The Volkswagen Group’s EV onslaught continues with a rather scathing model as Skoda has released the Enyaq RS iV. This avoids the swoopy profile of the Coupe version for a conventional form that prioritizes practicality. While the slimmer model has a very low drag coefficient of 0.234, the new sporty derivative has a Cd of 0.265. As a result, the range of the WLTP dropped from the Coupe’s 545 kilometers (339 miles) to 500 km (311 miles).
Naturally, it gets the same all-wheel-drive setup with dual electric motors producing a combined output of 295 horsepower (220 kilowatts) and 460 Newton-meters (338 pound-feet) of torque. If these numbers seem familiar, it’s because the VW ID.4 GTX and ID.5 GTX have the same hardware. Skoda says the Enyaq RS iV takes six and a half seconds to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) from rest on its way to an electronically regulated 112 mph (180 km/h).
It carries an 82-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can be charged at a DC fast charge point of up to 135 kW in which case it takes 36 minutes to go from 10 to 80 percent. Joining the usual Eco, Comfort, Normal and Sport driving modes is Traction. Skoda says it adapts to slippery surfaces and unpaved roads by offering constant AWD at speeds of up to 12 mph (20 km/h).
Also available on the Octavia RS, this Mamba Green paintwork makes this electric SUV look bold enough for a Skoda. The standard 20-inch and optional 21-inch alloy wheels also show the Czech brand trying to be more attractive and move away from the usual designs of the past. There are full-LED matrix headlights along with wide rear reflectors similar to what you’ll find on the Octavia RS and Kodiaq RS.
There are a variety of black accents throughout the exterior, combined with the green RS badge mounted on the front fender. Known as the “Crystal Face”, the illuminated grille is standard and includes no less than 131 LEDs to make the Enyaq iV RS stand out at night. Full-LED taillights are also standard, and both the headlights and taillights do a “dance” when you unlock the vehicle.
Skoda has refined the interior with sporty seats featuring greater lateral support and built-in headrests. The suedia fabric in black is used for the seats and dashboard where green stitching provides a contrasting effect. There’s also some faux carbon fiber trim on the doors, black headliner, flat steering wheel, green ambient lighting, and black pillars.
The Enyaq iV RS will go on sale next year to build on the commercial success for Skoda as more than 100,000 electric SUVs have been sold since the model launched in 2020.
