Review: Skoda Enyaq SE L 85

I recently spent a week with the all-electric Skoda Enyaq. I’m a late convert to electric vehicles and, if I’m honest, I’m still not entirely convinced they’re the future – not until charging infrastructure improves and real-world range becomes more consistent.

That said, some EVs make a stronger case than others, and the Enyaq is certainly one of them.

It looks smart, drives beautifully and, on paper, offers a range of up to 360 miles. In reality, especially during the recent heatwave with the air conditioning working overtime, you’re more likely to see around 15 per cent less. Even so, that’s still an impressive figure and should be more than enough for the vast majority of everyday journeys.

The Enyaq is a spacious family SUV with plenty of room for five adults to travel in comfort. The supportive front seats are heated, while rear passengers enjoy generous legroom. There’s also a large electrically operated boot packed with Skoda’s trademark practical touches, including the clever Virtual Pedal. Simply wave your foot beneath the rear bumper and the tailgate opens – ideal when your hands are full of shopping or luggage. Storage space throughout the cabin is equally impressive, with numerous cubbies, cupholders and useful compartments.

Our test car was the recently facelifted SE L 85 rear-wheel-drive model, fitted with the larger 77kWh battery. Power comes from a single electric motor producing 282bhp through a single-speed transmission.

Prices start at £42,060, but our car’s generous list of options pushed that to £47,160.

The 2025 facelift has sharpened the Enyaq’s appearance with a redesigned front end and updated headlights, giving it an even more contemporary look. The optional 20-inch alloy wheels (£620) completed the package perfectly and helped give the SUV a more purposeful stance on the road.

Performance is brisk rather than dramatic, with 0-62mph taking 6.7 seconds. More importantly, it delivers its speed effortlessly and in near silence. Road and wind noise are well suppressed, making long journeys particularly relaxing and ensuring passengers arrive feeling refreshed rather than fatigued.

Like all electric cars, the Enyaq features regenerative braking. In some rivals this can feel abrupt, but Skoda has tuned the system well, making it smooth and unobtrusive.

Comfort levels are excellent. The driving position is higher than expected, visibility is good and there’s plenty of seat adjustment. At almost 4.7 metres long, however, it’s not a small SUV, so the rear-view camera and all-round parking sensors are welcome additions.

Our test car featured the £1,300 Lounge Design Package, which gave the cabin a noticeably more premium feel. It also included the £2,500 Plus Package, adding upgraded lighting, seating and safety features, along with Moon White metallic paint (£600).

Most functions are controlled through the 13-inch touchscreen. While it’s responsive and easy enough to use, I’d still like to see a few more physical buttons, particularly for the climate controls. Overall, it’s one of the most convincing electric family SUVs I’ve driven so far.

Skoda Enyaq SE L 85

Price: £42,060 (£47,160 as tested)

Engine:77kWh battery

Power: 282bhp

Torque: 545Nm

Transmission: Single-speed electric

Top Speed: 111mph

0-62mph: 6.7 seconds

Range: 347-360 miles

CO2 emissions: 0g/km