Skoda Enyaq iV RS Coupé: Test of the “Sporty” Electric SUV

Exuberant, expensive, and high-performing, is the family electric SUV overdoing it here? MOBIwisy tested the Skoda Enyaq Coupé in its RS version.

Not only does Skoda’s family electric SUV play the trendy card with a new coupe-inspired body style, but it also claims sporty pretensions. Really?

Enyaq Lost in the Volkswagen Electric Galaxy

Since Volkswagen’s electric rush, the German group’s strategy involves numerous plug-in models sharing a common platform to minimize costs, the legendary MEB underpinning all of the group’s “zero emissions” new releases.

The offensive started with the arrival of compact family models from Volkswagen, via the ID.3 and its cousin Cupra Born. Then came a family of SUVs based on an enlarged version of this platform: the Volkswagen ID.4, Audi Q4 e-tron, and Skoda Enyaq iV are all close cousins, whose style and technical tuning differ according to each brand’s positioning and development choices.

And like the Volkswagen ID.5 and Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback before it, the Czech brand also adopts this popular “coupe” version, which has been favored by SUV customers for several years now.

Skoda Enyaq Coupé: But What’s Left for Audi?

The new Skoda Enyaq iV Coupé follows a trend launched in 2007 by the BMW X6, now also seen in Mercedes models, Audi’s “Sportback” lineup, or even Renault’s Arkana. We are already familiar with the basic formula. It primarily involves sloping the rear roofline to approach a coupe-like design.

But beyond this tapering tail, which somewhat resembles an elevated sedan depending on your viewing angle, the Enyaq Coupé remains mechanically identical to its more conventional sibling. A large vehicle measuring 4.65 meters long, with only a 15-liter reduction in trunk volume due to its aesthetic modification. With 570 liters, it is more spacious at this level than a Kia EV6, Ford Mustang Mach-E, or its Volkswagen and Audi cousins. As spacious as a limousine for rear passengers, it retains the qualities of the standard Enyaq with high-quality finishing and a dashboard style that is traditional but pleasing to the eye.

Less confusing than a Volkswagen ID.4, the dashboard wouldn’t look out of place in an Audi model. In fact, you won’t feel less well served than in an Audi Q4 e-tron, the “premium” cousin of the Enyaq. However, you need to get familiar with this new Volkswagen electronic interface that has caused a stir over the Golf 8 and ID.3. The Enyaq’s touchscreen offers excellent responsiveness, and during our test, connectivity (Apple CarPlay & Android Auto) was flawless.

RS: Nothing Special?

In this RS version with a bold presentation (especially if you choose the very daring Mamba green of our test model!), the Enyaq Coupé makes its bold statement.

Powered by a dual-motor setup delivering a combined maximum of 300 horsepower and 460 Nm of torque, this heavy SUV weighing 2,225 kg accelerates straight ahead without any hesitation (0–100 km/h in 6.5 seconds). But it is far from the sporty tuning of a Tesla Model Y Long Range or the extreme versions of Ford or Kia’s electric SUVs: the Enyaq RS Coupé accelerates less strongly than the most powerful models in its class, and above all, it’s not particularly fun to drive.

The Czech model clearly prioritizes comfort, with a much smoother and more pleasant damping than that of the Tesla SUV (whether or not you opt for the optional adaptive suspension). Its tuning remains almost identical to that of the Volkswagen ID.4 GTX and Audi Q4 e-tron 50 Quattro, which share the same powertrain.

As for efficiency, during our mixed driving test, consumption was 22 kWh/100 km, notecoing a real-world range of about 350 kilometers under these conditions, thanks to its 77 kWh battery (504 km WLTP estimate). For recharging, it can reach 11 kW on AC power and 135 kW on DC fast charging, allowing a 10–80% fill in 36 minutes on a Ionity station.

Skoda Enyaq Coupé Price Compared to the Competition

We do not yet know the official French pricing for the Enyaq Coupé. However, the brand’s representatives indicate a price approximately €2,000 higher than that of the Enyaq with similar equipment and powertrain, partly offset by the standard fully glazed roof.

The top-end RS version will be around €61,000. That puts it directly against the Tesla Model Y Long Range (€62,990), which is more spacious, more powerful, and sportier (but less comfortable). It is less exclusive than the €78,950 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT, with its 487 horsepower, or the promising Kia EV6 GT with 535 horsepower (€66,900).

It is also considerably cheaper than the Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback 50 Quattro with the same 300-horsepower setup (€67,700). The Volkswagen ID.5 GTX with the same power makes an effort to keep its price down at €57,950 to stay eligible for the eco-bonus of €2,000, but at the expense of what appears to be less generous standard equipment.

Would a Skoda Enyaq RS Make Others Versions More Appealing?

Given the minimal performance difference compared to other Skoda Enyaq Coupé versions, it might be better to opt for a lower-tier variant, such as the Enyaq Coupé 80, which pairs a 204-horsepower motor with the large 77 kWh batteries, priced around €51,000 and offering the biggest range in the lineup (about 545 km WLTP).

Or even the 60 version, offering 180 horsepower and equipped with a 58 kWh battery capable of a maximum WLTP range of 416 km. Pricedprobably just below €45,000, this model is likely to benefit from the maximum €6,000 eco bonus.

Compared to the competition, pricing is very competitive (only the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 with large batteries are less expensive). But there’s no real reason to prefer the Coupé over the standard Enyaq, other than a slight advantage in range—about fifteen kilometers—due to better aerodynamics.

Skoda Enyaq RS Test: Verdict

The Enyaq Coupé follows the trend of SUVs with a sloping profile, and there’s no reason to fall for it unless you are a fan of the segment.

Anyway, it retains the qualities of the regular Enyaq, and for us, it’s the best of the three electric SUVs from the Volkswagen group in this category. But you don’t need 300 horsepower under the hood to enjoy it…

Gallery: Photos of the Enyaq Coupé RS

Skoda Enyaq Coupé RS iV 2022 Technical Sheet

Also read: Toyota bZ4X Review: How Good Is the First 100% Electric?