and "Normal" driving mode, the progression is a happy medium. Switching to Comfort mode allows for better handling of poorly surfaced roads or small country lanes. Activating Sport mode and choosing to adjust the regeneration "engine brake" yourself, the machine really comes into its own. But its 2.65 ton mass and its size set logical limits. There's also Eco mode to try to squeeze a few kilometers of range out of it. But once again, there's nothing like using your right foot to control the ions.

The landscape through the windshield, far behind the long dashboard, is a scenery that scrolls serenely by. The augmented reality head-up display adds information so you don't have to look down. Focus on the road. Thanks to the dynamic chassis of the Ultra pack (€3,925), the SUV is adept at preserving the vertebrae. Even if the slightly hard seat cushion ends up tiring the lower back as the kilometers go by. No matter! Critics will say that, in any case, you'll have to stop often to plug in the car.

Think again. The actual range on the highway allows you to be reckless and take turns of more than 2.5 hours. Indeed, in temperate climates, it is possible to travel almost 400km between two terminals with the 77 kWh battery (82 kWh gross). And even 300km in winter! In the combined cycle, our average consumption was just under 17 kWh/100km. This offers a good 450km of maximum range.

Charging a little limited

This fuel economy is a real asset, despite the SUV's size. However, and this will give the bottom time to rest, Škoda forgot to equip its vehicle with truly fast charging. The maximum DC power for the Enyaq 85 is 135 kW. In practice, we saw fast charging with peaks of 120 kW to recharge the battery from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes. This still offers, with the battery 4/5 full, at least 300km of highway range in summer. To achieve this, I had considered activating cell temperature optimization via the central display 15 minutes before stopping at the charging station. But, frankly, we would have preferred a limit of 175 kW. At home, with AC current, it's usually at a maximum of 11 kW.

The Enyaq's update hasn't fundamentally changed the multimedia system. The OS dates back to 2023. It's fluid and intuitive, provided you associate the various icons with the correct menu. You sometimes have to double-tap the screen to reach certain essential functions, such as muting certain driving aids and optimizing the battery before charging. Android Audio integration wasn't a problem. And even with the pairing, it's very easy to access the car's main menus or driving aids without going through the Android menu thanks to a shortcut bar at the very top of the display.

The Right Price

The entry-level Enyaq 60 version with 150 kW (204 hp) and a 59 kWh battery (435 km WLTP) starts at €41,655 in Belgium in September 2025. The "basic" Enyaq 85 with 210 kW (286 hp) starts at €49,640. However, it's essential to add the heat pump to avoid losing range in winter or during heat waves. Additional cost: €1,165.

The model tested and in the images is in Corporate trim (€62,505) with contactless tailgate opening (virtual pedal) integrated into this version and full Matrix headlights. Added to this is the Olibo Green livery (€535), the Cognac-colored EcoSuite interior (€2,700), the 21-inch Aquarius rims (€1,545) instead of 19 inches, the panoramic sunroof (€1,185), the towbar (€810), the separation net (€230), the heat pump and the Winter (€465) and Ultra (€3,925) packs. A total of €75,470.

It's difficult to find exactly the same configuration for other countries. For example, in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Škoda Enyaq 60 starts at €42,790 and the Enyaq 85 at €46,490. To find a configuration similar to the one we tested, you'll have to pay at least €62,200. In France, there's no Enyaq 60 in the catalog. We go straight to the Enyaq 85 starting at €46,400. By configuring it to resemble the model we tested in metallic olive green, the price then rises to €62,170.

There's no Enyaq 60 in Switzerland either. The 85 variant has a starting price of CHF 51,440 with a standard heat pump. After configuring it to find the main options and accessories of the model in this test, it comes to CHF 65,510. In the Netherlands, prices start at €42,990 for the Enyaq 60 variant. The Enyaq 85 is available from €45,990. With similar equipment to our test model, the bill will be at least €60,180. For your information, in Germany, a Škoda Enyaq 85 costs at least €48,900 and £44,310 in the UK. Finally, there is also a 210 kW (286 hp) 85X all-wheel-drive variant and the RS developing 250 kW (340 hp).

(MH with Olivier Duquesne – Sources : Škoda & D’Ieteren – Photos : © Olivier Duquesne)