Update: ‘Production’ section added.
Skoda’s EV journey was boosted with the reveal of the new Enyaq Coupe iV on January 31, 2022. A sleeker and more dynamic iteration of its SUV sibling, the Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV will also be manufactured at the brand’s Mlada Boleslav plant in the Czech Republic. With this, the Enyaq remains the only MEB-platform based model range that is being produced outside of Germany.
Design
While the front remains identical to the SUV, the rear slopes gently into the trunk. What differentiates the Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV is the restyled bumper and the chrome-surrounded grille that offers illumination, a feature reminiscent of the BMW X6. It’s not a standard feature but customers can spec the Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV with a ‘Crystal Face’ that adds 131 LEDs to the grille. This will certainly be a stand-out feature of the coupe, especially in dark environments.
LED lighting all around is standard but the coupe can be specced with LED Matrix headlamps. The onboard computer can control these individually to reduce glare for oncoming traffic. What’s also striking is the black panoramic glass roof (standard feature) that flows seamlessly into the rear section. Skoda says it’s the largest panoramic glass roof that it has ever offered.
Other design highlights on the Skoda Enyaq iV Coupe include its precision-cut alloy wheels (19-21 inch), body-coloured side skirts, boarding spots with welcome logo through a small projector on the outside rearview mirrors, Skoda lettering on the tailgate and LED tail lights with ‘Coming/Leaving Home’ function.
The Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV is one slippery vehicle. Thanks to its short overhangs, big wheels, low roofline, and strong shoulders it is more aerodynamically efficient than the Enyaq iV. While the SUV’s drag coefficient is 0.257 Cd, the SUV-coupe’s streamlined body ensures a lower drag coefficient of 0.234 Cd. Its wheelbase is identical to the SUV at 2,765 mm, but the length has grown by 4 mm, with the coupe measuring 4,653 mm. Even the height has increased by 6 mm to compensate for the reduced rear headroom which gets affected because of the coupe roofline.
Interior
The cabin is largely identical to that of the Enyaq SUV. Even the standard layout appears high-quality and attractive. The dashboard is upholstered in top-quality fabric while soft materials and light colours are ubiquitous. You can elevate the cabin experience by choosing Skoda’s unique ‘Design Selections.’
The ‘Lodge’ selection offers seat covers made of 40% natural wool while 60% of the polyester comes from recycled PET bottles. In the Design Selection ‘Lounge’, customers get leather and Suedia microfibre for the seats and door trims. Buyers can dial luxury up by choosing the ‘Suite’ selection which features tanned cognac-coloured leather upholstery (built using sustainable olive leaf extracts) with stone-grey and contrasting stitching.
That said, there’s a range of equipment on offer. A 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system dominates the cabin. It offers Wireless Smartlink, Android Auto and Apple Carplay. In front of the driver sits a 5.3-inch digital cockpit that displays speed, driving data, navigation and assistance systems. There’s also a head-up display and an optional 12-speaker Canton sound system.
In addition to the two screens, there’s more standard equipment on offer. This includes dual-zone ac, two-spoke steering with controls, keyless entry and more. The models with the larger 82 kWh battery also get heated steering with paddles to alter between different levels of brake-energy regeneration.
If customers wish to splurge more on the interiors, they can choose from ten optional packs. For example, buyers can choose the ‘Seat Comfort’ pack that offers electric seat adjustment, lumbar support and a massage function. Lastly, boot space is down by 15 litres (570 litres) on the Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV compared to the SUV (585 litres).
Safety
The Euro NCAP results of the coupe have not been conducted yet. But, the Enyaq iV received a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, and Skoda will aim for the same score for the Enyaq Coupe iV. The Coupe should have the same battery pack installation in the underbody, along with waterproofing. In case of a defect or an accident, the electrical components would automatically disconnect from the battery within milliseconds to ensure that the passengers don’t face danger from the high-voltage system.
Higher variants get up to 9 airbags while 6 airbags are offered as standard. That said, you also get a head-up display with augmented reality, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, collision warning, ABS with EBD and traction control among other safety features.
Prototype Review
Auto Express got to test drive a prototype of the Enyaq Coupe, and according to the report, there are far fewer drawbacks from the coupe body style than you would expect. In terms of design, the report says that the raked roofline allows for changes to the rear section, and the changes are best experienced from the inside.
