Electric Skoda Elroq 85: Echoing the Golf's Legacy in the Electrified Segment
Article Revised:
The Sensible Elroq 85: Skoda's Electric SUV Challenging the Golf Crown
Buying a car often leaves us pondering if we need more than the bare essentials. The Skoda Elroq 85 embodies this philosophy, offering a smart blend of practicality and performance in the ever-popular SUV segment. Let's dive into what this compact electric gem packs under its hood.
In a world dominated by SUVs, the new Golf of the electric age shows up with an assertive stance. Hailing from the Czech Republic, the Elroq shares its technology with its bigger brother, the Enyaq, and the rest of the VW Group's electric vehicle lineup. This familiarity doesn't detract from its charm, as we found out during our initial test drive.
At 4.49 meters in length, the Elroq fits neatly into the compact SUV category, but you wouldn't guess it from the spacious interior. Both front and rear seats, even for taller individuals, promise comfort akin to a luxury sedan. The Elroq boasts a unique flair compared to VW cousins like the ID.4, thanks to sportier seats and subtle differences in the operating concept and equipment. Skoda proves once more that it's not afraid to do things differently.
Skoda's Elroq screens the tech-heavy details behind a classy instrument cluster while showcasing essential information on a sizable touchscreen up front. While the brand offers numerous customization options for ambient lighting and display settings, it keeps the essential functions easily accessible—take the seat heating as an example. Unlike other EVs, there's no need to navigate through layers of menus to activate the heat. Skoda knows that touch functions on the steering wheel can be a hassle, so they prefer physical buttons and rotary controls instead. A few thoughtful touches—like the steering wheel heating button and the net for storing the charging cable in the trunk—ensure the Elroq edges out competitors.
Performance and Practicality
Don't be fooled by the compact size; the Elroq 85 delivers a punch when the pedal meets the metal. The 77 kWh battery under the hood delivers 285 PS (210 kW) and an impressive 545 Nm of torque to the drivetrain. While this performance may come at a cost in terms of energy consumption, it translates to driving fun that's often absent in electric vehicles.
Our initial test showed a range of between 19 to 22 kWh, resulting in a maximum range of about 420 km under frigid winter conditions. With warmer temperatures and throttle control, you can expect a range of around 500 km. Clearly, that's more than adequate for everyday commuting. A quick stop at a fast charger during road trips will keep the Elroq charged and eager for the next adventure. With a maximum charging speed of 175 kW, you can top up from 10 to 80 percent in just 28 minutes!
The base model starts at €43,900, but options and extras can send the price soaring past €50,000. The range-topping edition comes packed with all the bells and whistles, such as Matrix lighting, head-up display, Canton sound system, and the usual clever solutions from Skoda.
Is the Skoda Elroq 85 worthy of the Golf crown in the electric age? With its mix of practicality, performance, and reasonable pricing, it certainly challenges the throne. If you're in search of an affordable, fun, and eco-friendly SUV, the Elroq is worth a second look.
Skoda Elroq - Technical Details:
- Seating and Doors: A five-seater, five-door electric SUV
- Length: 4.49 meters
- Width: 1.88 meters (1.98 meters with exterior mirrors)
- Height: 1.65 meters
- Wheelbase: 2.77 meters
- Boot Space: 470 to 1,580 liters (seats folded)
- Battery and Powertrain: 77 kWh battery with 210 kW (285 PS) motor, delivering 545 Nm of torque
- 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 6.6 seconds
- Top Speed: 180 km/h (111 mph)
- Consumption: 15.2 - 16.6 kWh/100 km (WLTP)
- Test Consumption: 20.5 kWh
- Range (WLTP): 580 km
- Charging Power: 175 kW (DC), 11 kW (AC)
- Charging Time (DC): 10-80 percent in 28 minutes
- Charging Time (AC): 0-100 percent in 8 hours
- Price: Starting from €43,900 in the base model.
Sources: ntv.de, Günter Weigel, sp-x
- Skoda Models:
- Volkswagen Models:
- Motor vehicles and other motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of persons, such as the Skoda Elroq 85, have become noticeable in the 21st century with the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, challenging other vehicles like the Golf.
- During our test drive, we found that the Elroq, despite being compact in size, delivers a vehicle that is vehicle in terms of performance, offering 285 PS (210 kW) and an impressive 545 Nm of torque.
- The Skoda Elroq, while sharing technology with its bigger brother and other vehicles in the VW Group's electric vehicle lineup, still has a unique flair, with a spacious interior and subtle differences in the operating concept and equipment that set it apart from vehicles like the ID.4.
