2025 Skoda Enyaq Looks Great From Afar, but It's Far From Greatness

Specious. That's the word. It took me five or six minutes to sum up the refreshed Enyaq, and "specious," which is sometimes used to describe something misleadingly attractive, fits perfectly. But let's see what's what before moving on with our lives.

First and foremost, Skoda is one of Europe's most promising auto brands. As a member of the VW Group, the Czech company managed to retain its identity while improving in virtually every respect. You only have to look at the new Superb to see that Skoda is, unlike others, actually trying to deliver something reasonably priced that can sell well on the Old Continent. But can it master the EV game? Well… Maybe, at some point, it will!

Skoda can't be blamed for not trying, though. Being part of the VW Group comes with a ton of perks, but it also means that you must adhere to some branding strategies. That's why most Skoda products are intentionally not as good as or better than their Deutschland-born siblings.

Moreover, Skoda is forced to remain a budget carmaker. Or, better said, it tries to keep prices under a certain threshold. Its best vehicle now costs a bit (too) much. Existing starting prices could make anyone think twice about Skoda being affordable. After all, the base Superb is only €18,000 ($18,555) cheaper than a no-option BMW 5 Series.

You must be simply clever
Secondly, all-electric vehicles changed the paradigm. It's no longer about reliably pulling as much horsepower as possible from an engine without sacrificing fuel economy. What matters now is battery technology, short supply chains, good and snappy software, reliable hardware, efficient motors, and aerodynamics. Comfort and sound deadening? Those two aren't that important. Most early Tesla supporters can confirm.

However, even Rolls-Royce makes battery-powered vehicles now. Also, the world's best-selling car is electric. Whether you like it or not, we're moving towards zero-tailpipe emission motoring. China is showing everyone how it should be done, but there is still some catching up to do in terms of safety and reliability. Although Chinese brands have enjoyed European and American know-how and basically endless government funds, they have yet to figure out how to sell their rides everywhere.

It won't be long before they do, though. That gives Europe and America a little bit more time to play around. While Tesla is making all the right moves (even when it comes to lobbying), it seems that Skoda isn't rushing anywhere.

Thirdly, the brand-new Enyaq may be just a mid-cycle refresh, but it's not showing any signs of real progress. Forget Tesla exists for a second. Let's take Hyundai as an example. The South Korean marque started strong with the E-GMP platform that featured a battery built on the 800V architecture, powerful motors, and a chassis that maximized cabin room.

After around two years, Hyundai (and Kia) decided to bring forward bigger batteries, better tech, and slightly improved interiors. It also addressed the problems its customers had with parts like the ICCU and listened to what buyers wanted, which mainly was a rear wiper and no struggles with home charging.

Not great, but not terrible, either
Meanwhile, the new Enyaq is still a 400V vehicle. Depending on your battery of choice, charging times differ, but only by a couple of minutes. In ideal conditions, you could go from 10 to 80 percent state of charge in under half an hour (24 to 28 minutes) with all three versions. Skoda's questionable decision to use different battery providers with the new Enyaq translates into some unexpected peak charging speeds.

The smallest 59-kWh (usable) battery found on the "60" model can reach 165 kW, while the 77-kWh (usable) energy storage unit put on the rear-wheel drive unit (known as the "85") can only gulp electrons at a max speed of 135 kW.

Go for the best Enyaq there is – the 85x trim – and the 77-kWh (usable) battery (from a different company than the one that sells Skoda the battery put into the rear-wheel drive model) can charge at a top speed of 175 kW. As impressive as it might be, the new all-wheel-drive Enyaq 85x is still not as capable charging-wise as the E-GMP EVs.

Still, it's worth noting that the Czechs say the new rear-wheel drive Enyaq with the big battery (the 85 trim) won't suffer because of its maximum charging rate of 135 kW because it holds that top speed for longer, hence the absence of a difference in 10-80 DC charging times.

Planning on moving with haste from a traffic light? Pick the 85 or the 85x because the entry-level Enyaq 60 needs 8.1 seconds to reach 62 mph (100 kph) from a standstill, while the 85 and 85x share the same 6.7-second measurement despite the former having no motor on the front axle.

The 85 and 85x are electronically limited to a very Volvo-like top speed of 112 mph (180 kph), while the 60 taps out at 99 mph (160 kph).

Range-wise, the 2025 Enyaq 85 Coupe should be your best bet because it can cover 370 mi (596 km) on a single charge, whereas the 60 and the 85x will consume all the electrons after 272 mi (437 km) and 341 mi (549 km), respectively. Don't take these figures too seriously, though. They are based on the WLTP cycle, which is more permissive than the EPA test procedure.

Also, remember that rim size and tire choice can also impact range, and the EV can ride on 19-, 20-, and 21-inch wheels.
Looks (can be deceiving)
The new Enyaq now boasts Skoda's latest lighting signature, which encompasses the main beams into the lower part of the front bumper. Many automakers are using this arrangement to minimize the impact powerful LEDs have on oncoming drivers.

The Czechs, however, are doing it well. The matrix headlamps work well in relation to the light band that supposedly features an eyelash effect.

What Skoda forgot is that putting the main lights into a separate, low housing may result in headaches for owners living in colder climates. Snow buildup, grime, and ice can become real problems in winter because LEDs do not produce any heat. The fact that the headlamps are near a functional air intake and fitted into a slightly recessed position also does it no favors. What's even worse is that the previous generation came with headlight washers. The new one lost them.

Besides the possible issues with the new headlight design, Skoda also missed out on the opportunity to add a frunk. The hood isn't very large, but a separate space to put some EVSE is always welcomed. But Skoda makes it up to prospective buyers by giving the driver and the front passenger a dedicated spot for an umbrella. Take that, Rolls-Royce!

The new Enyaq comes standard with a big 13.1-inch infotainment display, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Computer hardware has not been upgraded, but customers will see some software improvements along with the physical buttons.

Environmentally-conscious customers will be glad to know that Skoda offers sustainable materials on most of its trims. The Lodge cabin, for example, features seat covers made from discarded fishing nets and old carpets.

I praise Skoda for offering customers willing to upgrade the option to equip their Enyaq with a sunroof that actually opens and is covered by a real, trustworthy sunshade curtain. If you like styling and go for the "coupe" version, this option won't be available. Instead, you get a fixed glass panoramic roof.

All new Enyaq EVs come with Side Assist, Rear Traffic Alert and Exit Warning, Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, Traffic Jam Assist, Front Assist including Predictive Cyclist Protection, Predictive Pedestrian Protection, Collision Avoidance Assist and Turn Assist, Lane Assist (basic), Side Assist including Rear Traffic Alert and Exit Warning, Attention and Drowsiness Assist, and Crew Protect Assist as standard.

Finally, prices start at around $45,500 (€44,000) in most European countries, which is only a couple of hundred euros more affordable than the elusive and not-yet-facelifted single-motor Tesla Model Y.

It's up to you to decide if the new Enyaq is better than the VW ID.4 just because it has more cargo capacity and a slightly better exterior design. You could also just wait for the highly-anticipated Elroq (which is incredibly popular with customers who placed so many orders already that the production line is busy until the end of Q3) or the new Model Y which is expected to feature Model 3 Highland-like upgrades.