Buyers of Skoda's mid-sized electric SUV have a new high-performance version called Elroq RS to consider. The range-topper was revealed at Milan Design Week and features the usual RS treatment, which includes performance-themed exterior styling, upgraded materials inside and a higher power output thanks to its twin-motor setup.
How much power are we talking about?
The Skoda Elroq uses a dual-motor layout to develop a combined system output of up to 340hp - or 250kW. Acceleration is brisk, with the 0-100km/h sprint taking 5.4 seconds, while the top speed is 180km/h. For comparison, the Elroq 50 has an output of 170hp and takes nine seconds to reach 100km/h from rest.
Fuelling the electric motors is a 77kWh battery (that's the usable capacity) which can store enough energy to provide a driving range of more than 560 kilometres in WLTP conditions. The battery has a peak charging rate of 185kW at DC chargers, enabling a 10 to 80 per cent top up in around 26 minutes. A full 0-100 per cent charge using a three-phase 11kW AC charger can be completed in eight hours.
Does it get RS styling to set it apart?
If the eye-searing Mamba Green paintwork shown here isn't to your liking, don't worry - other options are available.
However, the luminous paint does help show off how the exterior styling of the RS differs from the regular Elroq's. It takes the company's 'Modern Solid' design language and applies some additional visual details such as black-painted badges, extra aero blades below the headlights, contrasting black mirrors and window trims plus the RS logo on the wing-mounted badge. Wheel sizes are up to 21 inches, while at the rear, there's a black roof spoiler and further black badging on the tailgate.
The interior gets what Skoda calls the 'Design Selection RS Lounge', which is mostly black with some lime-green stitching. The 'Suedia' microfibre upholstery looks good, feels nice and works well with the carbon-fibre-effect inserts. The sports seats are supportive and come with a heated function as standard, while the driver's seat is electrically adjustable and offers massage and memory function.
As with other Elroq models, there is five-inch digital instrumentation supported by a colour head-up display with augmented reality and exclusive RS graphics. A 13-inch infotainment touchscreen features the latest Skoda software and provides smartphone connectivity including mirroring. There are four 45-watt USB-C ports and a 15-watt wireless charging pad as well. As standard, there is also a 12-speaker Canton sound system.
Can its chassis handle the power?
To balance out the extra horsepower on tap and ensure the Elroq lives up to the usual RS standards, Skoda's engineers have tweaked the suspension, lowering the ride height by 15mm at the front and 10mm at the rear.
A DCC adaptive chassis setup is optionally available, which raises the ride height slightly but allows a wide range of damper adjustment. On top of that, a powerful two-piston brake calliper setup is fitted to the front axle to satisfy the need for increased braking performance.
Is the Elroq RS just as practical?
The Elroq RS might be aimed at keener drivers who want to have fun behind the wheel, but it remains a practical car inside and is capable of towing up to 1,800kg. The boot measures 470 litres when all seats are in use and can hold up to 1,580 litres when the rear seats are folded down. The electrically operated tailgate includes Skoda's 'Virtual Pedal', making it easier to open if your hands are full.
An Irish launch date and pricing have yet to be announced, though you can bet the RS will cost considerably more than the current range-topper in Ireland, the Elroq 85 Sportline, which is priced at €50,360.