New Skoda Elroq: details, specs and prototype drive of new electric SUV

• Sits below Enyaq in Skoda’s lineup
• First model to feature Skoda’s ‘Modern Solid’ design language
• Full reveal in autumn 2024

Skoda has released sketches of its new all-electric SUV, the Skoda Elroq, giving the most revealing idea of what to expect so far. We’ve already seen camouflaged pictures of the Elroq and have even driven a prototype, but the Czech brand has been keeping much of the Skoda Elroq under wraps as it’s the first model to debut its new ‘Modern Solid’ design language, which will also be adopted by the new Skoda Epiq due next year. 

What does the Skoda Elroq look like?

The overall shape of the Skoda Elroq is chunky and angular, leaning into the SUV trend, but with the model debuting the brand’s latest design language, it looks quite unlike any Skoda that’s come before it. Given it’s fully electric, the Elroq has no need for a front grille, but the brand has incorporated what it calls a ‘Tech-Deck Face’ in its absence. Essentially that amounts to a flat dark piece of trim extending across the front which flows into the headlights.

A very of-the-moment feature of the design are the Elroq’s split headlights – the upper lighting elements curve into the front wings and house the daytime running lights, while the lower parts flank the sides of the front bumper where you might otherwise expect air intakes to live. 

12

Skoda has been using its typical circular logo less and less in recent times, instead opting to spell out the brand’s name on the rear of its cars. With the Elroq Skoda has gone one step further, and now the brand’s lettering sits on the nose and boot where a badge would be. The theory here is that while brands such as Skoda are still building recognition in markets like China, it’s better to spell out the name in letters rather than depend on the traditional logo – to give an upmarket impression Skoda has finished this in a shade called Unique Dark Chrome. The Elroq will also debut a paint colour it calls Timiano Green, which is yet to be revealed.

What do I need to know about the Skoda Elroq?

The Skoda Elroq has been confirmed to utilise the Volkswagen Group’s MEB electric car platform – the same building blocks that underpin a whole range of models, from the Enyaq to the Volkswagen ID.3 and Audi Q4 e-tron.  With an overall length of 4,500mm, the Elroq will slot between the Enyaq and the combustion-engined Karoq in terms of overall size.

Thanks to its electric platform, the Elroq should still have generous interior space comparable to that of the Enyaq, with lots of rear seat space for passengers, a completely flat floor and a sizable boot.

Interior features we’re expecting to see include a new dashboard design with a portrait-oriented screen, as previewed in the 7S Concept. Skoda will still make use of physical buttons and switchgear inside upcoming models, in contrast to other VW Group brands’ recent habits of removing them in favour of touch controls – a source of frustration among some drivers. The Elroq’s interior should get rotary dials for the air conditioning controls, as seen in the new Skoda Superb, plus shortcut buttons and a physical volume switch for media.

What are the battery and motor specs for the Skoda Elroq?

Skoda will offer four versions of the Elroq, badged 50, 65, 85 and 85x. The Elroq 50 will be the most affordable of the range, pairing a 55kWh battery with a 168bhp electric motor at the rear, while the Elroq 65 brings a bigger 62kWh battery and 201bhp motor.

12

The Elroq 85 shares its 82kWh battery and 282bhp motor with the Skoda Enyaq 85, and packs an identical range of up to 348 miles. Opting for the 85x adds an extra motor to the front axle for all-wheel drive and a marginal power bump to 295bhp. Performance figures for the Elroq haven’t been confirmed yet, but we expect it to deliver very similar numbers to the Enyaq.

Skoda claims that all models will be able to charge 10 to 80% in under 28 minutes, with the larger battery size of the 85 models offset by faster 175kW rapid-charging speeds.

How much will the Skoda Elroq cost and when can I buy one?

The Skoda Elroq is slated to be revealed in autumn 2024 as the next step in Skoda’s EV expansion, with order books opening at the start of 2025. Other key models that are inbound include a large SUV derived from the aforementioned 7S concept, as well as the Epiq and an all-electric estate car. It’s expected to be offered at a lower price point than the Enyaq, which currently starts from around £39,000.

Skoda Elroq prototype drive – John McIlroy

Skoda invited us to drive a prototype Elroq in Amsterdam earlier this year, and it gave us a clear idea of what to expect from the production version. So far, it’s shaping up to be a capable EV that delivers the practicality and comfort we’ve come to expect from the Czech marque, with a similar driving experience to the Enyaq in a smaller package.

12

In the metal, the Elroq’s familial ties to the larger Enyaq are clear. From the rear doors forward, the two cars share a very similar design, although the Elroq is closer in size to the combustion-engined Karoq SUV. Other than the new ‘Tech Deck’ front fascia, the key difference is behind the rear wheels; where the Enyaq has a large boot overhanging the rear axle, the Elroq is noticeably shorter.

While cargo capacity has shrunk, passenger space in the rear row of seats is fortunately just as impressive as that of the Enyaq. Three adults can fit comfortably in the back of the Elroq, with more space than you’d find in the Karoq. Up front, Enyaq drivers will recognise the same five-inch digital driver’s display and 13-inch infotainment screen, although the latter runs new software.

Setting off in an Elroq 85, Skoda’s trademark focus on comfort over sportiness is instantly recognisable. Our prototype car was riding on relatively large 20-inch wheels, but bumps, potholes and other imperfections in the road were soaked with the same competency that makes the Enyaq such a comfortable cruiser. With the compliant suspension comes some body roll through the corners, but we think it’s a worthwhile trade-off for the ride quality on offer.

If Skoda is to focus its efforts on one area before the Elroq reaches production, it’s the pedal feel. At present, both the brake and accelerator pedals are a bit too sensitive at the top of their travel, which makes it tricky to drive smoothly around town. Of course, being a prototype car, this is something we hope should be fairly straightforward to tweak before paying customers get behind the wheel. If Skoda can sort this minor niggle, we expect the Elroq to be competing with the best of the small electric SUV class.

Want to see what we thought of Skoda’s Enyaq electric SUV? Read our in-depth review…