Skoda designer discusses Enyaq iV e-SUV

With the Enyaq iV, we are again building on the emotive Skoda design language that characterises the Scala, the Kamiq and the new, fourth-generation Octavia. The Enyaq iV also features sculptural lines, clear surfaces and crystalline elements that draw inspiration from Bohemian crystal art. Its proportions, however, differ from those of our previous SUV models: the Enyaq iV has a shorter front end and an elongated roofline. This creates a very dynamic look and transforms it into a proverbial 'space shuttle'.

The design of the Enyaq iV is progressive, balanced and confident. The new proportions give it a special dynamic and a spacious interior, as well. Its large wheels and ground clearance give it the powerful presence of an SUV.

Definitely the front. We consciously emphasise the distinctive Skoda grille on our electric vehicles, as this is an instantly recognisable feature of the brand. On the Enyaq iV, it is set further forward and is more upright, which enhances the powerful look. The full-LED matrix headlights and daytime running lights are particularly eye-catching, too.

The differences include the height of the vehicle and the front and rear overhangs. To save space, the batteries of the MEB are installed in the vehicle floor, which makes the body a little higher. However, the longer wheelbase makes up for this visually. The individual components of the electric drive take up less space than a conventional internal combustion engine, allowing for shorter overhangs at the front and rear. The Enyaq iV's body is also more elongated and extremely aerodynamic, which has a positive effect on the range. A cw value from 0.27 is impressive for an SUV of this size.

The Enyaq iV embodies all Skoda's virtues and strengths in one vehicle and is an important step towards a sustainable future for the company. It combines spaciousness, versatility and clever ideas and incorporates surprising, smart features. It is suitable for families, people with active lifestyles and long-distance driving, making it the perfect companion for every day.

• Skoda's first series-production model based on the VW Group Modular Electrification Toolkit (MEB)
• Rear or all-wheel drive, a range of up to 510 kilometres (RWD model, WLTP cycle) is claimed
• Three battery sizes, five power levels and a quick charge option for shorter charging times
• Produced at the main Skoda plant in Mladá Boleslav
• One of more than ten partially or fully electric Skoda iV models planned between 2019 and the end of 2022 (follows the Citigo iV and Superb iV).

There’s e-history at Skoda. When the electrified CITIGOe iV and the SUPERB iV plug-in hybrid were launched, electromobility at Skoda took off. However, the first experiences with electrified vehicles from Mladá Boleslav date back 112 years. The hybrid LAURIN & KLEMENT E from 1908 was followed in the 1930s by electric trucks and, in the 1990s, by the ELTRA 151L variants based on the ŠKODA FAVORIT and ŠKODA PICKUP. The OCTAVIA Green E Line was the modern precursor to today’s ŠKODA iV models. Starting in 2011, Skoda gained important electromobility experience by creating ten prototypes. The Skoda PUCK children’s car, which was presented in 1941 and could reach speeds of up to 12 km/h, plays a very special role in the brand’s electric history.

The role of electric pioneer belongs to the LAURIN & KLEMENT E: Its designer and inventor František Křižík is – as the developer of the arc lamp – often referred to as the ‘Czech Edison’ and also played a major role in the introduction of electric trams. In 1908, Křižík replaced the vehicle’s transmission with an electric motor, which provided the drive. The 28-PS petrol engine was only used to generate the necessary electricity. As a result, the LAURIN & KLEMENT E did not require a battery and can therefore be considered the first hybrid “made in Mladá Boleslav”.

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