Škoda ENYAQ 85 Test Drive Review 2025

Anthony Hibbs took a test drive of the new Škoda ENYAQ 85 Edition 82kWh.

Anthony was contacted by Barlow Motors Škoda, Newcastle-under-Lyme in under 1 hour of making his initial enquiry and took his test drive on 2nd July 2025.

Please provide an OVERALL RATING for the electric car

Rate the electric car on its exterior*

What did you like/dislike like about the exterior?

In my opinion, this is a good-looking estate. Škoda have finally ditched the huge unnecessary grille on the ENYAQ in favour of a much sleeker design. It has split lights with the daytime running lights at the top and the matrix headlights lower down. From the side, the car also looks good, the ‘matt chrome’ sill trims enhance the design. Also, rear privacy glass suits this car.

Rate the electric car on its interior

What did you like/dislike like about the interior?

The interior was a revelation. Build and material quality seems better than VW and has lots of texture. The seats are very comfortable, the model I drove had heated front seats and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory function. The seat moves back a little to allow easier entry and exit, a nice touch.

Storage is good. The glovebox is quite small but the door bins are a decent size and lined to eliminate rattles. There is good space under the centre console too. It also has twin cup holders and a phone charge pad. The rear is positively limo-esque! Easily accommodating three adults, the removable storage bin which facilitates a flat floor is just genius. Also, rear climate control, adjustable from the control panel/vents in the back of the centre console.

Rate the electric car for its tech features

What did you like/dislike about the tech features?

This car is full of tech, perhaps too full in my opinion. As a test drive I found the myriad of settings too much but I suspect as an owner once it’s to your liking it would be fine. The central screen does not dominate, the driver display is very useful. There is a good mix of useful physical buttons and touchscreen activation. A short test drive never allows time for tinkering but everything I experienced worked and was straightforward to use.

Rate the electric car for how it drives

What did you like/dislike like about how it drove?

This may sound odd but initially I didn’t like the drive. Too nippy, not enough regen, snatchy when pulling away; it took some tinkering to get it to my liking. Best for me was B mode, Auto Hold off. The ENYAQ ticked so many boxes. Practicality, design and build quality are off the scale, who knew Skoda were so good?

Yet it would take some getting used to, not a car I just got into and drove comfortably. The car was very quiet, very little road noise. It handled the third world road conditions and many speed humps in my locality, admirably. I would be happy to own one and I am confident the myriad of settings would adapt the car to any driver.