Introduction
Tucked into the dense biodiversity of Karnataka’s Western Ghats, the route from Dandeli to Karwar via Anshi Ghat offers more than just a scenic getaway. It’s a demanding, undulating ribbon of tarmac flanked by canopies of towering trees, skittish macaques, and the distant roar of unseen waterfalls. This time, it wasn’t a loud combustion engine that echoed off the mossy cliffs but the quiet precision of the all-new 2025 Skoda Enyaq 85. The facelifted electric SUV had a lot to prove here. With a redesigned face, refined battery chemistry, and a rear-drive setup tuned for efficiency, the Enyaq 85 brought both promise and pressure. This was not a straight freeway test. It was a slow climb, sharp descent, and unpredictable terrain test of how well this car performs not just on numbers, but on gut feel.
Table of Contents
Technical Specifications
Our blog content is driven by Skoda’s official data for complete technical accuracy.
| Specification | Detail |
| Powertrain | Rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor |
| Maximum Power | 286 hp |
| Maximum Torque | 545 Nm |
| Battery Capacity (Net/Gross) | 77 kWh / 82 kWh |
| 0-100 km/h Acceleration | 6.7 seconds |
| Top Speed | 180 km/h |
| Drive Type | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
| WLTP Range | Up to 581 km |
| WLTP Consumption | 14.9-15.9 kWh/100 km |
| AC Charging Power | 11 kW |
| DC Charging Power | 135 kW |
| Boot Volume (min/max) | 585 L / 1,710 L |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 4.66 m x 1.88 m x 1.61 m |
| Wheelbase | 2.77 m |
| Kerb Weight | 2,141-2,304 kg |
| Country of Assembly | Czech Republic |
The Ascent from Dandeli: Silence and Strength
The day began in the deciduous calm of Dandeli, where the Enyaq 85’s Olive Green paint mirrored the forest around it. Even before I touched the steering wheel, the proportions spoke of quiet assurance. From its revised aerodynamic snout to the understated LED signature, the SUV felt like it belonged in the forest but had come from the future.
Climbing the narrow roads toward Anshi, the first thing I noticed was how naturally the Enyaq eased into gradients. The 545 Nm of torque at the rear axle gave the SUV a poised push, with no drama, no hesitation. Every switchback was handled with minimal steering effort, aided by a nimble turning radius that made this 4.66-meter SUV feel almost compact. The sound insulation is so effective that all you hear is the leaf rustle or your own breathing. On tighter corners, it managed its mass impressively. At over two tonnes, it was never feather-light, but the battery placement gave it a low center of gravity that felt anchored even on off-camber hairpins.
The Enyaq’s progressive regen modes became especially useful here. In “B” mode, the car offered subtle deceleration when I lifted off the throttle. It was not quite “one-pedal” driving, but it was enough to minimize brake usage without feeling abrupt. The route’s mix of sun-dappled patches and damp leaf-strewn corners demanded finesse, and the Enyaq 85 was responsive without ever being nervous.
Through the Ghat: Composure under Canopy
By the time the road narrowed into the true Anshi Ghat section, the terrain began testing the Enyaq’s composure. This was no expressway, but a blend of undulating elevation, blind turns, and sudden animal crossings. The softened ride quality on this facelifted model came into focus. Unlike many EVs that feel jittery on broken tarmac due to their heavy chassis, the Enyaq 85 kept its poise. Even with limited suspension travel, it absorbed undulations with muted thuds and transmitted very little to the cabin.
The steering, though not overflowing with feedback, was accurate and progressive. In Comfort mode, it felt light enough for relaxed driving, and in Normal it gained just enough resistance to instill confidence. The lack of torque steer was another delight. Even when accelerating out of corners, the rear-wheel-drive setup felt perfectly balanced and free from front-end tugging.
There’s a philosophical element to driving an EV through a bio-sensitive zone like this. With no tailpipe emissions and near-silent operation, the Enyaq felt like a respectful visitor rather than an intruder. The forest around me remained undisturbed, and even when I encountered a herd of deer near the Kali Tiger Reserve signage, they barely flinched.
Range Anxiety or Confidence? A Real-World Answer
Starting the day at 95 percent state of charge, I had planned the route to be a 220-kilometer loop with varied elevation. By the time I reached Karwar, after the full descent through Anshi’s misty curls and a few bursts of throttle on the straight patches, the battery had dropped to 54 percent.
