Skoda Enyaq: 4 essential truths before our verdict

The Skoda Enyaq is receiving a timely refresh to head into the new year. Its front-end design has been revised, and so has its kit. Before we deliver our verdict, here are the 4 essential truths you need to know about this Czech model.

Introduced in 2020, the Skoda Enyaq is getting a welcome spruce-up. The electric SUV focuses its visual changes primarily on the nose, while the cabin is left almost entirely as it was. One new feature to note is an updated interface borrowed from its little brother, the Elroq. There’s also a small technical step forward, with improved range. Here are four things to know ahead of our test of the updated Skoda Enyaq.

A new look for the Enyaq: what genuinely changes (and what doesn’t)

It’s really the front that’s been thoroughly reworked. The new Skoda Enyaq makes good use of the Elroq’s thick black strip and, in the process, drops the distinctive Crystal Face grille. In its place are smaller, more generic dotted elements. A shame… The lighting signature has also been split in two, with the main headlamps now positioned lower down in the bumper. The broad bonnet now carries the SKODA lettering in full.

Along the sides, there’s little to report beyond fresh wheel designs. The rear end is essentially unchanged as well. Only the most eagle-eyed will notice the tail-lamps now feature a dotted motif. And they’ll be about the only ones. The colour palette adds a few new shades too, though once again the updates are modest. In any case, the Enyaq’s styling has been popular since launch, so there’s no need to turn it upside down.

Interface: Skoda finally fixes the electric SUV’s weak point

Inside, the layout has largely been left alone-and that’s no bad thing, because we’ve always liked the Enyaq’s cabin design. The steering wheel is the main giveaway, now swapping the winged-arrow badge for the SKODA wordmark. As with the Elroq, there’s also a new lighter interior theme on offer. Hardly headline news… The biggest shift sits in the centre of the dashboard: the 13-inch touchscreen is finally a step up!

Some will argue that’s not strictly true. Indeed, the previous Enyaq did receive this interface right at the end of its production run. This time, though, it becomes standard across the entire line-up. The gains are clear, with improved graphics and sharper responsiveness. Usability also moves forward thanks to well-placed shortcuts. It still isn’t class-leading, but it’s undeniably better.

More range and quicker charging: the key figures

The updated Skoda Enyaq remains based on a 400V platform. That’s hardly an issue even now, since many rivals continue to use a similar set-up. To stay competitive, however, the Czech SUV still tweaks its hardware with a slightly larger battery (79 kWh versus 77 kWh previously on the RS) to extend driving range (567 km for our Coupé RS version).

That battery also nudges up its DC charging capability, with a peak of 185 kW. It won’t set any records, admittedly, but it’s enough to keep pace with the pack. Standard equipment remains sensibly specified, covering the essentials expected in this class. That said, new subscription-based options are appearing, just like on the Elroq. A questionable move.

Against the Tesla Model Y and Chinese SUVs, does the Enyaq still fit in?

The electric SUV segment is simply crowded. Beyond the fact that many models resemble one another, the refreshed Skoda Enyaq will need to stand out to win buyers over. The catch is that its Volkswagen ID.4 and Cupra Tavascan cousins feel more distinctive. Rivals are also showing plenty of ambition. To keep itself appealing, Skoda has instead chosen to cut prices. The range now starts at 46 400 €, and it qualifies for the bonus.

That may look expensive next to the ID.4, but it’s worth remembering that the Enyaq comes as standard with a 77 kWh battery, versus 52 kWh for the German model. As a result, the Czech car’s all-round usability is notably stronger. The Enyaq therefore remains competitive-so long as you look past the Chinese alternatives. The BYD Seal U, MGS5 EV and Xpeng G6, for instance, are priced more aggressively. The Tesla Model Y is also likely to put the Enyaq under serious pressure.

Join us this Sunday at noon to read our full verdict on the updated Skoda Enyaq electric!