One of Europe’s best-selling electric cars is finally increasing its range

Launched in 2020, the Skoda Enyaq iV offers a brand new version called Laurin & Klement. This is accompanied by numerous technical improvements which will subsequently be deployed on the rest of the range of the Czech electric SUV. On the program, in particular: increased autonomy, and increased power.

If Skoda will soon have to abandon its thermal models, the firm is not quite ahead yet. And for good reason, it currently only offers one electric model, namely the Enyaq iV, while it markets several rechargeable hybrid vehicles which will also be banned in the European Union.

Increased autonomy

Customers wishing to drive an electric Skoda should therefore turn to its large SUV, launched in 2020 and declined in several standard and coupé versions as well as sportier RS ​​variants. In total, no less than five different engines are currently available in the catalog, with the new entry-level 50 version. It is a best seller, since it is the 6th best-selling electric car in Europe in 2022.

But now the Czech manufacturer announces in a communiqué the arrival of a brand new variant, which this time takes the name of L&K. A name that pays tribute to the two founders of the brand, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement. This enriches the range with two versions, L&K 85 and L&K 85x, equipped with all-wheel drive for the latter. And this new version brings many improvements.

Starting with the increased maximum power, since it is now displayed at 210 kW (vs. 195 kW), which equates to approximately 285 horsepower (vs. 265 hp). The torque has not been announced, but it should probably remain at 310 Nm as on the 80 version located just below in the range. The 0 to 100 km / h has been improved, since it only takes 6.7 seconds, two less than the Enyaq iV 80 which we took the wheel.

The 85x version equipped with four-wheel drive takes only 6.6 seconds. But that’s not all, because the brand’s engineers have also made some improvements to autonomy. The electric SUV can now travel up to 570 kilometers on a single charge according to the WLTP cycle in its propulsion version. The all-wheel-drive variant is limited to 550 kilometres. The 80 and 80x versions claimed 544 and 521 km.

Many improvements

In addition, the manufacturer also explains that the charging curve has been optimized, allowing charge the SUV from 10 to 80% in less than 30 minutes. The charging power has not been changed, while it had been revised upwards last year, now peaking at 135 kW in direct current.

That’s not all, because the Enyaq L&K is also equipped with the latest ME4 software, less than a year after having benefited from an update offering it increased autonomy and optimized recharging. Now the SUV can take advantage ofa battery preheating function, as on the Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric or the Hyundai Ioniq 5, among others. This can be triggered manually or automatically.

The infotainment system user interface has also been redesigned, with new colors and a clearer structure. Modifications that remind us of Volkswagen’s mea culpa after the many criticisms of the lack of practicality of its touch screen. Navigation maps have also been improved while overall graphics have been simplified. The SUV gets a new remote locking function.

Finally, platinum gray details and specific badges distinguish this L&K version, which will then be available on other models in the catalog. On board, two specific seat models are offered, with black or beige leather. For now, no release date has yet been announced for this new version, which has not revealed its price either.

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