New 2024 Skoda Enyaq Coupe vRS facelift review: looks are the same but the underside is better
Skoda hasn't changed much about the Enyaq Coupe iV's appearance but has made improvements to the important things.
While the updated Skoda Enyaq looks the same as before, the already superior all-electric family SUV has received upgrades thanks to a more powerful and efficient electric motor, slicker software, and faster charging speeds. It also gets a few extra miles of range, which is always useful, while more power for the Enyaq vRS performance model makes it more entertaining in a straight line.
We've been big fans of the Skoda Enyaq since its launch in 2021. We consider the Czech brand's first bespoke electric car to be not only one of the best cars in its class but also one of our favorite electric vehicles.
Of course, competition in the family SUV segment is fierce, so to ensure the Enyaq remains competitive against the Nissan Ariya and Tesla Model Y, Skoda has provided several upgrades for 2024.
Let's start from the inside for once, as Skoda has listened to the critics and cleaned up its previously overloaded infotainment system. For example, the climate control menu has been redesigned, and 'Smart Climate Mode' has been removed – where complicated functions such as 'cool feet' or 'warm hands' could previously be found.
Also new is a full-screen navigation map, and customizable buttons at the top and bottom of the center touchscreen. With new functions and simplified menus, the Enyaq technology setup is now much more coherent.
There are more changes hidden beneath the sheet metal. All but the entry-level models are equipped with a new electric motor on the rear axle that is more powerful and efficient, while every version benefits from improved battery and energy management software.
Given the lack of changes to the base car, the Enyaq 60's stats don't change much; The 58kWh battery provides enough power to travel 248 miles on a single charge – three miles further than before – with power remaining unchanged at 177bhp.
The rest of the range gets more significant improvements in both power and range thanks to the new motors. So much so that another rear-wheel drive model, previously labeled the Enyaq 80, is now the Enyaq 85. It uses the same 77kWh battery as before, but its range is increased to 348 miles. Plus, there's now 282bhp, which is an increase of 81bhp over its predecessor – allowing the 85 to reach 62mph two seconds quicker.
Likewise, the all-wheel drive Enyaq 80x has been replaced by the Enyaq 85x, with its range increased by 11 miles to 328 miles. The total power output from the dual motor setup also stands at 282bhp.
Skoda also increased the power output for the performance-focused version of the Enyaq vRS we drove on the very snowy Bavarian-Austrian border. This version gets an additional 40bhp, bringing the combined power output for the two electric motors to 335bhp. With up to 545Nm of torque, the most powerful and fastest production Skoda ever made has no trouble getting going, accelerating from 0-62mph in just 5.5 seconds.
More direct, progressive steering and adjustable dampers kept the 2.25-tonne Enyaq vRS in check, allowing us to move very quickly up and down narrow mountain roads, with the electronic controls relaxed slightly in ESC Sport mode. This setting is accompanied by a smooth electronic soundtrack provided by a sound generator.
Meanwhile, the chassis manages to handle road imperfections with impressive composure, although there are a few compromises to be made if you opt for 20-inch alloy wheels and low-profile tires. Unfortunately, there is still no one-pedal drive mode available; The car recovers well when you want to slow down, but keeps going at walking speed.
The charging speed for the Enyaq dual motor model also increases to 175kW thanks to improved battery management and cell chemistry, so the charging curve should be more constant. Skoda claims it's possible to get a 10 to 80 percent boost in 28 minutes using a fast and precise public charger. The Enyaq 60 and 85 can't charge at the same speed, but they do get a new battery conditioning feature to prepare the car for fast charging at the push of a button – or if you set navigation to take you to a charging station.
It's worth noting that the Enyaq Coupe gets the same technical upgrades as the standard SUV, and due to its slimmer shape, it can travel a few more miles on a single charge. However, upgrading to a more rakish coupe SUV costs around £2,000 extra.
But your eyes haven't deceived you so far, as the Enyaq hasn't received any styling changes. Unless you opt for the new upscale Laurin & Klement trim. The car comes with exclusive alloy wheels, a different front bumper in Platinum Grey, chrome trim, and gray badging.
The Enyaq L&K also comes as standard with a 'Crystal Face' grille illuminated by 131 LEDs, although that's nothing new and still not to everyone's taste. Also available on the new range-topping model include luxury, ventilated, and massaging leather front seats, available with black or beige upholstery.
Model: Skoda Enyaq Coupe vRS
Price: £54,820
Power source: 77kWh battery/2x e-motors
Power/torque: 335bhp/545Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
0-62mph: 5.5 seconds
Top speed: 111mph
Range: 336 miles
Charging: 175kW (10-80% in 28 minutes)
On sale: Now
L/D/H: 4,653/1,879/1,607 mm
