When Skoda announced they were bringing rally-inspired performance to their new electric crossover, car enthusiasts perked up. The Elroq vRS promises to blend family practicality with sporting heritage, but does it deliver on that ambitious goal?
What Makes the Elroq vRS Special?
The Skoda Elroq vRS represents the Czech manufacturer’s attempt to inject some excitement into the electric SUV market. This isn’t just another family crossover – it’s positioned as the performance flagship of the Elroq lineup, drawing inspiration from Skoda’s modest but proud rally heritage dating back to the 1970s.
At its heart, the Elroq vRS packs dual electric motors producing a combined 335 horsepower and 402 lb-ft of torque. This setup enables all-wheel drive capability and makes it one of the fastest-accelerating vehicles Skoda has ever produced. The 0-62mph sprint takes just 5.4 seconds, which puts it in serious performance car territory.
The vRS treatment extends beyond just the powertrain. Skoda has lowered the suspension by 10mm at the front and 15mm at the rear, fitted adaptive dampers with 15 different settings, and wrapped the whole package in aggressive styling cues including gloss black trim, bespoke bumpers, and optional high-visibility green paint that certainly makes a statement.
Inside the Premium Electric Experience
Step inside the Elroq vRS and you’re greeted by a cabin that justifies some of that hefty price tag. The interior features microsuede upholstery with lime green stitching, heated sports seats with massage function, and a three-spoke leather steering wheel that feels substantial in your hands.
The technology package includes a 5-inch digital driver display paired with a 13-inch touchscreen running Volkswagen Group’s latest infotainment system. There’s also a heads-up display with augmented reality features and a premium Canton sound system for those long family road trips.
Small touches like stainless steel pedals and illuminated trim pieces remind you this isn’t a standard family SUV. The build quality feels solid throughout, and the materials used genuinely feel premium rather than just expensive.
Real-World Performance and Driving Experience
Here’s where things get interesting – and perhaps a bit disappointing for those expecting true sports car thrills. The Elroq vRS delivers impressive straight-line performance with that blitzy acceleration, but the driving experience feels more refined than exciting.
The all-wheel drive system prioritizes safety and predictability over engagement. Through corners, the Elroq vRS exhibits a tendency to understeer and doesn’t offer the kind of dynamic feedback that driving enthusiasts crave. The adaptive suspension system, while competent, doesn’t dramatically transform the character between its softest and firmest settings.
The steering, despite being supposedly tuned for the vRS model, lacks the communication and precision you’d expect from a performance-oriented vehicle. It’s perfectly adequate for daily driving but won’t have you seeking out winding country roads for weekend entertainment.
Efficiency and Practical Considerations
Despite the performance focus, the Elroq vRS doesn’t completely sacrifice efficiency for speed. In real-world testing, the vehicle achieved around 3.5 miles per kWh, translating to approximately 275 miles of range from the 84kWh battery pack. While this falls short of the official 339-mile claim, it’s still respectable for such a powerful electric SUV.
The regenerative braking system offers four different levels of intensity, adjustable via steering wheel paddles. This feature adds an element of driver engagement, allowing you to fine-tune energy recovery while potentially having some fun with weight transfer through corners.
The £46,560 Question: Value for Money
This brings us to the elephant in the room – the price. At £46,560 before options, the Elroq vRS demands serious money. Add the recommended heat pump and winter package, and you’re looking at nearly £50,000 for what is essentially a compact electric SUV.
For perspective, that money could buy you a Toyota GR Yaris or put a deposit on a house in many parts of the country. It’s a lot to ask for a vehicle that, while well-equipped and competent, doesn’t deliver the emotional engagement its rally-inspired branding suggests.
The reality is that Skoda expects the vRS to represent only about 5% of total Elroq sales. It’s positioned as a premium trim level for buyers who want the best of everything Skoda offers, rather than a true performance alternative to traditional hot hatches or sports cars.
Who Should Consider the Elroq vRS?
The ideal Elroq vRS buyer isn’t necessarily someone seeking driving thrills. Instead, it appeals to families who want premium luxury, impressive acceleration for overtaking, and the satisfaction of owning the range-topping model. If you’ve already decided on an Elroq and have the budget to stretch to the vRS, you’ll appreciate the additional refinement and equipment.
However, if driving engagement is your primary concern, alternatives like the Cupra Born VZ offer more excitement for less money. The Renault 4, while completely different in character, provides more fun-to-drive factor at two-thirds the price.
Final Thoughts: Luxury First, Performance Second
The Skoda Elroq vRS succeeds as a premium electric SUV but falls short as a true performance vehicle. It’s beautifully appointed, impressively quick in a straight line, and undoubtedly practical for family use. The problem is that it promises rally-inspired excitement but delivers luxury car refinement instead.
For buyers who prioritize comfort, technology, and status over pure driving thrills, the Elroq vRS makes sense. It’s a well-executed premium electric SUV that happens to be very fast. Just don’t expect it to recreate the magic of Skoda’s rally heritage – this is more luxury liner than rally weapon.