Skoda Enyaq iV Electric India Launch Sooner Than Expected

• Skoda Enyaq iV is to launch in India by the first quarter of 2023.
• Can offer a claimed electric driving range of up to 520 kilometers in its top-spec 80X guise.
• The all-electric crossover was first spotted testing in June this year, sparking the news of its India launch.

Skoda India is all set to enter the EV market space with its upcoming Enyaq iV all-electric crossover. The Czech auto major could bring its global product to Indian shores by the first quarter of 2023. Spotted testing for the first time in June 2022, the four-wheeler will be targeted at the premium segment. The EV will be sold in India via the CBU route and Skoda can consider its local production for a later stage.

Also Read: Do You Want To Buy An Electric Vehicle? Know The Pros And Cons Of EVs

Skoda Enyaq iV: What We Know?

Globally, Skoda offers the Enyaq iV in a total of five variants, i.e. 50, 60, 80, 80X, and the performance-oriented vRS. Based on the images of the test mule, it is almost certain that Skoda will launch the top-rung 80X variant in the Indian market. This variant gets a 77 kWh battery pack paired to two electric motors mounted on both axles, thus giving the EV all-wheel-drive capabilities. The combined power output from the system is rated at 265 bhp and the Enyaq iV can do the 0-100 kmph sprint in just 6.9 seconds. Supporting up to 125 kW DC fast charging, the electric four-wheeler's battery pack can juice up from 10% to 80% in just 38 minutes under ideal conditions.

The Skoda Enyaq iV sits on the Volkswagen Group's MEB platform which is a grounds-up EV architecture capable of accommodating multiple powertrain combinations. This modular platform is being used in a range of electric vehicles in the VW family. In terms of dimensions, the 5-seater electric crossover measures 4,648 mm in length, which makes it somewhat smaller than the Skoda Octavia and Kodiaq. The EV is inspired by Skoda's latest 'Crystal Face' design direction and the company could offer an illuminated front grille similar to what we have seen in the international model. Compared to the sharp body styling on the outside, the interiors of the four-wheeler are quite simplistic and it comes packed with features like a 13-inch infotainment system, a 5.2-inch digital driver's display, ADAS tech, 9 airbags, 19-inch Proteus alloy wheels and more.

Skoda Enyaq iV: Launch Details

The Skoda Enyaq iV will be launched in the Indian market by the first quarter of 2023. The EV will likely be sold in India via the CBU route and Skoda could possibly utilize the 2500 units limit to save on some taxes. The pricing of the electric crossover is expected to be in the Rs. 50-60 lakh (ex-showroom) ballpark and this will put it in direct competition with other prominent EVs in the market like the BMW i4, Volvo XC40 Recharge, Kia EV6 and the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 5. Apart from this, the EV will also sit next to its German twin, the upcoming Volkswagen ID4 which was also spotted testing in India, read more here.

Also Read: Three New Skoda Electric Vehicles Under Development, To Be Smaller Than Enyaq

Verdict: The upcoming Skoda Enyaq iV will face tough competition from existing luxury EVs in a similar price bracket. Although slightly aggressive pricing could help the cause, however, keeping in mind the niche market share of luxury EVs, it will be interesting to see how Skoda's first electric vehicle for the Indian market performs.