New Škoda Enyaq test driven – sanity’s best friend

New Skoda Enyaq test driven – sanitys best friend

The editorial consensus has been that the Enyaq appears to be a sensible choice alongside its group siblings, including the Volkswagen ID.4. A bunch of improvements are unlikely to change that.

The news in the updated Škoda Enyaq includes a luxurious equipment level called Laurin & Klement, new powertrains and an updated infotainment system. All updates apply to both the SUV and coupe models.

I headed to the Austrian Alps to get to know the new Škoda Enyaq better.

Škoda carefully trots forward

For Škoda, the update is mainly about polishing away small blemishes and making sure that the Enyaq still feels fresh. The motto “don’t change a winning concept, but don’t settle for this either” has indeed been followed to the letter.

Updated Enyaq offers evolution rather than revolution

At first glance, nothing has changed. Both exterior and interior are barely distinguishable from previous year models. This means that the Enyaq remains elegant, even if the illuminated grill, as well as the braces, in the front is a bit grotesque.

The only thing that can reveal the new Enyaq purely in terms of appearance is whether the car has the equipment level Laurin & Klement, or L&K.

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A proven concept

It is a level of equipment that has been found on other models in Škoda’s stable, but which is new for the Enyaq in particular. Unlike the second equipment level Sport Line, the powder is put on a little extra flair and comfort, something that is sure to appeal to the majority of Enyaq customers all the more.

The exterior of L&K models is adorned with details in matt silver which on the base model are body colored and on Sport Line models are gloss black. Furthermore, the L&K model gets unique rim options.

Both the SUV and coupe models have been updated

Inside, the L&K models get a boost in the form of leather upholstery and front seats with heating and ventilation as well as massage. It also has all the technology imaginable and a better sound system.

In short, the L&K variant is a full-blown Enyaq that makes the price jump by SEK 100,000, which makes the Enyaq 85x L&K more expensive than the Enyaq RS.

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News under the hood

One of the major changes has taken place on the driveline front, where the iV 80 and iV 80x have been scrapped and replaced with the 85 and 85x respectively. The RS model has also received a lift.

The range has increased by around 20 km for all models and the performance has also improved.

Enyaq RS now has significantly higher power – Photo: Skoda

The biggest difference is noticeable in the Enyaq 85 which has gone from 204 hp to 286, which is the same power as in the four-wheel drive 85x. The Enyaq RS now has 340 hp instead of 299, which differentiates it more from the other powertrains than before.

The four-wheel drive models are now capable of fast charging with an output of 175 kW and preheating of the battery can now be activated manually through the new software.

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Software that doesn’t give a headache

The software is something that has been criticized in the past, and Škoda has listened. Everything has been reworked with much more intuitive menus and programmable shortcuts.

The climate settings are unfortunately found on the screen, but the most basic settings are always visible and the climate menu itself has large and clear buttons.

The MMI system has received a major boost – Photo: Skoda

The system as a whole is also perceived as more responsive than before and after a few hours behind the wheel you are good friends with it all.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also an excellent option that work well.

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Škoda Enyaq on the open road

The Škoda Enyaq has never been a particularly pulse-raising model, not even in RS guise. If you ask me, that’s definitely a positive in a car meant to serve as full-time family transport.

The increased effect is noticeable, however, and all versions are easily nimble enough to whiz around in everyday traffic.

The RS model is still not very exciting, although in very specific speed ranges it can mash the passengers into the bowled sports seats at full throttle.

The Enyaq RS is still not as fun to drive as the name suggests – Photo: Skoda

What the RS model mainly falls on is comfort and steering. The sports suspension makes the car feel markedly more bumpy and stiff, and the steering feels artificially heavy without better communicating what is happening at the wheels.

It’s best behind the wheel of the L&K models, where the experience, despite the large rims, is extremely relaxing.

On the winding alpine roads, the Enyaq behaves confidently and controlled even when driving more aggressively. It also includes rear-wheel drive Enyaq 85 which quickly eliminates any oversteer that easily occurs when the thermometer shows minus.

Enyaq is still our favorite among the group siblings – Photo: Skoda Still a favorite

The content is simple; the new Škoda Enyaq remains a continued favorite in the EV jungle thanks to its practical nature and ease of use. It doesn’t try to be something it shouldn’t be and instead lets its ingenious solutions take center stage.

There isn’t much prestige in driving a Škoda, but a much wiser choice is hard to make. Enyaq has undoubtedly overtaken its corporate siblings in terms of must-haves.

When it comes to which of the models to choose, there are no bad options, but the Enyaq 85 makes the most sense, provided you don’t value fast charging highly. Whichever model you have your eye on, just avoid the sports suspension.

Rating of New Škoda Enyaq: 4/5

Škoda Enyaq 85 (2024)
Engine: Rear electric motor, 286 horsepower, 545 newton meters
Transmission: 1-speed automatic transmission, rear wheel drive
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 6.7 seconds
Top speed: Limited to 180 km/h
Electrical range: Up to 560 km
Charging power (AC/DC): 11 kW/135 kW
Battery: 77 kWh
Weight: 2,112 kg
Dimensions (length/width/height): 4649/1879/1620 mm
Award: from SEK 559,900

Škoda Enyaq 85x (2024)
Engine: Electric motor front & rear, 286 horsepower, 545 newton meters
Transmission: 1-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 6.6 seconds
Top speed: Limited to 180 km/h
Electrical range: Up to 531 km
Charging power (AC/DC): 11 kW/175 kW
Battery: 77 kWh
Weight: 2,222 kg
Dimensions (length/width/height): 4649/1879/1620 mm
Award: from SEK 599,900

Škoda Enyaq RS (2024)
Engine: Electric motor front & rear, 340 horsepower, 545 newton meters
Transmission: 1-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 5.5 seconds
Top speed: Limited to 180 km/h
Electrical range: Up to 539 km
Charging power (AC/DC): 11 kW/175 kW
Battery: 77 kWh
Weight: 2,251 kg
Dimensions (length/width/height): 4653/1879/1615 mm
Award: from SEK 659,900

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