Skoda Epiq Global Launch: The Czech Brand’s Most Affordable Electric SUV
Skoda Auto has officially ignited series production of its new all-electric entry model, the Epiq, at the Volkswagen Navarra plant in Pamplona, Spain, marking a historic milestone as the first Skoda model ever to be manufactured outside the Czech Republic and the brand’s most accessible electric vehicle to reach global markets. Celebrating its world premiere on May 19 in Zurich, Switzerland, the Epiq now joins the Electric Urban Car Family from Volkswagen’s Brand Group Core (BGC), alongside the CUPRA Raval and Volkswagen ID. Polo and Volkswagen ID. Cross, forming a cross-brand product campaign that brings competitive electric entry-level vehicles to European customers.Priced at approximately €26,000, the Epiq represents Skoda’s strategic cornerstone for bringing electric mobility to the dynamic entry-level segment, offering great value for money designed for real life while welcoming new customers, including those seeking something a step above mainstream offerings. As the brand’s first car built on the new MEB+ platform and its first model to fully embody the Modern Solid design language, the Epiq will play a key role alongside the upcoming Peaq in doubling Skoda’s electric portfolio in 2026, following the record sales of the Enyaq and Elroq across Europe that prove progress can be both inspiring and accessible.A Historic Manufacturing Shift: Production Begins in SpainLaunching production of the new Škoda Epiq is nothing less than a historic moment for the Czech brand, as Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto, emphasized during the announcement. With the momentum of Brand Group Core behind it, Skoda is making fully electric driving more reachable than ever, combining great value for money, real-life design, and readiness to welcome new customers who want something a step above current offerings. Over the past years, Enyaq and Elroq have reached record sales across Europe, proving that progress can be both inspiring and accessible while establishing Skoda’s credibility in the electric vehicle segment.The Epiq is the first Škoda model ever to be produced in Spain, a step that highlights the strength and adaptability of the group’s production network, according to Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics. By efficiently balancing capacity across the Volkswagen Group, Skoda can support the ramp-up of key electric models while maintaining high production quality and competitive costs, all of which directly benefit customers. This strategic approach allows Škoda Auto to retain its own production capacity at Czech plants for other high-demand models while enhancing flexibility in responding to shifts in demand across vehicle segments.The Volkswagen Navarra plant, located on the outskirts of Pamplona in northern Spain, is one of the Group’s key production sites, founded in 1965 and having produced more than ten million vehicles since becoming part of the Volkswagen Group in 1984. It’s nearly 5,000 employees who build more than 1,400 cars daily, and until now, the plant has produced Volkswagen models with combustion engines, the Taigo and T-Cross. The production programme is now being expanded to include the all-electric Škoda Epiq, with another electric model, the Volkswagen ID. Cross, soon to follow, demonstrating the site’s high degree of flexibility with combustion-engine and all-electric vehicles assembled on the same production line.Modern Solid Design: Skoda’s Visual Revolution for the Electric AgeThe Epiq marks a visual revolution as the very first series model to fully adopt Skoda’s next-generation Modern Solid design philosophy, fundamentally distinguishing it from the internal combustion engine Skodas customers have traditionally seen on sale. Key characteristics of this theme include the Tech Deck Face, a glossy black front panel that replaces the traditional open grille to house advanced assistance sensors, and T-shaped LED elements that create a sharp signature lighting layout gracing both the front and rear profiles of the vehicle.Upfront, the Epiq replaces the traditional ‘butterfly’ grille with a glossy black Tech-Deck Face and introduces slim T-shaped LED DRLs, a new lighting signature that will become a defining feature of future Skoda SUV models. The main LED headlight units extend downward from the DRLs, linked by a black trim piece in the bumper, while below this, the Epiq features a front bumper with eight vertical slats and a silver skid plate that adds rugged SUV character. Aerodynamic elements such as active cooling shutters, air curtain channels, a flat underbody, rear diffuser, and roof spoiler help the Epiq achieve a drag coefficient of 0.275, improving the SUV’s efficiency significantly.The Epiq rides on 17- to 19-inch wheels depending on variants, getting dual-tone outside rear view mirrors, black roof rails, body-coloured pull-type door handles, and slim black body cladding extending over the wheel arches. At the rear, it gets slim T-shaped LED taillights with ‘Skoda’ lettering between them, while the bumper design remains minimalistic with a similar eight-slat design. The vehicle is offered in six colour options, including a distinctive Timiano Green hue alongside red, white, silver, grey, beige, and black hues, with specific colour names yet to be announced.Skoda will also bring an Epiq First Edition, a limited launch model arriving shortly after the standard Epiq goes on sale, based on the top-spec Selection trim and coming exclusively with the Epiq 55 powertrain as well as exclusive design elements. Its distinctive styling includes Navajo Orange accents on the exterior and interior, a black roof, exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels, orange stitching, sports pedals, and a First Edition badge that marks its limited production status.Compact Dimensions with Outstanding Interior PracticalityMeasuring exactly 4,171mm in total length, 1,798mm in width, and 1,581mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,601mm, the compact vehicle slots perfectly into crowded urban environments while delivering space optimization that rivals vehicles from much larger segments. The Epiq is nearly as big as the Skoda Kushaq, just a little short in terms of length, height, and wheelbase, making it ideal for city driving where nimble handling in tight environments matters.Despite its compact footprint, clever space management allows the Epiq to deliver immense practical value. The standard boot yields 475 litres of storage capacity, expanding to a massive 1,345 litres when rear seats are folded flat, ensuring buyers do not sacrifice convenience when choosing a