The Enyaq Coupé RS iV is Škoda’s most powerful production car they have ever produced, yet and the first electric RS-Model in the brand’s lineup, speaking of 220kW/ 299PS. But is the car able to follow the Škoda RS-footsteps and does the lowered roofline really make sense compared to the regular Enyaq?
First impressions
The new Škoda Enyaq Coupé RS iV is described as even more dynamic and sporty than the SUV variant ENYAQ iV. The roof section from the B-pillar slopes gently backwards and merges into a strikingly designed rear end with a spoiler lip. The side skirts painted in the vehicle colour and the standard, black panoramic glass roof set independent visual accents. The new top model of the series is the Škoda Enyaq Coupé RS iV with black painted elements and the typical RS red reflector strip at the rear. In addition, the standard Crystal Face with a total of 131 LEDs illuminates the distinctive Škoda grille on this model. Which looks like a giant moustache to me. Especially during night-time. What do you think?
The Coupé RS shown is painted in the optional “Velvet Red” (1’420.- CHF) over the RS suite black leather interior (CHF 690.- option). The base price of CHF 61’650.- got pushed upwards by a few more options like the “Canton” sound system, the must-have 21-inch disc wheels, a couple extra safety gadgets and comfort packages leading to an ending price of CHF 70’530.-
What it’s all about
In short, it's a sensible choice that's ideally suited to family buyers. So, a more performance-focused RS version that aims to give the model a dose of fun without compromising its strengths should be very appealing. But in my opinion, it looks a bit like a blown-up limousine when looking at the car’s silhouette. Let’s say, a bit “balloony”. Although the flowing roofline helps getting the car less air resistance.
It is the Enyaq’s SUV quicker brother, able to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds thanks to its 299PS and 460NM of torque. The black elements, frames, covers and writings around the red dress underline here that it is supposed to be a sporty model of the brand.
Driving experience
First up, the Enyaq Coupé weighs over 2.3 tons. And with that number in mind, the car moves adequately. The Enyaq is and will remain a crossover SUV and not a sports car. I compare the driving characteristics here with a Polestar 2, although the one with the performance package can be shooed around the corners a little more easily. And especially when driving faster, it is noticeable that a Polestar 2 consumes a similar amount of electricity, but recuperates much better during the "descent" of a mountain pass. The steering feels relatively direct and responds to commands with a healthy firmness. The front seats also offer sufficient lateral support for sporty driving styles and are absolutely suitable for long journeys. But let's be honest; Like most other SUVs, the Enyaq Coupé RS is probably mostly driven in cities. But speaking of sporty driving: I get why sporty cars do have paddles to shift gears of the automatic gearbox. But why on earth does a single gear electric car has shifting paddles? This remains a mystery to me.
Beside some questionable thoughts, the car feels very handy when maneuvering. This is mainly supported by the very small turning circle.
A great, but now widespread gimmick is the automatic full light, which works perfectly in the dark and is fascinating to watch.
To the interior
Although the car was configured with an optional leather configuration, there is a noticeable amount of hard plastic used in the interior, even in some visible places. It's a shame that as much as possible was saved here at the expense of the feeling of quality.
What is striking compared to the previously tested Lexus NX is that the interior of the Enyaq is much more user-friendly and has many compartments to offer. Possibly so many that small belongings can no longer be found without having to immediately report missing to the police. In a positive sense, we understand each other.
Despite the steeply sloping roofline, the rear row of seats offers ample headroom and enough legroom for long journeys. Way more than I would have imagined to be honest with you.
The infotainment system is clearly laid out and common user settings can be found quickly and easily. It is tedious, however, that various "helpers" cannot be switched off permanently and that their overly cautious programming interferes with what is happening in a nerve-wracking manner.
Furthermore, the VAG concern has not yet understood that the touch buttons are not at all intuitive. This includes adjusting the volume below the display in the dashboard. Fortunately, Škoda continues to rely on physical buttons for common applications and menus on the steering wheel and dashboard. This makes operation much friendlier and easier. Symply clever, exactly.
Now what to buy
Due to the massively lowered roofline, the trunk shrunk to a volume of 570 litres. Which isn’t a competitive number compared to regular shaped SUVs. Additionally, my thoughts are that an SUV shouldn’t try to be a sports car.
Therefor I recommend buying the more practical SUV shaped Enyaq iV over the Coupé iV because it is an accessible electric option for families and defines that simply clever way Škoda always claims to take their path.
Or if you like to be the cool dad; the Škoda Octavia RS has a 245PS two-liter combustion engine which produces enough power and even got a bigger trunk by 40 litres – speaking of 610 litres! Optioned out to the Enyaq’s level, the Octavia RS is about to cost you around CHF 60’000.-. Even less than the Enyaq Coupé RS’s base price. Wouldn’t that be simply clever? Hint: Because there should be a reason why the Octavia is the best-selling estate car in Switzerland.
To end this review, I’d like to thank Škoda Switzerland for the opportunity to test their Škoda Enyaq Coupé RS iV for a few days. A car that surprised me in its driving dynamics by just having the power-to-weight numbers in my mind.