Skoda Epiq Review: The Electric Urban SUV That Has Almost Everything Right

Skoda invites us to drive its new compact electric SUV. What we get is the “Simply Clever” concept in a practical and unadorned vehicle. Our full review of the Skoda Epiq 55 in its top-tier Clever trim.

Dual program at Skoda! Automobile Propre got behind the wheel of the manufacturer’s two all-electric newcomers between Germany and Austria. It was an opportunity to experience Skoda’s flagship model, the Peaq, as well as the highly anticipated “smaller” Skoda Epiq. We start with the latter in the 55 version equipped with a large battery. The results: over 300 km of range from Tyrol to Munich, covering city roads, highways, mountains, and rural areas. This allows drivers to take advantage of the simple and efficient driving experience, along with the Epiq’s excellent electric performance, which is nearly flawless in our opinion. Until the Skoda Peaq arrives, here’s the Skoda Epiq Clever 55.

Style of the Skoda Epiq Clever 55: a mini Vision 7S

Completing the range at the lower end, the Skoda Epiq sits below the Elroq, which was the second-best-selling model in Europe in 2025. Serving as a compelling electric alternative to its gasoline-powered counterpart, the Kamiq, this urban SUV adopts the brand’s Modern Solid design language. This features a robust look from front to back, T-shaped headlights, and a Tech Deck grille. Those who keep an eye on these developments will recall the Skoda Vision 7S concept car, from which the Epiq draws its aesthetic cues.

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Driven by current trends, a subtle “off-road” touch is evident in the openings of the front bumper (with active shutters), nearly achieving a Jeep Avenger-like effect. The same applies to the fender arches and lower body panels, all the way to the rear bumper. It must be admitted that on the road, this design works quite well and makes a strong impression. Is there one small detail that could be omitted? The roof rails. We’ll return to this topic later.

Built on the MEB+ platform, the Skoda Epiq adopts a format that is becoming increasingly familiar to us. But its short wheelbase and “tall” cabin do not make it a Cupra Raval. The Czech SUV is actually significantly longer and a bit taller, with dimensions of 4.17 meters in length, 1.80 meters in width, and 1.58 meters in height—a layout that resembles more of a R4 E-Tech. Its 2.60-meter wheelbase and all-wheel drive also benefit both the second row of seats and cargo capacity.

Inside: Plenty of space and everything needed

Impeccably assembled and finished on the outside, our Skoda Epiq in “Vert Timiano” greets us with an interior covered in “Loft Grey” fabric. Yet, the VW atmosphere still features a touch of Czech design. From the small umbrella in the door to the cable channels in the center console, it truly embodies the Simply Clever concept. There’s a two-spoke multifunction steering wheel, climate controls with quick access shortcuts, and 4 window buttons…

Even the dedicated touch slider for volume, located at the bottom of the 13-inch touchscreen, bothers me less than usual! On the other hand, the small 5.3-inch display behind the steering wheel is a bit annoying. Not as much as in an Opel Corsa GSE, but still. Fortunately, it remains responsive and very comprehensive, with various displays and driving information. The only area for improvement is the slow wireless smartphone charger… really very slow.

As for comfort features, our test model doesn’t come with optional electric seats or a panoramic roof. We do get heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, which is more than enough for this Skoda Epiq, which opts for a relatively simple interior design. There’s no significant lateral support or extra thickness to the seats. Personally, I felt more comfortable in the ID Polo, but it’s a matter of preference.

Also, I was just coming from the excellent seats in the Skoda Peaq, about which we’ll be talking soon. In the second row, aside from plenty of knee space, it’s the usual setup: adequate shoulder and elbow room, comfortable headroom, and a flat floor that allows for full seating. As usual, the middle passenger will have a stiffer backrest with an armrest against it and a more pronounced seat shape.

Driving and Performance: Electric Versatility, Acoustic Discomforts

Before moving on to the road test, special mention goes to the 3D-printed accessories. A center console organizer, a compartment for cards and coins... and also that clever hook on the back of the rear seat (see photo)! Under the hood lies the group’s well-known APP290 engine (for Axial Parallel Position, 290 Nm). It’s available in 3 power levels, with this version delivering 155 kW / 211 hp. Equipped with this engine, the Skoda Epiq accelerates from 0 to 100 in 7.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 160 km/h (165 on the dashboard).