Skoda has used a full-length heat reflective glass panel for the roof, freeing up space from the roller-blinds. According to the British publication, people only over six feet will find their heads brushing the roof at the rear, and thanks to the MEB platform, there is no drivetrain allowing middle passengers also to feel comfortable with generous knee-room all around. The boot space shrinks, but only from 585 to 570 litres in the coupe.
As for the drive, Auto Express’ main takeaway is that the feel is indistinguishable from the other Enyaqs they have driven. Suspension and chassis feel stiff but not uncomfortable. This, however, was also partly thanks to the smooth roads and the adaptive dampers on the prototype. According to the publication, steering is on the heavy side compared to its rivals but also lacks the finesse or sharpness you would see on something like a Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Specifications
Aspect | Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV specifications |
Boot Space | 570 litres |
Range (WLTP cycle) | >332 miles when fitted with the larger battery |
Length | 4,653 mm |
Height | 1,617 mm |
Width | 1,879 mm |
Wheelbase | 2,765 mm |
Wheel size | 19-21 inch |
Battery Pack Capacity | Enyaq Coupe iV 60 – 62 kWh (58 kWh net); Enyaq Coupe iV 80 – 82 kWh (77 kWh net) (optional battery pack); Enyaq Coupe iV 80x – 82 kWh (77 kWh net) |
Motor Power | Enyaq Coupe iV 60 – 132 kW; Enyaq Coupe iV 80 – 150 kW; Enyaq Coupe iV 80x – 195 kW |
DC fast-charging power | Up to 125 kW |
Drag Coefficient (cd) | 0.234 |
There are two configurations for battery and electric motors on the Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV. On the Enyaq Coupe iV 60, customers get a 62 kWh battery that feeds energy to a rear-axle mounted electric motor that develops 177 hp (132 kW). This model accelerates to 100 kmph (62 mph) in 8.8 seconds. The Enyaq Coupe iV 80 and 80x get a larger 82 kWh battery providing a maximum range of 545 km (339 miles) on the WLTP cycle.
The 80’s e-motor makes 201 hp (150 kW), meaning the car sprints to a 100 kmph (62 mph) in just 8.7 seconds. The 80x on the other hand gets a dual-motor set-up making it AWD. The combined output of the dual-motor set-up is 261 hp (195kW), making the coupe accelerate to 100 kmph in just 7 seconds flat. This should be the variant to choose for those who crave performance. The top speed for all variants except the RS is limited to 160 kmph (99 mph).
Charging
The Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV supports fast charging. While there’s no information yet on how much time it takes for the smaller 62 kWh battery to top up, the larger 82 kWh battery takes 29 minutes to juice up from 10 to 80%. Skoda will also provide an 11 kW wall box charger for homes that should take up to 8 hours for a full charge.
Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV for the UK
The Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV has already been listed on Skoda’s UK website albeit with no details. What we do know is that the coupe will be available only with one battery option in the UK and a choice of rear or all-wheel-drive. There will also be three power options to choose from including the RS variant. Expect Skoda to also offer the Design Selections for UK customers. As per Electrifying (via Twitter), Skoda will launch the Enyaq Coupe iV in the UK in July. Further details are awaited.
Maximizing range on the Enyaq iV in winter
Skoda recommends a few tricks to maximise the range on the Enyaq iV in winter. Firstly, an updated software will be installed on the Enyaqs already delivered to the customers optimising the battery’s thermal management for enhancing the range in winter temperatures, as well as the overall battery life. Secondly, parking the vehicle in a garage as opposed to the outside will have a positive impact on the range. Additionally, the interiors could be preheated via the MySKODA app. The power will be drawn from the charging cable if it is connected, and not from the battery.
Eco Mode reduces the power of the vehicle’s climate control system, and restricts the top speed to 130 km/h, enhancing range. Lastly, Skoda mentions that drive mode B should be selected in the city for maximum recuperation performance. These recommendations will apply to the incoming Enyaq iV Coupe as well.
Production
Series production of the Enyaq Coupe iV commenced at Skoda’s mother plant in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic on February 14, 2022. The Enyaq iV and the Enyaq Coupe iV are the only MEB-platform based EVs to be manufactured outside Germany. Skoda states that 2000 employees will assemble more than 120 units of the Enyaq Coupe iV everyday, alongside the Enyaq iV, Octavia and the Octavia iV.
Featured Image Source: Skoda