Skoda Epiq Electric SUV Revealed: Under Consideration For India Launch
Although it is coming a bit late, the Czech carmaker Skoda has finally showcased its entry level electric SUV and it is the newly unveiled Skoda Epiq EV. This compact EV SUV will become the most affordable electric car in Skoda's line-up once it gets launched in the global as well as Indian market. What makes it special is that it is built on the new-generation MEB+ electric platform and will come offered with two battery pack options of 38.5 kWh and 55 kWh units.
According to Skoda, the upcoming Epiq EV will be positioned below the Enyaq and Elroq in Skoda’s EV lineup. The company has confirmed that the Epiq is based on the new-generation MEB+ platform. This particular platform has been specially developed for compact electric cars. This new electric SUV is one of the most important cars for the brand because it will help Skoda in entering the high-volume affordable EV segment.
This EV SUV will especially help Skoda in India, as currently it does not offer any electric cars in the country. And the Epiq EV, if priced correctly, could become a very popular mass-market EV. Once launched, it will rival the upcoming electric SUVs from Hyundai Creta Electric, Tata Curvv.ev, Mahindra BE 6, MG ZS EV, and Maruti Suzuki e Vitara, along with others.
First off, let's talk about the exterior details of the upcoming Skoda Epiq. It has been announced by the company that it is the first production model to fully adopt the new “Modern Solid” design language. The SUV boasts a very clean and futuristic appearance with sharp cuts and minimalistic styling elements.
At the front, the biggest highlight of the Epiq EV is the new glossy black “Tech-Deck Face” grille design. Along with it, the Epiq also gets new T-shaped LED DRLs. It has been highlighted by Skoda that this design theme will become a common element on future Skoda SUVs. As for the headlamps, they are very slim and sharp. And the front bumper features vertically positioned air intakes inspired by the Vision 7S concept.
Moving to the side profile, the Epiq EV continues the muscular design despite being a compact SUV with tighter dimensions. It still features a high shoulder line, large wheel arches, and roof rails. The Epiq will be offered with different styles of diamond-cut alloy wheels, which will range from 17-inch to 19-inch. What adds to the sharp and sporty appearance of this SUV is the blacked-out roof.
As for the rear-end design, the Epiq EV SUV once again features the same T-shaped LED tail lamps along with Skoda lettering in the centre. The rear bumper also features vertically designed elements, as seen on the front bumper. Other notable highlights include an integrated rear spoiler, shark fin antenna, rear wiper, washer, and defogger setup.
Skoda has also highlighted that the Epiq EV offers a drag coefficient of just 0.275. As per the company, this has been achieved with the help of active cooling shutters, aerodynamic alloy wheels, diffuser elements, roof spoiler, optimised underbody, and airflow management systems. Dimensionally, the Epiq measures 4,171 mm in length, 1,798 mm in width, and 1,581 mm in height. It also offers a wheelbase of 2,601 mm.
Moving inside the cabin of the Skoda Epiq, like most new Skodas, it also boasts a minimalistic and practical approach. Despite being a compact SUV, Skoda has claimed that the Epiq offers a very spacious cabin and also offers the biggest boot in the segment with a capacity of 475 litres, along with an additional 25-litre frunk under the bonnet.
As for the dashboard layout, it has been kept very clean and modern. The main highlight is the large 13-inch freestanding Android-based touchscreen infotainment system. This system supports Google Maps, Spotify, YouTube, and multiple connected car functions. Apart from it, the Epiq also features a fully digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control.
Other notable highlights include a panoramic sunroof, 10-speaker Canton sound system, ambient lighting, remote parking assist, powered tailgate, Travel Assist 3.0, mobile digital key support, OTA updates, and connected car technology. Skoda has also emphasized that the Epiq is the first Skoda production model to use completely animal-free materials.
It has stated that its textile upholstery is made from 100 percent recycled polyester fibres, and the leather has been replaced by a new material called Techtona. The list of standard safety features of the Epiq EV will include seven airbags, including a centre airbag, front assist, lane assist, side assist, rear traffic alert, exit warning, traffic sign recognition, driver fatigue monitoring, and intelligent speed assist, along with many other features.
The Skoda Epiq will be offered with two battery pack options and three power outputs in international markets. The smaller battery pack is a 38.5 kWh LFP unit. Meanwhile, the larger battery pack is a 55 kWh NMC unit, which offers higher energy density and longer range.
The Epiq 35 and Epiq 40 variants produce 114 bhp and 133 bhp, respectively. Both variants offer around 310 km of range and 267 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the top-spec Epiq 55 variant produces 208 bhp of power and 290 Nm of torque. This variant offers around 440 km of range on a single charge and has a top speed of 160 kmph.
The Epiq also supports fast charging. Skoda claims that the bigger battery pack can charge from 10 to 80 percent in just around 24 minutes using a DC fast charger. The SUV also supports 11 kW AC charging, Vehicle-to-Vehicle, Vehicle-to-Load, and full one-pedal driving.
At the moment, Skoda has not officially confirmed the India launch timeline of the Epiq EV. However, it could be launched in India in the coming years, as the popularity of affordable EVs has increased a lot in the country in the last few years. If it does get launched, most likely it will be priced in the range of Rs 18 to 25 lakh.