Skoda Elroq RS: Promising electric SUV with weaknesses in the details and one big plus

The Skoda Elroq, the electric sister model of the compact SUV Karoq, has had a lightning-fast start, even without the RS sports variant, which usually represents the sporty pinnacle of all model series. The Czech electric car was only launched at the beginning of 2025, and by April it had already become Europe's best-selling electric car. In Switzerland, almost 1,000 units had already been newly registered by the end of June. VW sold a similar number of electric cars during the same period – but only if you add together sales of the ID.3 and ID.4 models.

The RS sports version of Skoda's best-selling Octavia was a particular success. Around one in four customers chose an RS model from the range. Such a sports version is therefore also expected to further support the Elroq electric SUV's success to date. Skoda expects this model to account for around 20 to 25 percent of all sales of the series.

But a little more engine power—250 kW instead of the previous maximum 210 kW—isn't enough to transform the Elroq into a sports car. Additionally, a sports suspension is fitted as standard, and customers expect extras like LED matrix headlights and 21-inch wheels from RS models.

Skoda meets these expectations with a starting price of CHF 51,400. This makes it almost CHF 6,000 more expensive than the previous top-of-the-line model, the Elroq 85 Sportline. The RS also differs slightly visually from the base model. On the exterior, there are black-painted design elements on the side window frames, roof rails, and side mirrors, as well as RS logos on the front fenders and in the interior.

Inside, the Elroq RS has a fresh and dynamic feel, with partially perforated microfiber upholstery and contrasting lime green stitching. Heated sports seats with integrated headrests are available for the driver and front passenger, and the pilot's seat even comes with a massage function as standard.

On the first drive in the new Skoda Elroq through the Czech countryside, the seats prove to be well-contoured, offering plenty of lateral support during dynamic cornering. The steering is pleasantly direct, and the cockpit is well-organized. The driver benefits from the easy-to-read head-up display. One minor annoyance: using the bottle holder in the center console blocks access to the wireless phone charging compartment.

The rear seats in the Enyaq RS are also spacious, as you'd expect from a Skoda, with plenty of knee and headroom for adults. The trunk, at 470 liters, is sufficient for traveling with two people in the compact SUV class. Those traveling with children should opt for the next-larger Skoda Enyaq RS. Under the hood, however, there's no storage space like in competitors, such as Ford. The VW modular system has dispensed with this from the start, and all models on this platform must comply with this decision.

The standard sports suspension isn't a spinal torment, but rather comfortably tuned. Czech roads aren't always as smooth as those in Western Europe, so the Elroq RS's suspension, even with 21-inch wheels and low-sidewall tires, isn't harsh, but rather compliant. This still results in slight body roll in corners and during acceleration and braking, but it's very moderate.

As with the base model, Skoda has placed great emphasis on lightweight construction in the Elroq RS. A curb weight of 2.2 tons is acceptable for an electric SUV. However, the customer pays the price for omitting unnecessary parts: Inside, the rolling noise from the wheels is more noticeable than in competitors, such as those from France.

Acceleration is – as is typical for electric cars – very swift and linear. The brakes also work well and proved reliable on the test lap. Perhaps surprising for an RS model is the fact that drum brakes are still installed on the rear wheels – a relic of the last century, but effective enough in the Elroq RS. The brake pedal, with its considerable pedal travel, is somewhat disconcerting – but you get used to it.

At first glance, the Skoda Elroq RS proves to be the ideal electric car for mountain passes and city strolls. It's both dynamic and comfortable, offering plenty of space despite its compact dimensions. And its best selling point is its price. The Elroq RS is 17,500 Swiss francs cheaper than its sister model, the Cupra Tavascan VZ, with the same power output. Even the VW ID.4 GTX, with the same drivetrain, is around 10,000 Swiss francs more expensive than the Skoda.

The test drive was supported by Skoda.