Skoda’s first EV has been spotted in top-spec 80x guise, undergoing testing before a potential early-2023 launch.
Skoda is gearing up to launch its first EV in India – the Enyaq iV crossover – which has now been photographed on test here. According to sources, the company has imported the vehicle for testing purposes, ahead of a planned launch sometime in early 2023.
- Skoda Enyaq iV seen testing in India
- Price announcement expected by early 2023
- Shares platform with VW ID4, Audi Q4 e-tron
Skoda Enyaq iV to come in 80x guise with AWD
Among a few prototypes imported by Skoda at the moment, the model seen here is the Enyaq iV 80x, which is the highest powertrain specification. The Enyaq iV 80x gets a 77kWh battery that supports up to 125kW DC fast charging, and comes with dual motors, one on each axle, giving AWD and a total of 265hp. Skoda says the Enyaq iV 80x does the 0-100kph sprint in 6.9sec and has a WLTP-rated range of up to 513km, which could make it the longest-range EV in India when it goes on sale.
While Skoda has a number of trim levels on offer overseas, the car in the photos appears to be the Enyaq iV Lounge trim, identifiable by its contrast black and light grey theme that Skoda calls Anodised Cross Decor, which should be appealing to Indian customers. As far as equipment goes, the model seen in these pictures gets 19-inch Proteus alloy wheels, the full-size 13-inch touchscreen, a digital instruments screen, ambient lighting, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, contrast yellow stitching on seats, and upholstery that has a mix of leather and microfibre fabric.
While the model seen here appears to be fully loaded, Skoda may offer lower-spec, two-wheel-drive variants in India as well, to offer the Enyaq iV at a lower starting price.
What is the Skoda Enyaq iV?
The Skoda Enyaq iV is an all-electric crossover based on the VW Group’s MEB born electric platform, which also underpins the likes of the Volkswagen ID4 and Audi Q4 e-tron crossovers. The platform can offer single-motor, rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor, AWD configurations, both of which are available on the Enyaq iV overseas. The VW Group, led by Skoda, is also working on a low-cost, front-wheel-drive version of the MEB platform that could be used on hatchbacks and smaller SUVs; read more about that here. Measuring 4,648mm long and 1,877mm wide, the Enyaq iV is only slightly smaller than the Skoda Kodiaq, but is strictly a 5-seat SUV with two rows of seats.
Skoda Enyaq iV India launch details, delivery timeline
With Audi taking the lead by launching the e-tron and e-tron GT in India and Volkswagen preparing to launch its ID4 crossover, Skoda does not want to be left behind in the EV race, even within the VW Group. Hence, the company will likely introduce the Enyaq iV as a CBU under the 2,500-unit rule that allows imports to be exempted from homologation in India. Expect Skoda to announce the price of the Enyaq iV sometime around Auto Expo 2023, followed by deliveries around March.
Also see:
Skoda Octavia RS to return as a plug-in hybrid in 2023
Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV debuts as brand’s second all-electric model
