As before, you can get the electric Skoda Enyaq in two distinct shapes: the standard SUV model and the sportier-looking Enyaq Coupe reviewed here. As part of updates for the 2024 model year, both variants receive some minor visual enhancements and, for the larger battery model, a performance boost that adds more power and a small extension to the overall driving range.
In the metal
The differences to the outside of the 2024 Skoda Enyaq Coupe (and the regular Enyaq for that matter) aren't very noticeable. The sheet metal has not been changed, though both cars now carry the company's latest badging, which was updated recently. Hence, there's a slightly larger diameter logo on the bonnet and the font used for the company wordmark across the boot is also new. On top of that, Skoda will no longer use the 'iV' designation for its electrified models, and the larger capacity battery is now signified by the 85 name rather than 80.
That latter change refers to the performance updates the Enyaq gets for the 2024 model year. Its battery remains the same, with a usable capacity of 77kWh, but improved thermal management and pre-conditioning software increase the official driving range to 570 kilometres for the Enyaq Coupe while shortening the time it takes to DC rapid charge from 10 to 80 per cent capacity by eight minutes.
Inside, little has changed and the Enyaq remains a spacious family car with good levels of room for those in the front and the rear. Regarding 2024 updates, the native infotainment system gets a refresh primarily to display the new corporate identity, as does the head-up display. There are some software improvements, including 'Laura', the digital assistant. Skoda claims to have made it more accurate at understanding and it can transcribe spoken commands using speech-to-text and display them on the infotainment screen for visual feedback.
Despite the apparent sloping roofline of the Enyaq Coupe, there is no major compromise in terms of practicality. A very slight reduction in boot capacity is all there is between the two Enyaq models, and even that is negligible in real-world terms. The upside of the exterior design is that it is more aerodynamic, resulting in a slightly longer driving range than the equivalent Enyaq SUV.
Driving it
Even though the Skoda Enyaq looks largely the same, how it drives has changed. The new rear axle motor is more powerful, providing the single-motor Enyaq with a peak output of 285hp (210kW), an increase of 81hp over the outgoing model. One small caveat is that the maximum power output depends on the battery's state of charge and operating temperature. The dual-motor version, as tested here, gets the same peak 285hp output, and that represents a smaller jump in power as the previous Enyaq 80x produced 265hp.
Off the mark, the Enyaq 85x is slightly faster, accelerating to 100km/h from rest in 6.6 seconds, which is plenty quick for a car of this size. The sportier Enyaq RS, which now has an output of 340hp, is still offered should you desire something more potent. In reality, the 85x provides more than enough performance for everyday use. Power delivery for the 85x is predictably smooth, and there is no lack of shove should you need to perform a quick overtake.
Its 20-inch wheels look great, and ride comfort is rarely an issue in the Enyaq despite the low-profile tyres. The suspension is just on the firm side, though it's never jarring, and the damping feels spot on. It soaks up bumps very well and retains its composure as it goes, so it doesn't feel compromised from a comfort perspective, even with its sporty credentials. It is an enjoyable car to drive, the steering has a nice balance and it provides enough feedback that you feel involved.
With the performance gap between the single- and dual-motor versions bridged, the main benefit of having that extra motor on the front axle comes when you encounter more challenging terrain. To that end, Skoda has added a Traction mode that is selectable on low-grip surfaces such as sand or snow. The car's software then chooses which axles gets power to ease progress.
Opting for the dual-motor 85x means you also get a higher rate of DC charging. Normally, the Enyaq 85 gets a 135kW peak rate, but the 85x gets up to 175kW, meaning it can charge from 10-80 per cent in 28 minutes. Previously, that same charge took 36 minutes. Thanks to optimised battery management software and a new pre-conditioning setup, the car can have its battery primed and at the right temperature before plugging in. The driver can do this manually through the infotainment system or automatically when a charging station is inputted into the car's navigation.
What you get for your money
The Skoda Enyaq Coupe starts at €54,710 for the smaller '60' battery version that uses a single-motor setup, and the Sportline version costs €62,175. Irish pricing for the improved 82kWh (77kWh usable) battery begins at €60,685 for the Enyaq Coupe and features 19-inch 'Proteus' alloy wheels, the 'ecoSuit' interior design package, LED headlights, keyless start, a reversing camera, a 13-inch touchscreen with Smartlink for Apple and Android smartphone mirroring.
The Enyaq 85 Coupe Sportline costs €68,755 and gains 20-inch 'Vega' alloy wheels, sports suspension, Matrix LED headlights and a unique exterior styling pack with gloss black on the door mirrors and lower bumper sections. Inside are sports seats, leather and 'Suedia' upholstery and some carbon-fibre effect inserts.
For the dual-motor 85x, the price climbs to €63,645, with the main difference being the additional motor on the front axle and a faster DC charging rate. In upgrading to the 85x Sportline, the price climbs to €71,535, making it the second most expensive Enyaq, just behind the €74,295 Enyaq RS Coupe. Skoda provides an eight-year/160,000-kilometre battery warranty with its electric vehicles.
Summary
With the changes made to the Skoda Enyaq for the 2024 model year, a good EV becomes an even better one, though it remains a costly option, especially in Coupe form. By comparison, the regular Enyaq SUV costs €3,068 less like-for-like, and as we've mentioned above, there is little difference other than the appearance.
