Offbeat go-fast family electric SUV? 2026 Skoda Elroq RS likely for Australia to take the fight to Tesla Model Y, Kia EV5, and BYD Sealion 7

Skoda has revealed an RS variant of its upcoming Elroq electric mid-size SUV.

Set to arrive in Australia before the end of 2024, the standard Elroq mixes the VW Group MEB platform formula with its compact size and practical interior, but this new RS version takes things up a notch with a more performance-oriented drivetrain in a subtle package.

The new RS will sit atop the Elroq’s range internationally. Like other performance-oriented cars on the MEB platform, it adds a second electric motor on the front axle for combined power outputs of 250kW, reducing the 0-100km/h sprint time to 5.4 seconds.

This makes it the fastest current production Skoda model.

The Elroq RS is equipped with one of the largest batteries available on this platform, an 84kWh unit, which allows it to maintain a WLTP driving range of 550km despite its more powerful motors.

It also ups the max charging capacity to 185kW (it is 175kW on the related Volkswagen ID.4, for example) allowing a 10 to 80 per cent charge time in 26 minutes, according to the brand, which also makes it the fastest charging electric Skoda model.

Its exterior design is subtle, avoiding large wings and air dams, although it can be equipped with wheels as big as 21 inches. Other exterior highlights include a unique front bumper, contrast black highlights, and standard matrix LED headlights with an illuminated light band across the front.

Around the rear, it gets an RS-specific lower bumper and tinted rear windows. Additionally, the RS scores painted brake callipers and is available in the RS-specific Mamba Green.

Inside, the Elroq RS is more subtle again, featuring alternate suede-style highlights in the seat and dash, as well as lime green stitching throughout. It also features carbon-look highlight panels and sports seat designs with steel sports pedals.

The usual array of tech can be found inside, with a 5.0-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display and a 13-inch multimedia touchscreen.

As usual, the Elroq RS continues to feature the brand’s signature practicality with a 470-litre boot capacity and spacious second row.

The Elroq will arrive in Australia in quarter three 2025, exclusively in a high-grade trim which already features a relatively large 82kWh battery pack (540km range) and a 210kW/545Nm rear-mounted electric motor.

Pricing is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market, although the Elroq will sit below its larger Enyaq sibling, which starts from $69,990 before on-roads.

In the mid-$50k price bracket, the Enyaq will need to do battle with some now-entrenched rivals, like the Tesla Model Y (from $58,900) and Kia EV5 (from $56,770), alongside new arrivals like the XPeng G6 (from $54,800) and BYD Sealion 7 (from $54,990).

Speaking to CarsGuide a local Skoda spokesperson said of the Elroq RS: “We have our hand up for it, we’d love it, and we’re a big RS market so we’re studying it.”

So stay tuned for more on the Skoda Elroq range toward the end of the year.