Electric Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV hits the road

Skoda has revealed a 'coupe' version of its first electric vehicle, the Skoda Enyaq iV, and it’s likely to top the Czech brand’s model range in Australia too.

Officially pictured here for the first time, the Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV is currently undergoing public-road testing in Europe wearing camouflage, before its official global launch in early 2022.

Skoda Australia is yet to officially confirm either Enyaq model for launch Down Under, but has previously said it hoped to launch the Enyaq here some time next year.

Speaking before the mid-size electric SUV’s reveal in late 2019, local Skoda boss Michael Irmer said: “We have put our hand up every strongly for that.

“We will start with top-end and top range at selected dealers. We will launch it as a halo car. It will be one of the most expensive vehicles we will have in the range.

“But like all our other models it will be absolute value for money. It will be exciting.”

Given the Skoda Enyaq Coupe will likely be more expensive and more exclusive than the regular Enyaq, there’s every chance it will eventually become Skoda’s new flagship model in Australia.

Either way, Skoda Australia looks set to beat Volkswagen Australia to market with an EV, given the closely related Volkswagen ID.4 is not slated to arrive here until at least 2023.

Both Skoda Enyaq models and Volkswagen’s entire ID model range – ID.2, ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID.6 and the ID. Buzz van – are all based on VW’s MEB dedicated EV platform.

Before any of them arrive, however, Volkswagen Group Australia’s first electrified models will come courtesy of the German giant’s Cupra brand, which will launch locally with a trio of plug-in hybrid models by mid-2022.

And Cupra will itself launch its first two MEB-based EVs by 2025 – the pint-size Born hatch and a small SUV to be previewed at the Munich motor show this week by the Cupra UrbanRebel concept.

For now, the Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV is said to be more aerodynamic and efficient than the mid-size SUV on which it’s based, thanks to its swoopier roofline.

Skoda says a driving range of up to 534km should be achievable with the larger of two available batteries (62kWh or 82kWh), while three power outputs and both rear- or all-wheel drive will be on offer.

The range will comprise the rear-drive Enyaq Coupe iV 60 (132kW) and Enyaq Coupe iV 80 (150kW), while the all-wheel drive Enyaq Coupe iV 80x (195kW) will top the range.

From outside, the Enyaq Coupe iV measures 4653mm in length and 1617mm in height, making it 4mm longer and 1mm higher than its SUV sibling. Width (1879mm) and wheelbase (2765mm) is unchanged.

Because of the Coupe’s more curvaceous rump, however, owners will have to make do with 570 litres of boot space, instead of the Enyaq iV SUV’s 585 litres.

Even still, Skoda says five passengers can expect a “generously sized interior”, while a carryover centre-piece inside the cabin of every Enyaq will be a 13-inch central touch-screen display.

The Enyaq cabin will also house a host of sustainable materials, including natural wool and polyester, while black and grey shades aim to create a ‘timeless’ colour combination.

Elsewhere, a 5.3-inch digital instrument cluster (read: Digital Cockpit), dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, ambient LED lighting and a panoramic glass roof will all be standard.

In Europe, optional extras include a head-up display, Matrix LED headlights and full-LED tail-lights.

Wheel sizes range from 19- to 21-inch, while the brand’s signature C-shaped light clusters up front will carry over, featuring LED daytime running lights (DRLs).

A ‘Crystal Face’ grille will be another option for buyers, bringing 131 LEDs that illuminate the vertical slats and horizontal trim of the grille.

“We have made a great start on the international markets with our all-electric flagship Skoda Enyaq iV,” said Skoda boss Thomas Schafer.

“The vehicle has been very well received by our customers, and roughly 70,000 orders have been placed,” he said.

“In early 2022, we will be upping the ante with the Enyaq Coupe iV: this variant of our e-SUV is even more emotive and presents a real design highlight, rounding off the top end of our model range.”

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