Skoda Elroq Sportline 85 review: the 80 thousand dollar question

It would be unfair to say that Skoda has done a bit of a quick cut-n-shut job on the Enyaq to create the smaller Elroq, even if that is essentially what it is - hell, the two even share the majority of their interiors.

But then this rings true for pretty much every vehicle that sits on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB EV platform though, as they all tend to share quite a lot - even wheelbases - regardless of their overall size and segment.

However what Skoda has done with the Elroq is create a car that sits under the impressive Enyaq in terms of price and, marginally, exterior size, without sacrificing much in the way of interior space and nothing in the way of quality and equipment.

Priced at $80,500, this 210kW rear-wheel-drive Elroq Sportline 85 sits square in the upper levels of the compact premium SUV segment and delivers a blend of Skoda's signature practicality with electric performance. So where does that leave the Enyaq?

I dunno. I mean, it’s a bit more premium looking, but then the Elroq counters that by being more modern looking. Swings and roundabouts, really, but what it will likely come down to for most people will be size. Prefer something a bit more compact that the Enyaq’s mid-size SUV proportions? Then an Elroq is for you.

On the outside: what are the Skoda Elroq Sportline 85's main design features?

The Elroq has a handsome and distinctly Skoda look, sharpened for the modern EV era. It doesn't shout its electric credentials but subtly hints at them, most notably with a glossy black plastic “grille”.

Prefer something a bit more compact that the Enyaq’s mid-size SUV proportions? Then an Elroq is for you.

The design is conservative without being dull, striking a fine balance, while its  size is somewhat deceptive; it can appear compact next to some cars and surprisingly substantial next to others, though it feels compact from behind the wheel.

The Elroq Sportline rides on 20-inch wheels and features an advanced lighting package, including LED matrix beam headlights with dynamic range control and cornering functions, complemented by LED rear lights with animated indicators.

It’s a clean, tech-forward look that successfully evolves the brand's design language, without doing anything radical or particularly polarising.

OVERVIEW

On the inside: what's the Skoda Elroq Sportline 85's cabin like?

The Elroq’s cabin is everything you'd expect from a modern Skoda, with a layout that is largely identical to its Enyaq sibling.

There are a few surprising omissions, however, particularly for a vehicle at the Elroq’s price point.

The Sportline trim treats occupants to superb suede sport seats that are both exceptionally comfortable and grippy, while the materials are of a very high quality, from the pleasant leather steering wheel to the various touchpoints, though the synthetic leather on the dashboard feels a bit artificial.

A bright and vivid 13-inch infotainment screen sprouts from the centre of the dash and the system is sensibly laid out, and thankfully, Skoda has retained physical buttons for key functions like climate control and drive modes.

Practicality is well-catered for with two USB-C ports in the front and two in the rear, a wireless phone charger, and a 470-litre boot with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and a hands-free power tailgate.

There are a few surprising omissions, however, particularly for a vehicle at the Elroq’s price point. Most notable is the lack of a head-up display or a 360 degree camera, two things that are largely standard in a modern EV priced around the $80k mark.

Likewise, the Elroq also remains completely offline, thanks to the wider Volkswagen Group’s lack of any form of connectivity for its cars in our market. While some may prefer their car to be offline, the reality is that this means the Elroq misses out on many of the best advantages of owning an EV, like the ability to remotely control HVAC functions and monitor your car’s state of charge.

Like its MQB siblings - but particularly the Enyaq - the Elroq shines in its driving dynamics.

These strange omissions aside though, the overall impression is one of spacious, well-built comfort - modern but not overstated, and quintessentially Skoda.

INTERIOR

On the road: what's the Skoda Elroq Sportline 85 like to drive?

With 210kW and 545Nm sent to the rear wheels, one might expect blistering performance from the top-spec Sportline 85 model we drive here. However, the Elroq's substantial 2316 kg tare weight tempers its acceleration - it's quick enough, but not as rapid as its power figures suggest.

