Name: Skoda Enyaq
Brand: Skoda

Driven and reviewed by

Mike Askew

24 Jan 2024

Launched in 2021, the Škoda Enyaq has become a benchmark car in the family SUV sector. Big, well made and comfortable, it remains the best all-rounder in the Volkswagen Group stable and has introduced a whole new audience to the Škoda brand. 2024 marks the arrival of a fairly substantial update package that has improved many of the shortcomings of the original model. Over the years, Škoda has carved itself a reputation for creating cars that fit perfectly into their owners lifestyles. Does the new, updated Enyaq follow suit?

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Introduction

From simple beginnings, the Enyaq range has expanded significantly over the years. In addition to two battery sizes (the smaller 58kWh pack has been re-introduced after being temporarily sidelined in 2022), buyers can choose between an SUV and what Škoda describes as a Coupe. In reality, it’s the SUV model with a swoopier, more aero-efficient roofline that comes with a higher price tag and without the option to choose the smaller battery option.

When it launched the Enyaq, Škoda opted to ditch traditional trim levels, and that plan is still largely intact. Unless you want one of the sporty models (SportLine and vRS), the idea is that you choose the battery you want, choose and interior ‘design selection’ that works for you and then fine tune the spec with some options. Škoda has muddied the water a little by removing some of the smaller options packs and replacing them with just two mega packs that contain plenty of features, but come at a cost. The larger Maxx pack, for example, costs £4,405. Speccing your perfect Enyaq can be a pricey business.

The Enyaq has always delivered a decent driving range and an agreeable driving experience, but the 2024 updates have delivered marked improvements in both areas. At the heart of the updates is a new drive and inverter unit (known as APP550) that is being deployed across the Volkswagen Group’s electric models. In short, it’s more efficient and delivers more power and torque than the previous unit.

Range has improved to 348 miles for the longest legged Enyaq 85 Edition model while performance has been sharpened considerably. Where the peak torque figure on the original was a decent 310Nm, the new versions deliver 545Nm. Although the 0-62mph time remains a brisk but not exactly sporty 6.7 seconds, mid-range acceleration is much punchier, and makes the Enyaq feel far more lively than its figures suggest.

Sadly, the improvements aren’t as noticeable on the smaller battery model. The new Enyaq 50 and Enyaq 50 Edition are fitted with a new 55kWh battery pack (52kWh net) that delivers up to 234 and 232 miles of range respectively on the WLTP cycle. The rear-mounted electric motor generates 170PS and 310Nm of torque and can accelerate the Enyaq from 0-62mph in 9.1 seconds. Top speed is 99mph.

In our hands, the 85 Edition model returned 3.9 miles per kWh on a variety of roads. It’s worth noting that for the week I had the car, the ambient temperature was in single figures throughout, so I’d expect that figure to rise a little in the warmer months. Had our car come with the optional heat pump, that figure could well have been higher.

Charging speeds have also been nudged upwards as part of the 2024 updates. The standard Enyaq 85 Edition model now comes with a peak of 135kW - which is a vast improvement on what the original car offered. What’s more, Škoda has added a preconditioning feature (accessed via the infotainment system) that allows the driver to manually trigger battery heating in order to achieve faster speeds.

Other improvements applied to the 2024 car include a(nother) substantial overhaul of the infotainment system. Having once been the laggiest, buggiest and downright awkward systems on the market, the Škoda infotainment system is now one of the best on the market. Quick to react and intuitive to use, it has none of the quirks and bugs of its predecessors with a clever menu that puts all the frequently used features at the top and bottom of the screen. If you’re still labouring under the impression that the Enyaq is let down by the infotainment system, it’s time to look again.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the practicality and comfort, both of which remain first class. The 585 litre boot is vast and can be extended to 1,710 litres by folding the rear seats flat, while rear passenger space is positively limousine-like.

Verdict

Skoda’s updates to the Enyaq have made it a better offering all round. The new drive system has made it more engaging to drive while boosting efficiency and range at the same time. The improved infotainment system is now much more pleasant to use and finally works with the driver instead of against them. Negatives? The Enyaq is still a pricey offering, especially when compared to recent arrivals and cheaper Tesla models. The fact that you still need to hit the options list for items like a heat pump is disappointing, too. However, if the price point works for you and you’re looking for a well designed and practical family car, the Enyaq should be at the top of your list.