Skoda Elroq EV: value for money is key asset (update)

Skoda has presented the Elroq, its second EV after the Enyaq. When the Skoda comes onto the market in the first quarter of 2025, it will offer much for the money asked.  The price for Belux has just been released: €33,990. According to Skoda, it’s the first time a fully electric vehicle is available at the same price as a comparable ICE car.

The prices of electric cars have long been a much-discussed topic. At Skoda, positioned within the VW Group as a brand that offers good value for the money, even the high base price of around € 50,000 for the cheapest electric model to date, the Enyaq, has not prevented success: The Enyaq continues to sell well.

However, to reach the mass market, the prices must come down. Like its big brother, the new Elroq also utilizes Volkswagen’s MEB platform, but in a class not yet served.

In between segments

At 4.48 meters, the Elroq is positioned somewhat between the segments. It is noticeably shorter than the Enyaq and VW ID.4 (4.58 meters) but also longer than the compact VW ID.3 (4.28 meters) and the comparable Cupra Born.

While the ID.3 and Born still try to pass as a classic compact car despite the high battery in the underbody, Skoda has designed the Elroq to look like an SUV. The Elroq does not have to hide its height, allowing freedom of design and more space in the interior.

Despite the shorter dimensions, the Elroq’s wheelbase of 2.77 meters corresponds to the MEB standard. That means the familiar batteries will also fit in the new Skoda. At launch, the Elroq will be available in four variants. The base version, the Elroq 50, has a 52-kWh battery and 125-kW drive.

The Elroq 60 uses the 59 kWh net/63 kWh gross battery and the 150 kW motor in the rear. Above this is the Elroq 85, which is available in two variants with the 77 kWh battery: with the 210 kW APP550 electric motor (and 545 Nm torque) as a rear-wheel drive model or as the Elroq 85x all-wheel drive model. With an additional electric motor on the front axle, the power output is 220 kW. The 85 models can reach 180 kph, while the Elroq 50 and 60 are limited to 160 kph.

More info to come

Only some technical data on the new Elroq is available for the premiere in Prague. However, the answer regarding charging is quite simple, as the Skoda uses the latest version of the familiar VW technology.

The WLTP ranges, on the other hand, are model-specific. Skoda currently only states a maximum range of 560 kilometers for the Elroq 85, but it is still unclear how far the other engine versions will get.

More space, more equipment

With the identical wheelbase, the space in the front and rear of both models will also be very similar, but the Skoda will realize its additional length primarily in the boot. Up to 470 liters fit under the back shelf, compared to 385 liters in the ID.3. With the rear seat backrests folded down, the Skoda’s advantage is even more significant (1,580 to 1,267 liters).

Speaking of the back shelf, even in the Elroq, there was not enough room for a frunk under the bonnet (typical of the MEB), as the platform is not designed for it. Instead, Skoda developers have fitted a net under the parcel shelf where the charging cable can be stowed.

It keeps it from flying around in the boot or being stowed in a compartment under the boot floor that isn’t easy to access. It is within easy reach in the net – true to the Skoda claim ‘simply clever.’

Skoda wants to score points with these details and the lavish equipment. The Elroq also offers a full range of features, from the large touchscreen for infotainment to the head-up display with augmented reality functions and all the assistance systems of the larger models.

Also important for some prospective buyers: Skoda continues to rely on classic steering wheel buttons instead of touch control surfaces and has also placed the gear selector lever in the center console—not as a steering column lever.

‘Modern solid’ design

Just because Skoda has chosen the more traditional route here than the VW brand does not mean that Elroq has a conservative design. The Elroq is the first model in the new Skoda design language called ‘Modern Solid.’ The Elroq does without the classic radiator grille. The black element between the headlights is now called the ‘Tech-Deck-Face’ and conceals all the sensors for the driving assistants.

There are also the two-part headlights that are now frequently used in the industry – for design reasons, the pure LED daytime running lights are positioned further up, while the main headlights are hidden further down in the front apron. At the rear, however, there are no surprises – the Elroq is immediately recognizable as a Skoda.

Under €34,000

The German base price for the Elroq 50 was first known, where it will be available starting at €33,900. However, Skoda emphasizes that it will be around 33,000 euros in all European markets.

We won’t have to wait long for the prices of other versions either: the Elroq can be configured from 2 October as the Elroq 50, Elroq 85, and the special model Elroq 85 First Edition. In Belgium, the price for the base model has just been confirmed at €33,990.

According to Skoda CEO Klaus Zellmer, the new Elroq is ‘equipment-adjusted’ and is equally priced for customers as the comparable combustion engine model, the Karoq. “The Elroq is the first model that enables us to establish price parity with a combustion engine model for customers. This has never been done before and will be a crucial lever for demand.”