Skoda completes the Enyaq model series with the second RS version. The hatchback variant now follows the Enyaq Coupé RS iV – technically practically unchanged. But how sporty is the Enyaq RS really?
The front grill of the Enyaq RS is made of plexiglass and is even illuminated in the dark.
The Swiss like the Skoda Enyaq. This is shown not only by the fact that the electrically powered SUV coupe received the most votes in the public vote for “Swiss Car of the Year 2023”, but also by last year’s sales success. In 2022, significantly more copies of the Enyaq were sold than of the SUV brand colleagues Karoq and Kodiaq. Only the Octavia maintained its leadership position within the brand.
And as is typical for the Swiss market, the RS version (RS for Rally Sport) is particularly popular here. Reason enough for the Czech car manufacturer to spice up the basic SUV body shape in a sporty way after the Coupé RS. For the drive, this means that two electric motors are used, an asynchronous machine at the front and a permanent magnet synchronous motor at the rear.
The combination results in an output of 220 kW (299 hp) and a maximum torque of 460 Nm. This means that the new model accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and can travel at speeds of up to 180 km/h on occasion. In addition, it is able to tow a trailer weighing up to 1,200 kilograms over inclines of up to twelve percent – not a matter of course for an electric car.
Black instead of chrome – typical insignia of RS models from Skoda.
In everyday traffic, this drive train leaves nothing to be desired. There is sufficient pulling power in every driving situation – despite the high curb weight of 2260 kilograms. With four driving modes, the gait can be set by the driver to suit. In addition, there are the steering wheel paddles, with which the degree of energy recovery can be selected.
The Traction driving profile is also ideal for driving off-road at speeds of up to 20 km/h. Comfortable single-pedal driving is also possible over a wide range. The standard sports suspension includes progressive steering, which is pleasantly smooth and enables safe and precise cornering, and stiffer spring and damper tuning. Adaptive chassis control is available as an option.
For an RS in the name, the Enyaq sports version is not dynamic enough.
Despite good driving performance and a correspondingly taut chassis, the designation RS seems slightly exaggerated, because the RS iV does not have any racing feelings. But as a marketing measure, the award should have been a success, especially since it is visually underlined with various body attachments: Not only the frame of the front grille and the Skoda logo are black, but also the window frames, the exterior mirror caps, and the roof rails and the rear diffuser. The side skirts in the vehicle color and the red reflector in the rear apron are also typical of the RS.
The good aerodynamics of the Enyaq RS is remarkable. With a drag coefficient of 0.265 (coupé 0.257), the body offers little resistance to the wind despite the large frontal area. The 20 or 21-inch alloy wheels, which have plastic covers between the spokes, also contribute to this. Aerodynamics are relevant to range. For the new RS model, Skoda calls “up to 500 kilometers according to WLTP”, i.e. calculated according to the current measuring method. This puts the electric SUV above the average in the battery car market.
With the Enyaq RS, the driver benefits from a so-called power pass. This card gives access to more than 400,000 charging points. The charging network includes around 15,000 fast charging points at more than 5,000 locations. The Plug & Charge function also enables the use of corresponding columns without a card, as the car identifies itself there.
The sophisticated aerodynamics ensure a good range of 500 kilometers.
Three wall boxes are available for charging at home. These charge with 11 kW from 0 to 100 percent battery charge in around 7.5 hours. At the fast charging station with 135 kW DC output, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 36 minutes.
With a wheelbase of 2.77 meters, the Enyaq RS offers a large interior for five people. Thanks to the steep tailgate, there is a trunk volume of 585 liters, which can be expanded to up to 1710 liters by folding down the rear seat backrests. In the interior, attention was paid to sustainably processed and recycled materials. In addition to the central 13-inch display, the rather small Digital Cockpit provides information about the most important driving data in the driver’s direct field of vision.
A generous center display contrasts with a small cluster of instruments in front of the steering wheel.
The long wheelbase and the steep rear ensure a large load compartment.
The price for the new RS version, which will appear in the showrooms around mid-2023, is not yet known, but it should be in the range of the coupe parallel model, i.e. around 64,000 francs. This does not correspond to the bargain prices that Skoda used to have and is due to the complex structure of the electric car with an expensive battery.