The 2027 Skoda Peaq has been revealed, however the edgy design of the all-new seven-seat electric SUV isn’t much of a surprise given the drip-feed of sketches, occluded images and even an aerodynamic schematic.
The Peaq will sit above the Enyaq in Skoda’s range, and is effectively an electrical adjunct to the Kodiaq large SUV, in addition to a direct rival to models similar to the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9.
It’s Skoda’s biggest electric model yet, and it rides on an updated version of the Volkswagen Group’s MEB electric automotive platform.
There shall be a alternative of powertrains and batteries, starting with a 150kW rear-wheel drive, single-motor version badged because the Peaq 60, with a battery capability of 63kWh (gross) and a spread within the region of 460km.
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Then there’s a rear-drive, single-motor model offering 210kW, called the Peaq 90, with a 91kWh battery (again, that’s the gross capability; Skoda hasn’t issued a net useable capability yet, however it’s prone to be around 89kWh for this version) and a spread of 600km.
Finally, there’s the all-wheel drive Peaq 90x, which adds an additional electric motor driving the front wheels, delivers a combined maximum power output of 220kW, and gets the identical big 91kWh battery offering the identical circa-600km range.
DC fast-charging is claimed to end in a 10-80 per cent charge in not more than 28 minutes.
The Peaq’s styling takes clear inspiration from the Vision 7S concept automotive, and it also lifts liberally from the much smaller Skoda Epiq.
There are T-shaped LED running lights on the front corners, framing Skoda’s ‘Tech Deck’ light-up grille, which is roughly shared with the Elroq and Enyaq.
On the rear, there’s a little bit of a departure, with a forward-curving pillar that also features the Skoda name in raised letters – silver for traditional models, black for the Sportline version (pictured here in blue). The body’s surprisingly sleek aero package means the Peaq’s drag coefficient is a slippery 0.25Cd.
Inside, there’s also a departure for a Skoda – a vertical, portrait-style touchscreen measuring 13.6 inches across the diagonal and using the most recent Google-based software that’s being rolled out to all Skoda models.
The screen itself seems broadly impressive (going by the transient time we needed to mess around with it in a closed session at Skoda’s HQ within the Czech Republic) but higher yet is the re-introduction of physical buttons.
Look down on the centre console, and there are proper switches for controlling cabin temperature and fan speed, in addition to a roller for stereo volume (and that stereo is, optionally, a high-output system designed by Sonos).
Meanwhile, the steering wheel – two-spoke for traditional models, three-spoke for the Sportline – also gets physical buttons as a substitute of haptic pads, and neat ‘scroller’ buttons, borrowed from the Octavia.
Looking back to the centre console, there’s a pair of wireless phone chargers, standing proud almost like flat-top mushrooms. These are literally magnetic, in order that they should hold your phone neatly in place. They’re powerful, too, with as much as 25 Watts of charging power.
There are deep storage areas and door bins, and the roomy cupholders might be lifted out, inverted and re-inserted into their wells, forming a clamp which holds a fold-out table that stows flat under the armrest. Ideal for laptops or sandwiches, depending in your vibe.
The ten-inch driver’s digital display is backed up by an optional head-up display, projected onto the windscreen.
Should you go for a Sportline variant, the front of the cabin is upholstered in ‘Suedia’, an Alcantara-like material which looks and feels very nice.
Sportlines also get high-backed front bucket seats, and for all models there’s an optional ‘Calm down’ package which incorporates extending leg rests and incredibly soft pillows for the pinnacle restraints – ideal for a sneaky nap while charging.
The center row of seats, because of a wheelbase that’s only just a few millimetres wanting three metres long, are enormously spacious, with stretch-out room for even the tallest passengers.
There’s space under the front seats in your feet, too. The sculpting of the outer rear seats (that are optionally heated) means the centre rear seat is on the narrow side, however it’s nearly useable.
In row three, if the adjustable middle row is slid all the best way back, legroom will only be adequate for youngsters and young teens.
To get seven adults within the Peaq, it’s good to find the correct compromise between the center and third rows when it comes to legroom. The third-row seats are comfortable, though, and every one gets a USB-C outlet, a cupholder and a small storage tray.
With all seats in use, the Peaq’s luggage space shrinks to 299 litres, which is small but useable. Nevertheless, there’s a five-seat model which stretches that every one the solution to a large 935L in case you prefer load space to seats.
There’s also an electrically powered rear luggage blind which, if you don’t wish to use it, might be removed and stashed within the 37L ‘frunk’ storage area within the nose.
Cleverly, Skoda has found a solution to try this without eating into the useable cupboard space for cables. That makes this the second Skoda electric model with a frunk because the Peaq was beaten to the punch on a technicality by the 25L tray – an adjunct – that clips into the nose of the smaller Epiq.
How much will the Peaq cost? We don’t know for certain yet but given the Enyaq is priced between $50,990 and $76,490 before on-road costs, you possibly can safely expect the Peaq’s base Australian price tag to start out with a seven. The times of the bargain-basement Skoda are fast receding.
This Article First Appeared At www.carexpert.com.au