All of this is available on the MEB+ platform, of course. We immediately experience the driving quality of the ID Polo, featuring comfort, quietness, and efficiency. The car’s weight of around 1,618 kg is easily managed, with varying levels of responsiveness depending on the driving mode. The Normal mode offers the ideal balance between responsiveness and energy recovery during braking.

However, one should choose the Individual mode to switch the steering to “Sport” mode, which is slightly stiffer—just enough for a better sense of vehicle control. In terms of braking, the unified “one-box” technology combines regenerative and hydraulic braking for greater efficiency. Disc brakes on all four wheels along with electric braking ensure short, precise stops that are highly reliable. Even at higher speeds, the Skoda Epiq remains responsive and demonstrates excellent vehicle stability.

By adding a bit too much rhythm, it can disrupt the rear end, more or less intentionally. But then, what’s the problem? The air noises. Inevitable due to the roof bars, these whistling sounds become bothersome at 70 km/h. One will have to live with them or turn up the music a bit more. That said, the sound insulation is actually very good, thanks to the acoustic glass in the front side windows.

Fuel consumption and range: up to 441 km?

Pleasant to drive on roads, comfortable on highways (aside from wind noise), and agile in the city thanks to its 10.68 m turning diameter. The Skoda Epiq has many advantages, which also extend to its energy efficiency. With a large 55 kWh NMC battery (52 kWh net), this compact electric SUV boasts up to 441 km of WLTP range. This corresponds to an average combined fuel consumption of 11.8 kWh/100 km. To put it plainly: energy efficiency is excellent. Here are some consumption figures recorded during our tests:

9.9 kWh/100 km in the city

13 kWh/100 km in suburban areas (70-100 km/h)

14.5 kWh/100 km on highways (120 km/h)

15.8 kWh/100 km on expressways (120-160 km/h)

13.8 kWh/100 km for combined use over 219 km traveled

15.8 kWh/100 km on mixed long-distance driving over 446 kilometers traveled (including mountain roads and driving for photo purposes!)

As you can see, since driving mainly occurs in urban and suburban areas, it’s easy to maintain fuel consumption around 10 to 12 kWh/100 km. This translates to a realistic range of 400 to 500 kilometers if the battery is used 100% of the time. With “normal” usage habits, it’s entirely possible to cover 350 to 400 kilometers by mixing city driving with highway travel. Of course, it’s also possible to maximize fuel efficiency using the B mode, which can be adjusted to two levels, with the highest setting having a significant impact. Be cautious if you have sensitive stomachs. For charging, it supports 105 kW DC (10-80% in 24 minutes) or 11 kW AC (0-100% in 5.5 hours). Finally, the Skoda Epiq 55 is compatible with V2L reverse charging via a dedicated optional adapter.

Skoda Epiq: Starting at 26,470€

This is a very positive assessment for the new Czech electric compact SUV. It’s a model that intelligently complements the lineup, similar in concept to the ID Polo — an efficient and practical electric car with an excellent quality/price/performance ratio. The Skoda Epiq 35 (116 hp) with a 37 kWh LFP battery starts at 26,470€. The Epiq 40 version (135 hp) costs 27,490€. Finally, the Epiq 55 (211 hp) begins at 32,070€ in the base City trim. The price rises to 36,500€ for the top-tier Clever trim. Produced in Europe, the EU tax adds between 3,535€ and 6,145€, bringing the starting price to 22,935€ with the lowest tax amount.

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Add the optional paint (670 €) and 19-inch wheels (700 €). The Travel Pack with voice control, navigation, and lane assist (1,140 €) raises the price of our test model to 39,010 € on the configurator. For comparison, the Renault 4 E-Tech Iconic with a 52 kWh battery and 150 hp costs 37,490 €. However, it has less trunk space and a shorter range. What are your thoughts?