Skoda Enyaq due here from mid-2024

AFTER a long wait, Skoda Australia has finally confirmed that its first-ever battery-electric vehicle – the Enyaq SUV – will reach Australian showrooms in updated form in mid-2024, likely kicking off with a Laurin & Klement flagship launch edition, followed by the Enyaq 85 Sportline and, later, the updated Enyaq RS AWD.

Speaking to GoAuto at the 2024 Enyaq Sportline’s Australian reveal, Skoda Australia brand director, Michael Irmer, attributed the delay to the uncertainty of Australia’s EV policy when Enyaq production began back in late-2020 – placing us well down the priority list for the vehicle – and the current 18-month waiting times for certain Enyaq variants in Europe owing to its sales success.

The benefit of waiting more than three years for the Enyaq to arrive, however, is that we will receive the facelifted model, with enhanced performance, expanded range and updated technology.

The Australian Enyaq range will feature both body styles (wagon and coupe) and will be offered in at least two permanent variants (long-range rear-drive 85 Sportline and yet-to-be-announced updated RS AWD), with the just-launched Laurin & Klement luxury version expected to act as our introductory Enyaq model in the form of a range-topping launch edition.

Mr Irmer said that Skoda Australia intends to use this opportunity to test our market with the Enyaq Laurin & Klement range-topper before potentially introducing L&K versions of other Skoda models in the future.

“I think (the Laurin & Klement trim level) will really resonate with Australian buyers and help the Skoda brand’s further evolution – positioning itself higher with the new design language too”, he said.

Due to battery improvements, our updated Enyaq (in Sportline and L&K forms) will be badged ‘85’ instead of ‘80’ like the current model – signifying its enhanced 210kW output, faster 0-100km/h time of 6.7 seconds and improved WLTP range of 570km.

Featuring an 82kWh battery (77 of which is useable), Skoda claims the long-range Enyaq 85 can go from 10 to 80 per cent charge in under 30 minutes or reach 80 per cent charge in 7.5 hours using an 11kW wall box.

Engineering improvements for the updated 2024 Enyaq RS all-wheel drive are yet to be revealed.

Other changes to the Enyaq 85 Sportline – the vehicle on display at the Australian reveal – include new 21-inch alloy wheels and the deletion of ‘iV’ from its name (all future Skoda EVs will be designated only by nameplate), as well as the rear window wiper on the coupe version for a cleaner appearance.

In Europe, the Enyaq coupe has been out-selling the wagon version and Skoda Australia expects the same situation to apply here – the coupe being the more aerodynamic of the two Enyaq bodystyles with a drag coefficient of just 0.23Cd.

Intended to compete with Kia’s EV6, Enyaq pricing is expected to start around $80,000 seeing that the entry-level 85 Sportline will be comprehensively equipped (if Skoda Australia is able to spec it with everything on offer).

Available equipment includes adaptive damping, dynamic steering, 21-inch alloy wheels, adaptive matrix LED lighting, animated lighting display with ‘crystal face’ illuminated front grille, headlight washers, a head-up display with augmented reality, Alcantara/leather trim, electric sports front seats with driver’s massage function, a 13.0-inch infotainment screen with dual wireless charging pads, and a 12-speaker Canton sound system.

Sharing the Enyaq 85’s enhanced battery, power output and range, the Laurin & Klement version goes a step further with chrome exterior detailing, unique alloy wheels, Nappa leather trim (in beige or black), ventilated front seats and upmarket dashboard upholstery.

In terms of sizing, the Enyaq is similar in length to the current-generation Kodiaq, riding on a 2764mm wheelbase. With a height of 1621mm, it stands around 70mm taller than a Kia EV6, with the Enyaq coupe offering 39mm more front headroom and the same rear headroom as the wagon version thanks to its standard panoramic glass roof.

According to Mr Irmer, Australian buyers will be able to register their expressions of interest for the Skoda Enyaq sometime during in first quarter of 2024.

And while the current expectation is for a mid-2024 launch, with customer deliveries around the third quarter of the year, Skoda is determined to introduce the Enyaq here “as soon as possible”, so those timelines may potentially shift forward slightly.