The unveiling of the Skoda Elroq vRS, following the initial introduction of the Elroq electric SUV, marks a significant moment for the brand, presenting its fastest-accelerating production vehicle to date. While the standard Elroq models offer a glimpse into Skoda's electric future, the vRS variant caters to enthusiasts seeking a blend of performance and electric mobility.
Visually, the Elroq vRS distinguishes itself with a suite of sporty enhancements. These include sleek black accents adorning the mirror caps, badges, and window trim, contributing to a more aggressive aesthetic. The vehicle's stance is further accentuated by optional 21-inch wheels. To enhance the auditory experience, a synthesized soundtrack accompanies the vehicle's electric glide, adding a layer of dynamic feedback. The interior of the vRS is equally performance-oriented, featuring Suedia microfibre upholstery with vibrant lime green contrast stitching, carbon-effect trim, a perforated-leather steering wheel, and sport seats with an optional massage function.
The base Elroq models offer single-motor, rear-drive powertrains, culminating in a 282 horsepower output. While a dual-motor Elroq 85x is planned, the vRS leverages the 335 horsepower dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain derived from its Volkswagen ID.4 sibling, both built on the MEB architecture. This powertrain enables the Elroq vRS to achieve a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 5.4 seconds, surpassing the Enyaq vRS and establishing it as Skoda's fastest production vehicle. This performance edge extends beyond electric models, outperforming the petrol-powered Octavia vRS and Kodiaq vRS. The vRS also features revised steering, upgraded brakes, optional DCC adaptive shocks, and a lowered suspension, promising a more engaging driving experience compared to the rear-wheel-drive Elroq 85.
However, the performance enhancements of the vRS come with a trade-off in driving range. The 79 kWh net capacity battery, common to both the vRS and other Elroq models, delivers a range of 547 km in the vRS. In contrast, the non-vRS Elroq Edition 85, with its single-motor configuration, achieves a slightly extended range of 579 km. To mitigate the range reduction, the vRS benefits from an upgraded charging speed of 185 kW, reducing the 10-80 percent charge time to 26 minutes, compared to 28 minutes for other Elroq models. This slight charging speed improvement helps to offset the range reduction, ensuring that the vRS remains a practical and compelling option for performance-oriented electric vehicle enthusiasts. The combination of speed, handling, and fast charging, helps to make the vRS a well rounded EV.