The sporty electric SUV is a growing genre in today’s ever-evolving world of motoring. Should they even be a thing? I remain somewhat on the fence. But one can only assume the families that have opted to make that purchase have compromised between a two-seater coupé and practicality for the kids.
Some performance SUVs without a combustion engine that I have tested include the Tesla Model Y Performance, Porsche Macan Turbo Electric and the Nissan Ariya Nismo. All very refined and very capable EVs. Yet it would be remiss of me not to question why a family-oriented car needs – in the case of the Tesla – over 670Nm of torque and more than 450hp?
I know instant torque is a feature of even the most unassuming electric car, and responsibility ultimately lies with the driver, but why tempt faith?
Indeed, my quarrel with this segment of car stems from their needlessly high performance figures and not the vehicles themselves. As I said, they’re all very refined and capable. And that is true of Skoda’s Elroq RS, the subject of this week’s review.
The Elroq RS is Skoda’s second all-electric Rally Sport model after the Enyaq RS. Having tested and adored the Elroq last year in Sportline guise, I largely knew what I was in store for with the more powerful RS version.
Here are some fast facts on Skoda’s fastest accelerating production model to date: Dual electric motors and an all-wheel drive system deliver 250 kW of power (335bhp), a top speed of 180 km/h and a 0 to 100 km/h time of 5.4 seconds. There’s also plenty of torque, with 545Nm for the rear motor, and an additional 134Nm from the front.
Starting from €53,350, I do think the Elroq RS is keenly priced when compared to the aforementioned rivals. The Sportline trim starts from €50,360, so there is not a huge jump in price. Both will still leave a dent in the wallet, however.
The Elroq RS is equipped with an 84 kWh battery, 79 kWh of which is usable, offering a claimed range of 550km, although around 450km proved a more accurate return. Fast charging speeds proved sufficient, with 185 kW DC charging capabilities. For home or AC charging, the Elroq RS supports up to 11 kW, reaching a full charge in approximately eight hours.
In terms of styling, the Elroq RS sports a high-gloss ‘Tech-Deck Face’ and comes equipped with LED Matrix beam headlights and dynamic LED rear lights, along with animated light sequences when parked at night.
Black exterior accents – on the roof rails, mirror caps, window trim, and RS-specific bumpers – enhance the vehicle’s sporty presence. Skoda offers exclusive 21-inch RS alloy wheels, which were not to my taste.
Inside, the Elroq RS
features RS-specific styling, including Suedia upholstery and the
option of massage seats for added comfort.
While Skoda has made some adjustments to the chassis of Elroq RS, giving it more of an on-the-road edge over the rest of the range, you should take the RS badging with the pinch of salt. It is certainly not comparable with an Octavia RS, for example.
Skoda’s RS letter combination dates back to 1974 and resonates with many motorists, so I am glad it has continued into the electric age, even if it is not as enthralling as before. The Elroq, regardless of spec, is a fantastic EV. It is a very easy car to live with.
