With the Enyaq, Skoda showed how to bring down EV crossover prices without sacrificing the brand’s trademark space and practicality. Now, with the Skoda Elroq 85, they’re taking that approach to a whole new level. Opting for the current top version with 210 kW / 286 PS and an 82-kWh battery will cost you more, but it’s still a strong value play compared to many rivals.
Challenging Times at Volkswagen
Over at VW, things are far from rosy. The core brand struggles, sales of electric models lag, and price-sensitive customers eye cheaper rivals from Asia. Meanwhile, Skoda’s star is rising. The Czech marque’s new Elroq aims to deliver exactly what customers want: affordability, simplicity, and all the “Simply Clever” features Skoda is known for.
“Skoda is offering electric cars at the price of a combustion model,” boasts Skoda CEO Klaus Zellmer. He backs it up with numbers: The Elroq 50 Tour with 125 kW / 170 PS costs €33,900 – just a shade more than the base Karoq 1.0 TSI at €33,140. But the EV comes loaded with features like a rearview camera, a 13-inch infotainment screen, and advanced safety systems. Comparable gas models can’t match this combination at the same price.
Taking on the Competition
The competition isn’t sleeping. Kia’s EV3 starts at €35,990, while BYD’s Atto 3 asks for €37,990. Skoda’s trick? Make the Elroq essentially an electric Karoq, using a host of shared parts to keep costs down. It’s a tried-and-true recipe in the auto industry: more common parts, lower costs.
The Elroq’s design and build quality must still impress. With a wheelbase of 2.76 meters, it delivers the roomy cabin and clever storage solutions Skoda fans expect. It also previews the upcoming Enyaq facelift’s styling – Skoda’s new “Modern Solid” design language.
A Trio of Battery Options
We tested the Elroq 85: 210 kW / 286 PS, rear-wheel drive, and an 82-kWh battery. This top-spec model costs €43,900. For those on a tighter budget, there are two other battery packs: 63 kWh and 55 kWh (the Elroq 60 and Elroq 50, respectively) offering 125 kW / 170 PS or 150 kW / 204 PS. Down the line, a 220 kW / 299 PS AWD version will join the lineup. These three battery options form a “Czech triple threat,” catering to fleets, private buyers, and everyone in between.
Skoda’s aiming for Elroq volumes similar to the Enyaq’s 20,000 units per year. The Czech brand hopes the Elroq’s affordability and versatility will make it their EV volume hit.
Inside the Cabin
Hop into the Skoda Elroq 85, and you’ll find a comfortable driving position and a digital setup that’s easy to get used to. A 5-inch digital cockpit and a 13-inch touchscreen come standard.
There’s an optional AR head-up display, which remains visible even in bright sunlight. Navigation, media, and smartphone integration (via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto) are all straightforward.
Range and Charging
Skoda claims up to 579 km WLTP range for the 82-kWh version. In reality, that figure can drop based on driving style and temperature. On our test drive at 6.5°C, the system showed 447 km at 98% charge. We recorded a consumption of 21.3 kWh/100 km, higher than Skoda’s official 16.6 kWh.
Charging tops out at 175 kW DC for the largest battery – decent, but not class-leading. The smaller packs (Elroq 60 and Elroq 50) support 165 kW and 145 kW, respectively. Kia’s EV3 offers 128 kW and 101 kW, so Skoda’s right in the mix.
Driving Dynamics and Comfort
The Elroq’s suspension hits the sweet spot: firm enough for confidence, but never harsh. Driving modes – Eco, Normal, Sport – actually make a difference, though even Eco mode feels adequately peppy. The kick-down power is always available if you floor it, launching the Elroq 85 from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds and up to 180 km/h. That’s 20 km/h more than lesser variants.
Regen paddles allow for three recovery levels plus coasting. One-pedal driving isn’t possible, though, as it won’t fully stop the car.
Spacious and Cleverly Designed
Skoda’s calling card is interior space and clever details. Rear seat passengers ride comfortably, and the trunk offers 470 liters of space, expanding to 1,580 liters with seats down. Simply Clever touches abound: an umbrella in the door, a cable net under the shelf for easy cable access, and a collapsible loading floor help keep cargo organized.
The Skoda Elroq proves the Czech brand’s ability to adapt, innovate, and deliver EVs that balance cost and capability – a notable feat in challenging times.
Technical Specifications: Skoda Elroq 85
- Type: Electric Crossover
- Motor: Electric (RWD)
- Power: 210 kW / 286 PS
- Torque: 545 Nm
- Top Speed: 180 km/h
- 0–100 km/h: 6.6 s
- Battery: 82 kWh (77 kWh net)
- Consumption: 16.6 kWh/100 km
- Weight: 2,119 kg
- Cargo: 470–1,580 L
- Price: From €33,900 (basic), €43,900 (85-kWh version)
