Skoda Enyaq iV has 5 models, up to 510km EV range

Skoda has revealed its first electric car, the Enyaq iV – and the brand’s first EV is all about choice.

Rather than a one-size-fits-all single model variant Skoda has come out swinging with five different electric drivetrain options that cover off a range of outputs and battery capacities and two- or four-wheel drive options.

Based on the Vision iV concept from 2019, the Enyaq is underpinned by the MEB modular electric architecture used on other Volkswagen Group EV products, including the Volkswagen ID.4 SUV and ID.3 hatchback.

Skoda cleverness for Enyaq iV

With a wagon-inspired shape – the Enyaq iV looks more crossover than SUV from some angles – the Enyaq iV is packed with the cleverness that defines the Czech brand.

That includes folding tray tables in the rear, umbrella holders in the doors, smartphone holders in the rear and a tyre scraper and tread depth gauge.

There’s also Skoda’s “sleep package” with wings that rotate out of the rear headrests for on-the-road naps.

Skoda has even added a charging cable cleaning package under the adjustable false floor; it includes gloves and wipes to ensure you’ll have the cleanest charging cable on the block.

LED lights provide a distinctive signature front and rear and there’s also an optional “Crystal Face” that uses 130 LEDs to illuminate the grille.

There’s also a choice of wheels ranging from 18 inches in diameter to 21 inches.

Inside is an expansive dashboard that showcases an enormous 13-inch infotainment screen (the base Enyaq iV has a 10-inch display).

A 5.3-inch digital instrument cluster has four different layouts and the floating centre console includes storage underneath.

There’s a built-in SIM card to keep the car constantly connected and allow additional functionality, as well as wireless phone charging in a “phone box” and internet radio as well as digital radio tuning.

The Canton sound system has between four and 12 speakers, depending on the model.

The cabin can be fitted with one of 10 different colour and trim combinations, from modern and innovative materials to more traditional leathers.

One of the materials is a Wool Blend Performance made with a mix of wool certified by Australian company Woolmark and recycled plastic bottles.

5 EV choices for Enyaq

But it’s the choice of electric powertrains that defines Skoda’s first electric car.

The Enyaq iV has five combinations offering a choice of single or dual electric motors, the choice of three battery capacities and five power outputs.

The five models include the Enyaq iV 50, 60, 80, 80x and sporty RS.

Whereas the 50, 60 and 80 drive only the rear wheels, the 80x and RS drive all four wheels.

The 50 gets a usable battery capacity of 52kWh and a WLTP range of 340km.

The 60 gets a 58kWh battery with a 390km range.

The 80, 80x and RS each get the largest 77kWh battery with respective ranges of 510km, 460km and 460km.

The reason the 80 gets the longest range is because it has the largest battery and – like the Enyaq iV 50 and 60 – only one motor powering the rear wheels.

The 80x and RS get an additional motor to drive the front wheels and provide swifter acceleration, but the additional weight reduces the driving range between charges.

More expensive models get steering wheel paddles to adjust the rate of regenerative braking depending on preferences and driving conditions.

Charging speed varies depending on the model.

The Enyaq iV 50 can accept up to 7.2kW of AC charging and 50kW of DC fast charging.

The Enyaq iV 60 can take 11kW AC and 100kW DC.

All others – the Enyaq 80, 80x and RS – can accept 11kW of AC charge and 125kW of DC fast charging.

Pricing for the Enyaq iV starts at around 34,000 Euros ($55,000) and the car goes on sale in Europe this year.

Skoda Australia has its hand up for the Enyaq iV but says it is unlikely before 2022.