Skoda Enyaq Coupe Review

Although Škoda has had a tough job matching supply with demand over the last two years, that hasn’t stopped it adding new models to the range. The sporty vRS range-topper arrived late last year, introducing a new five-door coupe body style at the same time. Confusingly, Škoda has subsequently added a vRS version of the original Enyaq (now known as SUV to avoid confusion with the coupe). The latest expansion of the range sees non-vRS versions of the Enyaq Coupe finally arriving in the UK. Buyers can choose from four versions; 80, 80 SportLine Plus, 80x SportLine Plus and vRS, with the latter two coming with all-wheel drive as standard. 

Skoda Enyaq Coupe design

Let’s start with the basics. The Enyaq SUV is, effectively, Škoda’s version of the Volkswagen ID.4 while the Enyaq Coupe is the mechanical doppelgänger of the ID.5. It’s essentially a more aero-friendly version of the SUV and comes with a higher specification to justify the £2,000 premium the Coupe version commands over the SUV. 

In the metal, the Enyaq Coupe looks a little strange at first - especially if you’re used to seeing the SUV model on the road. It’s not unlike seeing a familiar friend with a new haircut. You know something is different, but your eyes and head can’t quite work it out. According to Škoda, the SUV and Coupe are identical from the nose to the A pillar. After that, the Coupe’s roofline takes a different route to the back of the car, dipping more at the back to create a more rounded, elegant profile. Like the Volkswagen ID.5, it’s not a roofline that sits particularly well on such a high riding car, but the execution is neat enough and Škoda’s design team have done a great job in tying up the loose ends on the tailgate. It also (praise be) comes with a rear wiper as standard - something other coupe models, including the Volkswagen ID.5, don’t. 

As standard, the entry-level 80 model comes with 19-inch alloy wheels that look a little small underneath the Enyaq’s chunky frame. The 80 also features chrome surrounds on the grille and window frames, which are slightly at odds with the car’s sportier feel. Buyers wanting a more dynamic look can either opt for some funkier alloys or upgrade to the SportLine model that features black trim and Sports suspension that lowers the car by 15mm at the front and 10mm at the rear. 

Inside, the Enyaq Coupe sticks to the tried and tested layout and trim that works so well in the SUV version. Compare the Enyaq to the pricier Volkswagen ID.5 and you can’t help feeling that the two were accidentally switched during development. The Enyaq’s cabin is the more refined and appears to be made with much better materials. It’s also an easier environment to navigate, thanks largely to Skoda’s smart decision to fit as many physical switches as possible. A row of buttons beneath the infotainment screen offer shortcuts to frequently used screens such as climate and driving mode while the steering wheel plays host to proper buttons and two pleasing metal thumbwheels. If you hate the haptic switchgear that blights Volkswagen’s ID models, Škoda offers a far more usable solution.

But don’t get the idea that the Enyaq’s user experience is perfect. The infotainment system (although much improved over earlier iterations) is still a weak link. Some screens take an age to load while the CarPlay connection process – even when the car and phone are paired – takes up to a minute to fire up. That may not sound like a big deal, but when you climb aboard and want instant navigation instructions, waiting for the phone and the car to do their thing is a pain.

Škoda has clearly been working to improve the usability of the system and added a few new features to make life less frustrating. A user-programmable shortcuts button allows owners to quickly execute commands that previously took drivers through multiple screens. So, for example, if you want to switch off the awful lane keep assist or the auto hold, you add them to the shortcut bar. Cleverly, the bar remains on screen even with CarPlay running, so you don’t need to interrupt your music / nav to make changes. 

In terms of comfort, the Enyaq Coupe is as good as it gets. Our car came with the Comfort Seat package option (which adds electric adjustment), but from experience even the basic Enyaq seats are perfectly acceptable. There’s also plenty of reach and rake adjustment on the steering wheel which means even leggy drivers can position the steering wheel well away from their knees. Enyaq owners are also unlikely to get any back chat from those in the rear thanks to limo-like legroom and a comfortable bench. The panoramic roof (standard on all Coupes) is best enjoyed from the rear and gives a lovely view of the sky above. 

Further back, the boot is big, well shaped and easy to access. The Coupe loses 15 litres of capacity compared to the SUV version, but still registers 570 litres, which will be plenty of big enough for most and more than the VW ID.5 and Audi Q4 can muster. Tumble the rear seats forward and the capacity rises to 1,610 litres. 

Skoda Enyaq Coupe battery, range and charging

Unlike the SUV, which comes with the option of an entry-level 58kWh battery, the Coupe can only be specified with a 77kWh pack. Thanks to the Coupe’s more aero-friendly styling, it offers a longer range than the SUV version. Our 80 test model came with a WLTP figure of 339 miles, which is one of the highest in the sector. While these figures are notoriously optimistic, the Enyaq Coupe performed well during our tests. Although the ambient temperature was a battery-friendly low 20 degrees, it returned just over 4 miles per kWh on mixed journeys of motorway and A-road. Based on that, we’d expect to see a full range of just over 300 miles in warm conditions and around 280 in winter. 

The Enyaq Coupe comes with a maximum DC charging speed of 135kW, which is good but strangely lower than the 170kW that Volkswagen’s ID.3 can muster with the same battery pack. Expect that figure to rise with a software update in the near future. As it stands, the Enyaq Coupe can charge from 10-80% in 27 minutes on a 150kW charger. On an AC connection (home wallbox for example), an empty to full charge will take just over 12 hours. 

Skoda Enyaq Coupe driving

Despite its sportier looks, the Enyaq Coupe delivers the same surefooted driving experience as the SUV. And that’s no bad thing. The ride is compliant and comfortable while the steering is light, agile and direct. It’s not a car to stir the soul (try the range-topping vRS if you want more excitement), but it does deliver a perfectly balanced driving experience that will be perfect for 99% per cent of owners. 

Performance is also fine rather than spectacular. 0-62mph can be dispatched in 8.5 seconds, but as with all electric cars, the Enyaq’s torque output of 310Nm means that it feels considerably faster than the figures suggest. 

As with all Volkswagen Group electric cars, the Enyaq’s brake regeneration system works in the background rather than offering true one-pedal driving. The system defaults to an automatic setting that takes into account road speed and gradient to work out the optimum level of regen, or you can select B mode on the drive selector. If you want to fine-tune the regen or make an on-the-spot adjustment, flicking the steering wheel paddles allows you to increase or decrease its intensity.  

Skoda Enyaq Coupe verdict

There’s a lot to like about the Enyaq Coupe. It’s comfortable, practical and appears to be very well made. Recent arrivals in the same sector such as the Kia Niro Electric and the Hyundai Kona make Škoda’s pricing look on the high side – especially if you dip into the expensive option packs – but it’s hard to beat as an all-rounder.