2023 Skoda Enyaq RS iV electric SUV revealed, Australia under study

After showing the ‘Coupe’ version in February, Skoda reveals the more traditional version of its most powerful vehicle.

The 2023 Skoda Enyaq RS iV electric performance SUV has been officially revealed – eight months after the Czech brand revealed a coupe-bodied version.

It means Skoda’s most-powerful vehicle ever will be offered globally in two body types: a regular SUV, and a more stylistic ‘Coupe’ model complete with a sloping roof.

Riding on Volkswagen Group’s ‘MEB’ modular electric platform, the Skoda Enyaq RS iV features dual-motor all-wheel drive and outputs of 220kW/460Nm.

Zero to 100km/h takes just 6.5 seconds, putting its performance firmly into hot hatchback territory. On board is an 82kWh battery that enables a manufacturer-claimed driving range of “over 500km”.

The Skoda Enyaq RS iV is capable of DC fast charging at up to 135kW – meaning its lithium-ion battery can be recharged from 10 to 80 per cent in 36 minutes in the right conditions.

Size wise, the five-seat Skoda Enyaq RS iV measures up at 4653mm long, 1879mm wide and 1605mm tall.

That makes it similarly sized to a Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace seven-seater or a Volvo XC60 luxury SUV. When comparing the Skoda Enyaq SUV and Coupe, the latter is just 4mm longer and 1mm taller.

It places it on the larger side of the medium SUV segment. Skoda quotes 585L of boot space – some 15L more than the Coupe version – and can fit up to 1710L with the second-row folded.

The Enyaq RS iV also benefits from a sports chassis, with the ride height dropped 15mm at the front and 10mm at the back. It rides on 20-inch wheels, with 21-inch items offered globally on the options list.

The brand has made no mention of adaptive or dynamic suspension. As per Skoda RS tradition, exterior sports styling comes as standard with an aerodynamically-optimised front bumper, larger rear spoiler and signature ‘Mamba Green’ paint all signifying performance.

Another visual treat is a long and slim daytime running light signature that spans across the whole front-end and cuts the grille in half.

Inside, the 13-inch infotainment system is the largest-ever screen fitted to a Skoda vehicle, and comes with wireless smartphone connectivity, wireless phone charging and a 12-speaker Canton premium stereo system.

It sits next to a far-smaller 5.3-inch digital gauge cluster.

Other internal trimmings include sports seats trimmed in Suedia microfibre with lime-coloured piping, Suedia microfibre-trimmed dashboard, and plenty of green ambient lighting.

Speaking to Drive, a representative for the brand stopped short of confirming the Skoda Enyaq RS iV for Australia, mentioning the performance electric SUV “was still under study.”

“We are still committed to bringing both the (regular) Skoda Enyaq SUV and Coupe SUV to Australia however, and that is set for the end of 2023,” the spokesperson told Drive.

Given the popularity of Volkswagen and Skoda performance cars in Australia – with the RS accounting for a majority of Octavia liftback and wagon sales – it would be a surprise if the vehicle doesn’t eventually come to Australia.

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