The rear-wheel-drive character is subtle, only revealing a slight wiggle from the rear when pushed hard through a corner; otherwise, it behaves more like a benign, sure-footed all-wheel-drive vehicle.

Like its MQB siblings - but particularly the Enyaq - the Elroq shines in its driving dynamics. The steering is nicely weighted, accurate, and precise, offering a good sense of what the front wheels are doing - a refreshing trait in an EV.

The ride quality is firm but excellent, remaining composed and never feeling brittle or unpleasant. While it can get slightly flustered over very poor surfaces at low speeds, it's a minor complaint.

The Skoda Elroq Sportline is a genuinely likable electric crossover SUV. It does everything you ask of it competently and without any significant faults.

Overall, the Elroq is an agile and thoroughly pleasant car to drive, delivering acceptable and well-rounded performance with sharp handling and an excellent ride.

SPECIFICATIONS

On ownership: what's the Skoda Elroq Sportline 85's warranty and servicing situation?

Skoda offers a standard 5-year/150,000 kilometre warranty on the Elroq, with 5 years of 24/7 roadside assist. There is an additional -year/160,000km warranty on the battery, along with a 12-year corrosion warranty. Servive intervals are every 12 months or 15,000km, with 3 or 5 year service plans available.

On the whole: what do we think of the Skoda Elroq Sportline 85?

The Skoda Elroq Sportline is a genuinely likable electric crossover SUV. It does everything you ask of it competently and without any significant faults. It’s pleasant to drive, incredibly well-made, and offers a spacious, high-quality cabin. It is, in essence, exactly what you would expect from a Skoda that isn't wearing an RS badge.

It may be a well-made European EV with a long range, but in today's competitive market, that might not be enough.

However, its biggest hurdle is that $80,500 price tag. At this price point, the equipment list feels a bit stingy and the lack of features like a head-up display or a 360-degree camera - both of which are largely standard in this segment, particularly at this price point - are disappointing, as is the total lack of connectivity and remote access.

When you consider the compelling alternatives available for a similar price, including from Tesla and other European brands, the Elroq's value proposition comes into question.

While I genuinely enjoyed driving it and could happily live with it, the price is a significant sticking point. It may be a well-made European EV with a long range, but in today's competitive market, that might not be enough.

If you're a dedicated Skoda fan or can secure a great deal, you'll undoubtedly love the Elroq. For everyone else, it’s a very good car that struggles to justify its premium cost.

Skoda Elroq Sportline 85 FAQs

What kind of car is the Skoda Elroq Sportline 85?

It’s a medium-sized electric crossover SUV.

Does the Skoda Elroq Sportline 85 have hybrid or EV technology?

The Elroq a pure battery-electric vehicle (BEV), with a 77kWh battery and a single motor on the ear axle.

What’s the fuel economy of the Skoda Elroq Sportline 85?

The Elroq Sportline is rated at 17.2kWh/100km using the WLTP test cycle.

Is the Skoda Elroq Sportline 85 safe?

The Elroq hasn't been rated by ANCAP, but carries a full 5 Star Euro NCAP score. It features 9 airbags, including dual front, side and curtain airbags, as well as a front centre airbag and rear side airbags.

What safety and assistance features does the Skoda Elroq Sportline 85 have?

What are the Skoda Elroq Sportline 85's main rivals?

Just the names, no need to editorialise but link to reviews if we have them. Could be a bullet-point list of specific models with links to manufacturer information? For example:

• Smart #5 Pro+ ($79,990): Same price and similar performance, but considerably more tech.
• Volkswagen ID.4 Pro ($59,990): Same electric powertrain, but with a VW badge. Much cheaper.
• Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD ($77,990): Faster, more range and AWD for slightly less money.
• BYD Atto 3 Evo Performance ($75,990): Aggressively fast and significantly upgraded, looks like the old one though.
• Zeekr X AWD ($69,990): Slightly smaller range, but faster and AWD, cheaper too.