Skoda Peaq Review: £52k Seven-Seat EV Praised for Space and Comfort
The new Skoda Peaq offers premium interior quality and seven seats at a lower cost than its luxury rivals, though charging speed is a trade-off.
Key points
- The Skoda Peaq starts at £51,980 and features a 86kWh battery with a claimed range of 390 miles.
- It is Skoda's first large seven-seat electric SUV, offering a premium interior and easy maneuverability despite its size.
- The car charges at a maximum of 199kW, which is slower than some of its direct electric rivals.
Skoda has launched its largest electric vehicle yet, the Peaq, which enters the market at a starting price of £51,980. As the brand's first large seven-seat SUV, it is positioned as a practical alternative to premium competitors like the Range Rover Electric, offering similar levels of space and refinement without the higher price tag.
According to a detailed review by The Independent, the production model delivers on its promise of usability, featuring a genuinely functional third row and a high-quality interior that feels significantly more premium than previous Skoda models. While the car is substantial in size, measuring nearly 4.9 meters in length, drivers found it surprisingly easy to maneuver in urban environments, aided by advanced camera systems and a high seating position.
Spacious design prioritizes everyday usability
The Peaq is built around a 2,965mm wheelbase, creating a cabin that feels roomy without being awkward to handle. The review highlights that the vehicle avoids the intimidation factor often associated with large SUVs. Instead, the high driving position and excellent visibility provide confidence, making it a viable option for daily commuting and tight city streets rather than just weekend family trips.
Inside, the cabin marks a significant step up in quality for the Czech manufacturer. The design is described as clean and unfussy, utilizing a modern aesthetic with flush door handles and slim T-shaped lighting. Crucially, the layout remains user-friendly; the technology and controls are intuitive, ensuring that the car does not feel overly complex or cluttered, a common complaint with newer electric vehicles.
Powertrain options offer ample performance
Every Peaq comes equipped with an 86kWh battery, the largest available on a Skoda EV to date. Buyers can choose between two powertrains: a rear-wheel-drive version producing 282 horsepower, or an all-wheel-drive variant with 295 horsepower. The more powerful option accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 6.8 seconds, providing more performance than most drivers will need for a large family vehicle.
Range and charging present key trade-offs
The vehicle claims a maximum range of 390 miles, achieving an efficiency of 4.6 miles per kWh. However, the review notes a significant compromise in its charging infrastructure. While the battery supports a maximum charging rate of 199kW, allowing it to go from 10% to 80% in 28 minutes, this is not among the fastest in the current electric vehicle market.
For potential buyers, this charging speed is the primary drawback against the vehicle's otherwise impressive feature set. The high starting price of over £50,000 also requires justification against cheaper competitors, but for those seeking a premium-feeling, seven-seat electric SUV, the Peaq offers a compelling balance of space, comfort, and brand value.
