VIDEO: 2024 Skoda Enyaq RS electric SUV confirmed for July release

Skoda has confirmed that its first-ever electric cars, the Enyaq wagon and coupe, will arrive in Australian showrooms in July 2024 – likely just behind the related Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5.

The announcement comes several months after the Czech carmaker showed Wheels a pre-facelift version on local soil, though the car we'll be getting has been treated to the mid-life update Skoda detailed for Europe last week.

At that event, Skoda hinted that it would bring the then-unreleased Enyaq 85 as our base model, with new motors providing 210kW and 576km driving range (Coupe, WLTP).

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Those are significant improvements, with 60 extra kilowatts enough to get the Enyaq 85 from 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds, two seconds faster than the old 80.

Software and motor improvements mean it's more efficient, too, eking out 16km more driving range.

Headlining the Australian range will be the all-wheel drive RS model developing 250kW, an improvement of 30kW. It can sprint from rest to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds.

“Both the 210kW and 250kW Enyaq are the most powerful Škoda models we have ever offered, while delivering among the longest electric vehicle driving range in the electric medium SUV segment,” said Skoda Australia head of marketing and product Kieran Merrigan.

“Škoda customers are also among the most discerning and progressive in the market, and the Australian love affair with RS badged product continues. Together this tells us that our performance and technology flagship, as an appealing SUV, will be warmly welcomed into the market from mid next year”, he added.

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Click on the image to view the Enyaq's pre-update interface

Visually, the changes are limited to new logos and lettering outside with the 'iV' branding dropped.

Inside, the Enyaq gets new 'version 4.0' software with a redesigned interface and new graphics that also apply to the head-up and digital driver's displays. Skoda's voice assist is also said to be improved.

Alongside the new electric motors, Skoda has finessed the battery software and high-voltage equipment to eke more range from the same 77kWh (usable) NCM pack (see the range comparison table below).

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Finally, Skoda has improved the charging speed on the Enyaq 85. It'll now accept DC electricity at 175kW for a 10-80 per cent top-up in 28 minutes.

Pricing and final specifications are yet to be finalised beyond the two-variant launch line-up.

Skoda Australia previously told Wheels to expect a circa-$80K starting price. To compete on price with other medium electric SUVs such as the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5, Skoda will need to be sharp on the Enyaq's 85's sticker.

Our original story, below, continues unchanged

June 2023: Skoda Enyaq confirmed for Australia

After being unveiled internationally in late 2020, Skoda Australia has confirmed the brand’s first battery-electric vehicle – the Enyaq SUV – will arrive here, in updated form, in mid-2024.

The Australian range will feature both Enyaq body styles (wagon and coupe) and be offered in at least two variants (long-range rear-drive Sportline and AWD RS), with the just-revealed 'Laurin & Klement' luxury version expected to spearhead our Enyaq line-up as a range-topping launch edition.

Originally intended to arrive sometime in 2023, the Enyaq’s delay has been attributed to the model’s huge success in Europe, with waiting lists of up to 18 months on some variants and Europeans favouring the coupe version.

Skoda Australia also expects the more aerodynamic Enyaq coupe (with a drag coefficient of just 0.234) to be the most popular body style once it goes on sale here.

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Due to battery improvements, our updated base Enyaq will be badged ‘85’ rather than '80 – alluding to its enhanced 210kW output, faster 0-100km/h time of 6.7 seconds and improved WLTP driving range range of 570km.

Featuring an 82kWh battery (77 useable), Skoda claims the long-range Enyaq 85 can go from 10-80 per cent charge in under 30 minutes, or reach 80 per cent charge in 7.5 hours using an 11kW wall box.

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"... the Enyaq’s pricing is expected to start around $80,000...

Other changes to the updated Enyaq 85 Sportline include a new 21-inch alloy wheel design and the removal of its ‘iV’ moniker (as all future Skoda EVs will be designated by model name only), along with deletion of its rear window wiper for a cleaner appearance.

Intended to compete with Kia’s Wheels COTY-winning EV6, the Enyaq’s pricing is expected to start around $80,000 when it reaches Australia, seeing that the 85 Sportline will be comprehensively equipped (if Skoda Oz is able to spec it with everything it desires).

In terms of sizing, the Enyaq is similar in length to a Kodiaq

Notable equipment will potentially include adaptive damping, dynamic steering, 21-inch ‘Betria’ alloy wheels, adaptive matrix LED lighting, animated lighting display with ‘crystal face’ illuminated front grille, headlight washers, a head-up display with augmented reality, Alcantara/leather trim, electric sports front seats with driver’s massage function, a 13-inch infotainment screen with dual wireless charging pads, and a 12-speaker Canton sound system.

Sharing the Enyaq 85’s enhanced battery, power output and electric range, the Laurin & Klement edition goes a step further with chrome exterior detailing, unique alloy wheels, Nappa leather trim (in beige or black), ventilated front seats and high-grade dashboard upholstery.

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In terms of sizing, the Enyaq is similar in length to a Kodiaq, riding on a 2764mm wheelbase. With a height of 1621mm, it stands significantly taller than a Kia EV6, with the Enyaq coupe offering 39mm more front headroom and the same rear headroom as the wagon version thanks to its standard panoramic glass roof.

Australian buyers will be able to register their expressions of interest for the Skoda Enyaq in the first quarter of 2024.