The Škoda ELROQ 85 is the brand’s latest all-electric SUV and joins the ENYAQ family as a more compact model. While many early test drives took place in sunny Mallorca, it was time for a proper winter challenge. This article summarises the key findings from a cold-weather road test, covering driving behaviour, consumption, assistance systems, lighting, software and charging performance.
Design and Build Quality
The ELROQ debuts Škoda’s new Modern Solid design language, most notably in the front end. Split headlights, a black “Techdeck” and the new Škoda wordmark define its exterior look.
Inside, much feels familiar: the cockpit is nearly identical to the ENYAQ, and material quality remains high.
Exterior Highlights
Boot space: 115 litres less than ENYAQ but with clever storage solutions
Front design: New split headlights and Techdeck with light bar (First Edition only)
Compact proportions: 17 cm shorter than the ENYAQ, giving it a sportier, more muscular appearance
Interior
Usability improved: no gloss black surfaces, tactile and user-friendly controls
High-quality finishes, with materials mostly identical to the ENYAQ
“Lodge” Design Selection: light grey upholstery with orange accents
Driving Dynamics, Handling and Comfort
The ELROQ 85 is a rear-wheel-drive EV with 286 hp, and the difference is noticeable.
Steering is more agile than the ENYAQ – likely due to the missing front motor and reduced weight.
Suspension and Ride
Motorway: Quiet and stable even at 130 km/h, very similar to the ENYAQ experience
No DCC (adaptive suspension) in the tested vehicle – the standard setup performs well
Urban ride: Comfortable, though cobblestone surfaces create some cabin movement
Real-World Winter Efficiency
Real-world winter consumption is always a sensitive subject, but the ELROQ held up well during the test.
- Urban driving: 20.5 kWh/100 km (at 1–3°C, with heating and stop-and-go traffic)
- Motorway at 130 km/h: 25.4 kWh/100 km (at 2°C, including battery preconditioning for fast charging)
These values are comparable to the ENYAQ, with a slight efficiency edge due to lower weight. As expected, winter consumption is higher – a summer test will follow.
Software 5.4: Operation, Navigation and Driver Assistance
The ELROQ ships with the latest software version 5.4, offering several usability improvements.
Positives and Negatives at a Glance
+ Smooth performance: No crashes or freezes during testing
+ Customisable shortcuts: Quick access to favourite features
+ Automatic battery preconditioning: Now reliably activates when a charging stop is planned in navigation
o Improved traffic sign recognition: Slightly better, but map errors remain. Example: speed limits in construction zones are sometimes misinterpreted.
– No filter for charging providers: Preferred networks like Ionity can’t be prioritised in route planning
– Lane Assist less precise: Fewer interventions than earlier versions, subjectively less stable
Remote Parking via Smartphone
One of the ELROQ’s most innovative features is Remote Parking, controlled via the MyŠkoda app.
Remote Parking
- The vehicle detects a parking space and can be moved in or out using the app
- Tested in a narrow 90° space – worked reliably
- Offset parking in tight areas also worked well
Memory Parking
App control was smooth and responsive
The vehicle can “remember” a parking routine and repeat it later autonomously
Very useful for tight garages or regularly used spaces
Charging Test: Strong Results
- Peak power: 177 kW (Škoda specifies 175 kW)
- Charging time (10–80%): 26 minutes (Škoda claims 28 minutes)
- Stable charging curve: Still over 140 kW at 50% SoC
This puts the ELROQ on par with the ENYAQ, though the charge curve drops off later, which saves time in real-world use.
Verdict: Is the ELROQ a True ENYAQ Alternative?
The Škoda ELROQ 85 is a well-rounded electric SUV and a strong addition to Škoda’s EV lineup.
Its strengths lie in efficiency, driving dynamics, and modern features like remote parking.
Who is the ELROQ for?
- Drivers seeking a more compact, sportier EV SUV
- Those who don’t need the maximum boot space of the ENYAQ
- Anyone valuing quick charging and day-to-day efficiency
My personal take: For a two-person household, the ELROQ is more than enough.
The only remaining question is whether those 17 extra centimetres of the ENYAQ are really worth the higher price.
