Škoda Enyaq iV RS

Overview

The 2023 Skoda Enyaq iV RS, though not officially sold stateside, would turn heads as a sporty, all-electric family SUV. Slotting into the VW Group's electric lineup, this Czech-built rocket aims for buyers craving performance without sacrificing practicality. Its key highlights are the potent dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, aggressive RS-specific styling, and a feature-packed interior. If it were available in the US, expect pricing to be competitive with performance trims of models like the VW ID.4 or Ford Mustang Mach-E. This particular RS variant had a short production run, starting and ending in 2023.

What's New for 2023?

For 2023, the big news for the Enyaq lineup in its European markets was the introduction of this fire-breathing iV RS trim. This specific version, produced and discontinued within 2023, brought the highest level of performance and sporty aesthetics to the Enyaq family. It packed a more powerful dual-motor setup, unique exterior and interior RS design cues, and typically a more comprehensive standard equipment list compared to its more pedestrian siblings. Think of it as Skoda's answer to Volkswagen's GTX models, giving the Enyaq a proper performance halo for its brief stint.

Design & Exterior

The Enyaq iV RS screams performance with its aggressive styling. Up front, you'd find a gloss black grille, potentially Skoda's illuminated "Crystal Face," flanked by sharp LED matrix headlights. Unique RS bumpers, aerodynamic alloy wheels (likely 20 or 21-inch), and blacked-out trim elements like mirror caps and window surrounds enhance its sporty stance. Its dimensions are substantial: 183.2 inches long, 74 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and 63.1 inches tall. Distinct RS badging and a subtly lower ride height complete the look, setting it apart from lesser Enyaqs.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Enyaq iV RS pampers with a sporty yet premium cabin. Expect figure-hugging sports seats, often trimmed in Alcantara with contrast stitching, and carbon-fiber-esque trim accents. There's ample room for its five occupants. For your gear, you get a generous 20.7 cubic feet of trunk space, expanding to a massive 60.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Unfortunately, there's no frunk. Dominating the dash is a large touchscreen (typically 13 inches) for infotainment, paired with a digital driver's display, and standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity.

Performance & Driving Experience

This ain't your grandma's Skoda! The Enyaq iV RS lays down serious performance, zipping from 0-60 mph in a claimed 5.9 seconds thanks to its dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup. These motors – an AC induction motor at the front and a permanent magnet synchronous motor at the rear – combine to deliver a punchy 220 kW (around 295 hp) and 339 lb-ft of torque. Expect sharp handling, especially with adaptive dampers, and a composed ride. Multiple regenerative braking modes allow for efficient one-pedal driving when desired, making it a blast on twisty roads.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Enyaq iV RS packs a 77 kWh usable battery, delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of around 273 miles – pretty decent for a performance SUV. Its efficiency is rated at 3.55 mi/kWh. For home charging, the standard 11 kW on-board AC charger can top up the battery overnight, likely in about 7-8 hours. On the go, its 400V architecture supports DC fast charging up to 175 kW, meaning a 10-80% charge could take roughly 30-35 minutes. If sold in the US, it would feature a CCS Type 1 port.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While US NHTSA ratings are unavailable as it's not sold here, the Enyaq platform boasts a top 5-star rating from Euro NCAP, inspiring confidence. The RS trim would likely come loaded with Skoda's latest driver-assistance tech. Expect features like adaptive cruise control, comprehensive lane-keeping assist (often part of "Travel Assist"), blind-spot monitoring, and front assist with emergency braking as standard. Parking sensors and a rearview camera are givens, with a 360-degree camera system probably available to make parking this sizable SUV a breeze.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

If Skoda brought the Enyaq iV RS to the US, its warranty would likely mirror VW's coverage. This typically means a basic vehicle warranty of 4 years/50,000 miles. The crucial battery warranty would probably be 8 years/100,000 miles, guaranteeing at least 70% of its original capacity. Powertrain components would fall under the basic warranty. Some complimentary maintenance, perhaps for the first 2 years/20,000 miles, might also be included. Built on the VW Group's proven MEB platform, reliability should be competitive within the EV segment.