Skoda Peaq: the new seven-seater electric SUV makes its debut – everything you need to know

Having unveiled the Epiq urban SUV, Škoda is now completing its range of electric high-riding models with the large Peaq. The Peaq sits at the top of this line-up not only because of its size and the power of the powertrains with which it will soon be available in the Selection and Sportline trim levels – at prices expected to start from 50,000 euros – but also thanks to its many exclusive technologies and the versatility offered by its seven-seater interior. This is a configuration offered by only a few battery-powered SUVs, such as the much larger Hyundai Ioniq 9, Kia EV9 and Volvo EX90, and those of a similar size, such as the Peugeot e-5008 and the Mercedes GLB EQ.

Developed entirely by Škoda but, of course, making the most of the synergies offered by the Volkswagen Group, the Peaq is based on the MEB+ architecture designed for electric models. The two versions – out of the three planned for the project – on which the Peaq will be sold in Italia are based on this platform. At the entry level is the single-motor 60, with 204 cavalli and 350 Nm of torque, rear-wheel drive, a top speed of 160 all’ora and a 0–100 orari time of 8”6. Power is supplied by a 59 kWh net NMC battery, which promises a range of 450 kilometres. At the top of the range is the all-wheel-drive 90X with a twin-motor powertrain (the rear motor is a permanent-magnet synchronous motor like that of the 60, whilst the front is asynchronous) delivering 300 cavalli and 545 Nm of torque; it reaches a top speed of 180 all’ora and accelerates from 100 orari to 180 all’ora in 6”7. This Peaq is equipped with an 86 kWh net nickel-manganese-cobalt battery, offering a range of over 600 kilometres. Both battery packs can be charged using 11 kW AC power, with the smaller model also supporting Plug&Charge function, with direct current charging at 165 kW for the smaller battery and 200 kW for the larger one; however, a charge from 10% to 80% always takes less than half an hour.

The technology package includes ADAS systems for the most advanced Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, energy recovery modes during deceleration – which also include the one-pedal function – and a bidirectional charging system for feeding electricity back into the grid

to a device, to the external network and, when used in conjunction with a specific wallbox, also to buildings.

With this SUV, Škoda’s current modernist design language – which made its debut with the compact Elroq SUV – gives rise to an SUV with a monolithic silhouette, combining the muscularity with the elegance one would expect from an SUV venturing into the territory of XL-sized models, where this factor carries considerable weight. Indeed, the Peaq is 4.84 metres long, 1.86 metres wide, 1.66 metres high and has a wheelbase of 2.96 metres. Visually, alongside the smooth surfaces of the bodywork, design elements typical of this styling approach stand out, such as the front end with its dark-tinted glass panel which, in the top-of-the-range trim, conceals the ADAS sensors and incorporates air intakes that, together with specific solutions, direct theairflow to the sides of the Peaq to optimise aerodynamics and achieve a drag coefficient (Cx) of 0.25 – which is very good for an SUV of this size – the T-shaped light signatures and the retractable door handles that stand out in the side view, alongside the spoiler that completes the roofline.