The on-board consumption readout hovered between 15.1 and 15.4 kWh/100 km. That was a pleasant surprise. Even on gradients, the powertrain’s efficiency and the car’s aerodynamic enhancements meant it was sipping, not gulping electrons. With some regen helping reclaim energy on the downhill stretches, the net consumption reflected a balanced equation.
This real-world test suggests the Enyaq can easily stretch over 500 km if driven responsibly, even on mixed terrain. More importantly, it doesn’t demand a hypermiling mindset. You can enjoy the drive and still end up with a comfortable buffer in your battery.
The Descent to Karwar: Poised, Precise, and Peaceful
As the road opened up and revealed the coast in the distance, I began appreciating the Enyaq’s highway traits. The ride felt planted even at higher speeds, and the adaptive cruise control managed speed variances with the finesse of a seasoned chauffeur. The lane-centering assist worked quietly in the background, making long curves feel even more effortless.
This section of road can be deceptive. Sharp drops, undivided lanes, and occasional gusts of coastal wind can unsettle most vehicles. But the Enyaq maintained a sense of precision. The body control stayed tight, and the wider rear tires helped with directional stability during windy stretches.
The brakes, despite a slightly vague initial feel, performed adequately when asked to shed speed quickly. They were progressive and strong, especially once you got past the first few millimeters of pedal travel.
Interior Comfort: More Lounge, Less Lab
Step inside the Enyaq, and you’re met with a space that doesn’t try too hard to impress. The layout is calm, ergonomic, and designed for use, not just flair. The cognac-themed interior design suite added a touch of warmth without making it flashy.
The 13-inch infotainment screen ran Skoda’s latest UI with intuitive tiles and lag-free transitions. Though a rotary knob for volume would have been appreciated, the system was otherwise easy to use on the move. What stood out most was the blend of tactile quality and minimalism. From the soft leather on the armrests to the configurable ambient lighting, it felt like a place to spend hours in, not just commute.
Rear seat comfort was commendable too. With the flat floor and generous knee room, even taller passengers felt well accommodated. The boot, at 585 liters, swallowed my luggage and camera gear with room to spare. No fiddling, no awkward loading height issues.
Charging Reality: Numbers vs Experience
One of the concerns with the Enyaq 85 on paper is its capped DC fast charging at 135 kW, lower than its sibling, the 85x. But in real, the charging curve matters the most. Plugged into a 150 kW DC fast charger at a public station near Ankola, it climbed steadily to 129 kW and held that until about 60 percent before tapering gently.
From 20 percent to 80 percent took exactly 26 minutes, consistent with Skoda’s claim. That’s not groundbreaking, but it’s certainly not slow. The takeaway here is consistency. While other EVs boast higher peak figures that drop sharply, the Enyaq’s predictability in real-world conditions becomes more valuable during longer road trips.
Verdict: Evolved, Electric, and Enchanting
After a full day with the Enyaq 85 across rainforests, ghats, and coastal highways, the impression it left wasn’t just about its numbers. It was about how seamlessly it blended into the journey. It never screamed for attention, nor did it demand any compromise. Instead, it offered competence with character and an electric drive that felt refined rather than experimental.
For families transitioning to EVs or adventurers looking for an eco-conscious cruiser, this SUV delivers comfort, practicality, and a long-legged range. It may not set pulses racing with cornering theatrics, but in the real world, it wins with reliability and grace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Skoda Enyaq 85 good for hill driving?
Absolutely. With 545 Nm of torque available from zero rpm and a balanced rear-wheel-drive setup, it tackles gradients confidently and handles corners with a composed stance.
How does the Enyaq handle rough roads and ghats?
Thanks to its well-calibrated suspension and low center of gravity, the Enyaq absorbs road irregularities with ease while maintaining excellent stability through winding mountain roads.
What real-world range can one expect?
On routes with descents, climbs and highways, the Enyaq 85 delivers a practical range of 480 to 500 km with a full charge.
How effective is the regenerative braking system?
It offers varying levels of regeneration, with the strongest mode activated through a simple gear toggle. The automatic regen mode is particularly intuitive and adjusts to traffic and terrain in real time.
Does it offer a trueSUV feel?
While it doesn’t offer off-road capabilities, its spacious cabin, high driving position, and versatile boot space give it the usability expected of a modern SUV.
