Skoda's New Electric SUV, the 'PEAQ', Debuts as Brand's Flagship

Skoda has launched its new electric SUV, the "PEAQ," which the company is positioning as its flagship model. This new vehicle aims to provide an electric alternative for customers who find the gasoline-powered Kodiaq unappealing. The PEAQ's design draws inspiration from the 2022 Vision 7S concept car, featuring a minimalist aesthetic with a prominent SKODA wordmark on the front, replacing the traditional logo. It incorporates horizontal and vertical LED lighting, a high hood, and a substantial C-pillar leading to a squared-off rear, all contributing to a robust appearance.

Inside, the PEAQ continues its functional design with horizontal lines, integrated air vents, and a dashboard that echoes the Kodiaq. It boasts a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.6-inch vertical central touchscreen. While it features virtual buttons, physical controls are retained for frequently used functions like climate control. The infotainment system runs on an Android interface, offering fast performance and high-resolution satellite navigation, though some features like satellite imagery will not be available in Israel due to security concerns. The vehicle requires an adjustment period for users to navigate its menus effectively.

The PEAQ is Skoda's first electric vehicle to offer three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. The front seats are described as spacious and comfortable, providing good visibility and a sense of roominess. The second-row seats are adjustable on rails, allowing for significant legroom or prioritizing space for the third row. Access to the third row is facilitated by sliding the second-row seats forward and a wide-opening rear door. The third row offers limited legroom for adults, and the seats fold flat into the floor. With all seats upright, the cargo space is 299 liters, expanding to 890 liters when the rear seats are folded.

Available features include an electro-chromatic panoramic sunroof, a SONOS sound system, electric and heated seats, and a 230-volt power outlet. Owners can also download free 3D printable gadget designs from a dedicated website. The PEAQ is built on Volkswagen's MEB+ platform, an updated 400-volt architecture that enhances battery cooling and charging capabilities, leading to increased range. The vehicle measures 4.87 meters in length, 1.87 meters in width, and 1.66 meters in height, with a wheelbase of 2.96 meters. It weighs approximately 2.5 tons and can tow up to 2 tons in its higher trims.

Powertrain options include a 63 kWh battery (designated '60') and a 91 kWh battery ('90'). Motor configurations offer 204 hp with a single rear motor, or a dual-motor setup producing a combined 300 hp with all-wheel drive. Estimated driving ranges are up to 459 km for the base model, 647 km for the mid-range version, and 613 km for the all-wheel-drive variant. The '60' battery supports DC fast charging up to 160 kW, while the '90' battery can charge at up to 199 kW.

During testing, the PEAQ demonstrated strong acceleration from a standstill and good mid-range performance up to 120 km/h, despite its weight. However, performance and energy consumption were noted to decrease at higher speeds. Road and wind noise were noticeable at cruising speeds, which was surprising given the car's aerodynamic design. The ride comfort was generally good, with the vehicle handling corners predictably and absorbing speed bumps effectively. The regenerative braking system is strong, allowing for one-pedal driving.