Skoda Peaq, our test drive: what the new seven-seater electric SUV is like and how it drives

Built on the MEB platform and manufactured at the Mladá Boleslav plant, the Peaq is just under 4.9 metres long and offers a range of over 600 kilometres. Luggage capacity is up to 2,075 litres with the rear seats folded down, whilst with all seven seats in place, the boot offers 299 litres. In the five-seat configuration, however, the boot capacity is 890 litres. There is a 37-litre front storage compartment.

The design represents an evolution of the ‘Modern Solid’ styling language, previously introduced on the latest Škoda models. The ‘Tech-Deck Face’ front end, featuring LED lighting, is paired with matrix headlights comprising 18 light segments, whilst the T-shaped rear light clusters stand out at the rear. New features also include flush-fitting door handles, a design introduced for the first time on a Škoda.

The interior, too, has been designed with a particular focus on sustainability, functionality and comfort. The materials used contain no animal-derived components and include over 50 kilograms of recycled materials.

The interior focuses on digitalisation, featuring a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 13.6-inch vertical central display. The Android-based infotainment system integrates services such as Google Maps, Spotify and YouTube, and allows the use of third-party apps.

Among the available features, the Relax package stands out, comprising ergonomic seats with a massage function, adjustable leg rests and a premium audio system developed in collaboration with Sonos. Another distinctive feature is the 2.1-square-metre electrochromic panoramic roof – the largest ever offered by Škoda – which can be darkened in individual sections.

Peaq is also introducing new digital features and technologies designed for energy management. The mobile key allows you to use your smartphone to access the vehicle, whilst the Vehicle-to-Load and Vehicle-to-Home systems enable you, respectively, to power external devices or, via a compatible infrastructure, to transfer energy from the battery to a home.

The technical range comprises three possible configurations, with power outputs ranging from 150 to 220 kW. At the top of the range is the all-wheel-drive version, fitted with two motors, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. Two versions are planned for the Italian market: the Peaq 60, with rear-wheel drive and a 59 kWh net NMC battery, and the Peaq 90x, with all-wheel drive and an 86 kWh net battery.

The fuel consumption figures quoted by the manufacturer are broadly in line with those recorded during the test drive, namely around 16 kWh/100 km.

DC fast charging allows the battery to be charged from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in under 30 minutes. Other technical features include the one-pedal function, retractable door handles and a range of Simply Clever features designed to make the SUV easier to use on a day-to-day basis.

We have already had the opportunity to test drive the Skoda Peaq 90x on the road, putting the brand’s new electric flagship through its paces. The first thing that stands out is the generous amount of space: at almost 4.9 metres long, the SUV offers a cabin designed to accommodate seven passengers and offers remarkable versatility in terms of space management.

During the test drive, a wide range of features designed to make everyday life easier come to the fore, from the cabin’s modular layout to the multimedia system and the energy management functions. The electrochromic panoramic roof, the one-pedal system and the Vehicle-to-Load and Vehicle-to-Home technologies further expand the possibilities offered by the model.

The Peaq 90x, with its 220 kW and all-wheel drive, is the highest-performance model in the Italian range and reaches 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. The One Pedal function is particularly useful in town, as it slows the car down to a complete stop.