We are Enyaq fans at Business Car, as it has previously been our Business Car of the Year. Following updates at the start of 2024, with changes to the model’s efficiency, infotainment, and drive, it has justified its position as one of the best EV all-rounders on sale. As such, it won Best Medium SUV at our recent 2024 awards.
Soon after the release of the updated standard Enyaq, the sportiest vRS received similar updates and we’ve now had the chance to drive it.
The original version of the vRS launched in Coupe form, had 295hp, 460Nm of torque, 0-60mph acceleration in 6.5 seconds, and a range of 339 miles – yet we were lukewarm about it, as we didn’t feel that it knew what it wanted to be.
One thing we thought the Enyaq vRS didn’t need, was more power. Yet, after changes to battery and motor, this is what it got! Power now totals 335hp, torque stays the same, but acceleration drops to 5.5 seconds – a whole second quicker!
However, this extra performance is not at the expense of efficiency. Skoda has recalibrated the motors, and fitted new power management software, which means the fastest Enyaq is more efficient than before. The vRS Coupe is now capable of achieving a 340-mile range (a 16 mile increase). Or, if you choose the SUV bodystyle like we had, it is now capable of 336 miles – a 15 mile increase. In both, the battery capacity remains unchanged at 77kWh useable, and the Enyaq vRS can even be charged faster, with DC rapid charging speeds up to 175kW, equalling a10-80% charge at 175kW chargers of just 28 minutes.
Design and interior
Outside, the look is unchanged, but the vRS makeover equals a discreet front apron, body-colour side skirts, and up to 21in wheels. However, our test car certainly looked the part in its optional, and very bright, Phoenix Orange Metallic finish.
Inside, the sporting feel remains, with the use of black leather-look trim on the dashboard with contrast stitching, plus a black perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel, and black perforated leather-trimmed sports seats. It certainly feels different from a standard Enyaq. Skoda has also boosted the level of standard equipment, with travel assist, speed assist, walk-away locking, rear side airbags, rear window blinds, and rear USB charging now included.
Our car also benefited from both optional Advanced and Maxx equipment packs. The highlights of both are the head-up display, Canton sound system, and electric seats with massage function.
The other obvious change in this Enyaq’s interior was the infotainment, which works via the 13in screen. This, the head-up display, and virtual cockpit, work on the new Skoda CI/CD menu structure and new navigation maps. As a result, it is now possible to customise ‘quick access buttons’ for various vehicle settings. Talking of the navigation, there are new graphics for the maps and the map is much larger on the screen than before. Plus, easier access to other sub menus.
With its unchanged 585 litres, the Enyaq’s boot is one of the biggest fitted to an EV. This can be extended to 1,710 litres with the rear seats folded, although the load area isn’t totally flat.
Performance and drive
As before, the vRS feels fastest from start-off, although in our opinion the extra performance isn’t that noticeable. Although, stamp on the throttle and the way you’re pushed further into its sports seat is surprising and amusing in equal measure.
Considering the vRS has a stiffer set-up, and our test car was on the standard 20in wheels, we were surprised at how comfortable and compliant the sportiest Enyaq was. In addition, given its 2.2 tonne weight, body roll is kept well under control and with four-wheel drive, grip levels are high. This means you can cover ground quicker than you’d think. However, the ride can be crashy, plus the steering lacks feel which is less fun!
Ultimately, these drive issues make it hard to recommend the fastest Enyaq, compared with the standard model – our deserving Medium SUV winner.
Positive: Looks, comfort, range, performance
Negative: Expensive, steering lack feel, more power doesn’t improve the driving experience
Standard equipment: 20in alloy wheels, memory door mirrors, electrically operated boot with virtual pedal, full LED matrix headlights, full LED rear lights, headlight washers, electrically-adjustable driver’s seat with memory, heated front sports seats, tri-zone climate control, sat-nav with 13in touchscreen, adaptive cruise control.
Engines: Electric: 335hp
Transmissions: Single-speed auto
Model | Skoda Enyaq vRS SUV |
P11D | £53,065 |
Residual value | TBC |
Depreciation | TBC |
Fuel | £3,200 |
Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
Cost per mile | TBC |
Range | 337 miles |
CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (2%) |
BIK 20/40% a month | £18/£35 |
Luggage capacity | 585 litres |
Battery size/power | 77kWh/335hp |
Score | 8/10 |