2026 Skoda Enyaq RS 85 Review

At the top of the Skoda electric range is the recently revised Enyaq RS. Along with spiffy new styling, the RS brings a bit more character to the otherwise sensible Enyaq by way of dual motors and 250kW. There’s more torque too when compared with the RWD Sportline and so thanks to the extra output and traction, the RS is snappier off the mark, hitting 100 in 5.4s versus 6.7 for the Sportline. But it’s also more expensive, coming in at $99,000.

The Enyaq RS has a few more items on its spec list too. For instance, a head-up display, a 360 degree camera, a few more lighting theatrics and other additions to the interior like a better sound system along with larger wheels. But is it worth $10k extra? 

The Enyaq RS was a model we sampled not long after spending some time in other sporty electrics like the BMW i4 and the Ford Mach-E GT. These are both more expensive, but held more of our interest from the driver’s seat. Over the same sort of roads, the RS just wasn’t as engaging. Clicking the mode button into Sport adds some weight at the wheel and some added zest at the pedal. The RS has fixed rate suspension, so there’s no improvement in the handling department in Sport. Though its balanced handling is one of its strong points. While it rolls on 21-inch wheels, the suspension does the job of handling the bumpy bits and managing the mass in motion. Well, up to a point. While the turn-in is keen and there’s some life to the steering, the ultimate mid-corner bite is lacking. Much like the Cupra Taviscan VZ, which uses the same platform, the electronic stability enhancers are called on to tidy things up. With all wheels putting the power down, there’s a good serve of squirt to help haul you out of the bends. And it’s comfortably quick enough for road use without getting carried away. The brakes could do with a better bite however, while the pressure at the pedal is a little inconsistent. 

It’s a solid highway cruiser with a heap of power for easy overtakes. You can use the paddles at the wheel to introduce the three levels of brake regeneration to ease into the corners, avoiding that brake pedal altogether. And it’s not too bad for tyre related roar on coarse chip either. On the motorway, you can relax a little and let the active cruise, complete with a competent lane centring function, do much of the work.

While not super efficient with the on-test consumption hovering around 19kWh/100km, it’s not far off the stated 17.2 number. The range they quote at 520km, but figure on something around the 450 mark from the 79kWh NMC type battery. As to DC charging, it’ll handle up to 185kW in ideal conditions, while the maximum AC rate is 11kW. You get both a portable 8A/1.8kW charger and a ‘Mode 3’ cable for public AC charging.

Despite its RS badging, it’s an easy going commuter. There’s the usual abundance of easy torque that a dual motor EV delivers, but it’s not OTT. One does have to be mindful of velocity, as it can creep up easily. While there’s a head-up display (which we ended up turning off due to its augmented reality warnings), there’s no speed limit recognition. 

The steering is well assisted, not overly light or vacant, while the ride is refined and settled too. And the active cruise has traffic jam assist for when the flows grind to a halt. The active safety assistants are all well behaved. 

Skoda’s are always pragmatic and the Enyaq RS is no different. The seats are a little sporty yet remain comfortable (heating and massage functions helping there), with good adjustment. You have an easy entry too, and clear vision, complemented by a 360 degree camera. With a handy turning circle, it’s easy to park, though there’s a self docking function if you really struggle. 

It’s family ready, with an accommodating rear seat fit for infants through to teenagers, and a well shaped, spacious boot. This expands easily with a flattish load space. There’s also some storage under the floor, though EV enthusiasts will lament the lack of a frunk. But there’s a 1200kg braked tow rating if you have extras to haul. 

Upfront, the quality is okay, though you might expect a little less plastic for $100k. Some suede trim and green stitching doesn’t quite make amends. There are myriad storage spots and other ‘clever’ solutions. The infotainment however is lacking the depth of connected options at the price. Sat-nav doesn’t even make the grade. 

At $99,000, the Skoda Enyaq RS has plenty of competition with the likes of the top Zeekr 7X Performance asking slightly less, Cadillac’s Lyriq too while it’s only a few beans more for a Polestar 4 or the Tesla Model Y Performance. There are also plenty of others around the $80k mark that represent better overall value too, including the Elroq which offers much the same appeal, with only a slight disadvantage in overall cabin and boot space. It’s the more pragmatic buy.  

Skoda Enyaq RS 85

$99,000  /  17.2kWh/100km  /  0g/km
0-100 km/h 5.4s
Motor  250kW / 679Nm
Battery/Range    79kWh / 520km
Drivetrain  1-speed auto / eAWD
Weight  2438kg