After years of anticipation, the Volkswagen Group is making its entrance into the market of compact and affordable electric cars. Among the group’s wave of new offerings scheduled for 2026 in the B-segment is the Skoda Epiq, a pragmatic SUV that I had the chance to test drive in its camouflaged prototype version.
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Technical Specifications
The Skoda Epiq measures 4.17 meters in length, 1.80 meters in width, and 1.62 meters in height. It boasts a power output of 210 horsepower and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds. The vehicle features semi-autonomous driving capabilities (level 2), a top speed of 160 km/h, and a main screen size of 13 inches. Charging is facilitated by a Type 2 Combo (CCS) port.
Design: “Modern Solid”
Since 2020, Skoda has been promoting a “Modern Solid” design philosophy, as exemplified by the Vision 7S concept. This design approach is characterized by clean yet robust lines, generous proportions that provide both character and interior space. The Skoda Epiq follows this design language, which was first truly implemented in the Elroq, its larger sibling. The Epiq features a Tech Deck Face on the front, with a trapezoidal black strip between the headlights and an integrated body-color insert. The lower bumper includes a grille with eight active flaps, reminiscent of some Jeep models.
From the side, the Epiq keeps it simple with roof bars for an adventurous look, wheel arches, and door lower parts in matte black, although the lower side panel beneath this trim is painted in the body color and is visible. Skoda is inscribed on the C-pillars, and the wheels can be as large as 20 inches in the high-end version.
At the rear, the designers opted for slender T-shaped lights which facilitate a wide trunk opening. A small air deflector is noticeable on the rear wheel arch, and the eight-slot effect is replicated from the front bumper.
Space and Practicality: Skoda’s Smallest SUV Yet Sufficient for a Small Family
While the Skoda Epiq, at 4.17 meters long, offers less space compared to the Elroq or Enyaq, it still lives up to the brand’s reputation for spaciousness. The front passengers enjoy a central armrest and numerous storage compartments, including an under-console smartphone charger with induction. The rear seats accommodate an adult up to 1.80 meters tall comfortably, thanks to a completely flat floor absent of any transmission tunnel.
The trunk offers 475 liters of volume, and an additional substantial storage space under the rear shelf, which in the version I saw, housed the optional Canton audio system subwoofer and a puncture repair kit.
Infotainment: Keeping Secrets
The test vehicle I drove had a camouflaged infotainment screen, although I briefly interacted with the non-camouflaged version displayed statically. This screen will be standard, measuring 13 inches, and displaying satisfactory responsiveness, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system resembles the MIB4 used across Volkswagen Group’s brands, albeit with some layout tweaks.
Driving Assistance: Exactly What You Expected
With its entry-level positioning, Skoda has not introduced new driving assistance technologies. However, it includes a useful Top View camera for 360-degree maneuvering views. The Travel Assist, offering level 2 autonomous driving, combines lane-keeping with adaptive cruise control—a standard yet appreciated feature on highways.
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Driving Experience: More Comfortable than its Urban Cousins
My test drive around Porto involved various road types, from urban areas to highways. The Skoda Epiq felt well-balanced, even on wet roads, aided by traction and stability control systems. The cabin is quiet at highway speeds, and the suspension handles city bumps well, helping to cushion the ride over potholes and speed bumps without being overly stiff, despite the additional weight typical of electric vehicles.
Range, Battery, and Charging
The Skoda Epiq 55, the model I drove, is equipped with a 51.7 kWh LFP battery that provides about 430 km of range (WLTP). It supports up to 133 kW of charging power, allowing for a quick 10 to 80% charge in 23 minutes. Later models, the Epiq 30 and 45, will feature smaller NMC batteries suitable for more urban use with respective ranges of about 310 km.
Pricing, Competition, and Availability
The official price is not yet announced, but it is anticipated around €25,000. In France, the price may start slightly higher at €26,000 due to better equipment and finishing levels. After applying various government and ecological incentives, the final cost to French customers could be around €20,000, making it a highly competitive offering in the compact SUV market.
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Maya Singh is a senior editor covering tablets and hybrid devices. Her work explores how these tools reshape digital productivity and learning. She also contributes to feature editorials on emerging tech.