Skoda Epiq (2026 - )

Skoda is on quite a roll at the moment with the launch of two all-new electric models that act as bookends for the entire line-up. At the top of the range is the company’s new flagship model called the Peaq and at the other end of the scale is the smallest EV to date – the Epiq.

If you are going to give a car such a statement title, then it needs to meet high expectations and the Epiq does just that. And it’s that car that we are concentrating on here.

The Skoda Epiq is available in three trims called SE L, Edition and a limited-run First Edition model. There are also two powertrains – Epic 40 has a 37kWh battery with a range of 190 miles between charges, while Epiq 55 has a larger 52kWh unit and this sees the driving range increase to 272 miles. Both SE L and Edition models can be matched to either battery, but the First Edition car is only available with the larger unit. 

With the Epiq launching into the most competitive EV segment, the pricing needs to attract would-be buyers and, with that in mind, the vehicle starts from £24,950.

However, we opted for the fully-loaded Epiq First Edition for our test drive from Munich to picturesque Seefeld with the Austrian Alps providing the perfect backdrop, and this car is by far the most expensive at £31,460. 

The Epiq is the first model to feature Skoda’s new Modern Solid design language and that means all-new lighting featuring T-shaped signatures. The First Edition car boasts splashes of Novajo Orange on the wheel covers, mirror caps and bumpers and this model also gains two-tone paintwork with a black contrast roof, plus model-specific 20-inch alloys.

Other eye-catching design cues include black roof rails, rear privacy glass, the Skoda name spelt out on the bonnet, tailgate and rear pillars – unlike some manufacturers, Skoda is certainly not trying to hide its identity. 

Moving inside, the interior is clutter-free, but well equipped with a nice mix of physical and touchscreen controls to work with. The cloth seats, along with the steering wheel, can be warmed against the winter chill and the bright orange seat belts certainly lift the interior. There is also orange contrast stitching on the seats, dashboard and steering wheel. 

With squidgy, soft-touch surfaces and smart switchgear, the Epiq First Edition delivers an elegant, high-end cabin.

The main focal point is a 13.0-inch infotainment touchscreen offering access to the many on-board features, including in-built sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB radio, Bluetooth, ambient lighting and the AI personal assistant that can help with a number of tasks, such as altering the temperature, changing the radio station and making a call.

Behind the three-spoke steering wheel is a smaller 5.3-inch driver display where the speed, battery charge levels and existing range are clearly shown.

Our Epic First Edition test car featured the larger 52kWh battery and, like all models in the line-up, had a single motor on the front axle for front-wheel drive. With 211hp and 290Nm of torque, it can sprint to 62mph from a standing start in 7.1 seconds and maxes out at 99mph.

There is plenty of instant pace to overtake slow moving vehicles or join an autobahn from a slip road. And once settled on the German’s equivalent of our motorways, the Epiq sat effortlessly at 80mph (yes, it is legal out there). Wind and tyre noise is well supressed and the cabin feels beautifully refined.

As we exited on to more challenging mountain roads heading into Austria, it was the perfect opportunity to check out the drive nodes called Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual – Sport certainly livens up the reactions and the steering wheel paddles can be used to alter the strength of the regenerative braking on the move.

When pushed on through sweeping bends, the Epiq was confident with plenty of grip and special mention to the excellent suspension set-up that smoothed out any bumps and dips along the way.

In busier town centres with lots of stop-and-go driving, the regenerative braking level can be set to its highest level in a B mode and that means single pedal driving is available for added convenience. The driver benefits from great all-round visibility and comfort levels also impressed, even during extra-long spells behind the wheel.

Additionally, this car has a decent driving range of up to 272 miles on a single charge, so you won’t need to go searching for EV charging stations every hour or two.

The Epiq may be Skoda’s smallest EV, but at launch it was announced that the designers wanted it to offer everything that was available in the larger Elroq, but to compete in a segment smaller. And they have achieved just that with a deceptively spacious cabin that can accommodate four adults or two adults and three youngsters.

And storage space impresses too. The boot is accessed via a manually-opening tailgate and this can hold 475 litres of goodies with all seats upright. Drop the 60:40 split-folding rear seats and the capacity increases to 1,345 litres, with a 25-litre frunk beneath the bonnet too.

Throughout the cabin there is a good-sized glovebox, central cubby, door bins, seat back pockets with a separate mobile phone compartment, front and rear cup holders, some trays, a wireless charging pad and USB ports. 

Skoda is renowned for its Simply Clever features and the Epiq is no exception with a brollie tucked into the driver’s door, a charging cable cleaner, a funnelled washer fluid lid, alongside a number of 3D printed accessories to showcase some of the storage options available.

If charging the Epiq First Edition’s 53kWh battery at a work-based 11kW wallbox, it can receive a 0-100 per cent boost in 5 hours and 30 minutes. Or if you plan to charge away from home or work via a public fast charger, then a 10 to 80 percent increase using a 105kW outlet will take 24 minutes.

Both the Epiq Edition and First Edition grades also support bi-directional charging for Vehicle-to-Load and Vehicle-to-Home. That means it can be used to power up e-bikes, coffee machines, laptops etc., or send electricity back to your home in the event of a power cut.

The Skoda Epiq costs from £24,950 for the entry-level SE L 40 model that features the smallest battery. Both the SE L 55 and Edition 40 cost £27,700, and the Edition 55 is priced at £30,450. Our First Edition model, that is only sold with the larger 53kWh battery, cost £31,460.

Currently, the models with the larger battery are eligible for the government’s Electric Car Grant which sees a reduction of £1,500.

Day-to-day running costs impress with a first-year road tax charge of just £10, but this will increase to the standard fee of £200 after 12 months. And for would-be business buyers, the Epiq comes with an attractive four per cent Benefit-in-Kind tax rating. 

For added peace of mind, the Epiq is sold with a standard three-year, 60,000 mile warranty, which increases to eight years or 100,000 miles for the battery.

We have already mentioned the Skoda Epiq will be vying for sales in the fiercely competitive B-SUV electric sector which is bursting at the seams with top quality models. But it should be the rival manufacturers that are feeling the heat this time round as the Epiq is pure quality. 

It looks striking, especially in First Edition guise, is packed with user-friendly tech, delivers engaging driving dynamics, has a decent range, is practical and has a tempting price-tag too.

Factor in the wealth of safety features and driver assistance aids which Skoda believes will help secure a maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating when tested, and this could be ‘the’ car to watch for 2026 into 2027.