The prices of electric cars have been a much-discussed topic for a long time – not just since Chinese manufacturers (often even at high prices) began to enter Europe. The long-announced VW ID.3 for under 30,000 euros is only now a reality again, if only thanks to VW’s own discount campaign. At Skoda, positioned within the VW Group as a brand for a good price-performance ratio, the actually high base price of 48,900 euros for the cheapest electric model to date has not prevented success: the Enyaq is still selling well.
But: In order to reach the mass market, prices have to come down! Skoda is not attacking this segment with the 4.65 meter long Enyaq, but with the Elroq, which the Czechs have now presented in Prague. Like its big brother, the new Elroq also uses Volkswagen’s MEB – albeit in a class that has not yet been served.
At 4.48 meters, the Elroq is positioned somewhat between the segments. Noticeably shorter than the Enyaq and ID.4 (4.58 meters), but also longer than the compact electric car ID.3 (4.28 meters) and the comparable Cupra Born. While the ID.3 and Born are still trying to pass as classic compact cars despite the high battery in the underbody, Skoda has clearly designed the Elroq as an SUV. Since the Elroq doesn’t have to hide its height, this allows freedom in design – and therefore more space in the interior.
Despite the shorter dimensions, the Elroq’s wheelbase of 2.77 meters corresponds to the MEB standard. This means that the familiar batteries also fit in the new Skoda. At launch, the Elroq will be available in four variants. The Elroq 50 corresponds to the ID.3 Pure with a 52 kWh battery and 125 kW drive. The Elroq 60 uses the battery known from the ID.3 Pro with 59 kWh net/63 kWh gross in combination with the 150 kW motor in the rear. Above this is the Elroq 85, which is available in two versions with the 77 kWh battery: with the 210 kW APP550 electric motor (and 545 Nm torque) as a rear-wheel drive vehicle or as the all-wheel drive Elroq 85x. With another electric motor on the front axle, the output is 220 kW. The two 85s can drive at a speed of 180 km/h, the Elroq 50 and 60 are limited to 160 km/h.
| Elroq 50 | Elroq 60 | Elroq 85 | Elroq 85x | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
There is not yet all the technical data for the new Elroq around the premiere in Prague. When it comes to charging, the answer is quite simple, as the Skoda uses the current version of the well-known VW technology. The WLTP ranges, however, are model-specific. Skoda currently only mentions a maximum of 560 kilometers for the Elroq 85. It is not yet clear how far the other engines will go.
Skoda has not yet announced the full prices of all variants for the world premiere of the Elroq, but has announced the base price: In Germany, the Elroq 50 will be offered from 33,900 euros. This puts the Skoda on a par with the VW ID.3 Pure, which has been sold since October at a list price of 33,330 euros. With VW’s environmental bonus, the ID.3 will be another 3,570 euros cheaper (until the end of the year), but the Elroq offers more at a comparable cost.
With the identical wheelbase, the space at the front and rear of both models will be very similar, but the Skoda uses its additional length primarily in the trunk: here, up to 470 liters fit under the parcel shelf, in the ID.3 it is 385 liters – With the rear seat backs folded down, the Skoda’s lead is even greater (1,580 to 1,267 liters). Speaking of the hat shelf: Even with the Elroq (typically for MEB) there wasn’t enough for a frunk under the front hood; that’s simply not provided for on the platform. The Skoda developers have installed a net under the parcel shelf in which the charging cable can be stowed. This means it doesn’t fly around in the trunk or have to be stored in a compartment under the trunk floor that is difficult to access. It’s easily accessible online – true to Skoda’s claim of “simply clever”.
It is these details and the lavish equipment with which Skoda wants to score points. The full selection, from the large touchscreen for infotainment to the head-up display with augmented reality functions to all the assistance systems of the larger models, is also available in the Elroq. Also not unimportant for some interested parties: Skoda continues to rely on classic steering wheel buttons instead of touch control surfaces and has also placed the gear selector lever in the center console – and not as a steering column lever.
Just because Skoda has chosen the more traditional route than the VW brand does not mean that the Elroq is designed conservatively. On the contrary, the Elroq is the first model in the new Skoda design language called “Modern Solid”. The Elroq does not have a classic radiator grille; the black element between the headlights is now called the “Tech Deck Face” and hides all the sensors for the driving assistants. There are also the two-part headlights that are now commonly used in the industry – for design reasons, the pure LED daytime running lights are located higher up, the main headlights are independently hidden a little further down in the front apron. At the rear, however, there are no surprises – the Elroq is immediately recognizable as a Skoda.
At 33,900 euros, only the German base price for the Elroq 50 is currently known. However, Skoda emphasizes that it will be around 33,000 euros in all European markets. And we don’t have to wait long for the prices for other versions: From October 2nd, the Elroq can be configured – as the Elroq 50, Elroq 85 and as a special model Elroq 85 First Edition.
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