Skoda Peaq 2028 review: International first drive | Kia EV9 rival tested

The all-electric Skoda Peaq won't land in Australia until early 2028, when we think it will be priced from around $80,000 for the base version and stretch to around $90,000 for the models with the large battery.

That means the big three-row SUV should go up against the more expensive Hyundai Ioniq 9 (from $119,750) and Kia EV9 (from $97,000), as well as the much pricier Volvo EX90 (from $124,990), but it could face a threat from the mid-size Mercedes-Benz GLB Electric (from $74,990).

Read More About Skoda Peaq

• 2028 Skoda Peaq proves even big electric vehicles can travel nearly 1000km on a single charge beating out Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9
• 2026 Skoda Enyaq will likely be Skoda's most popular model and it gets big upgrades to take on 2026 Zeekr 7X and Tesla Model Y
• Delayed! 2027 Skoda Elroq RS, the cut-price rival to 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, is still coming

What is the 2028 Skoda Peaq powered by?

From launch, the Skoda Peaq comes with three different powertrains – the rear-wheel drive Peaq 60 and Peaq 90 and an all-wheel drive Peaq 90x.

The entry Peaq 60 is powered by a 59kWh (useable) Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) chemistry battery that is combined with a single rear-mounted motor that produces 150kW and 350Nm of torque. Off the line, the most affordable Skoda SUV takes 8.5 seconds to reach 100km/h from standstill. Towing is limited to 1800kg.

Choose the middle-rung Peaq 90 and you bag a much bigger 86kWh battery pack and a beefier rear motor that pumps out 210kW/545Nm for a brisker 7.1 second 0-100km/h, although its towing capacity remains unchanged.

To tug up to 2000kg, you'll need the all-wheel drive Peaq 90x that boasts an additional e-motor that drives the front wheels and ramps up power to 220kW. A combined torque output hasn't been disclosed, but with all four driven wheels, the 0-100km/h dash falls to 6.8 seconds.

To provide some context, the entry rear-drive Kia EV9 takes around 8.2 seconds to sprint to 0-100km/h, but the dual-motor versions are much quicker than the Skoda, taking between 4.5-6.0 seconds to hit the same benchmark, depending on the version. The Korean can tow up to 2500kg.

How efficient is the 2028 Skoda Peaq and what's its range?

Not only does the Skoda Peaq adopt the brand's latest Modern Solid design language that draws styling cues from the well-received Vision 7S concept, but the new Tech Deck snout, smooth surfacing and aerodynamic tricks above and beneath the bonnet have slashed the drag coefficient to around 0.25Cd.

This sees the Peaq 60 capable of averaging a respectable 14.7kWh/100km, although its modest 59kWh battery size and sheer weight mean its claimed WLTP-verified range is still limited to just 459km.

A better match for many will be splashing out on the Peaq 90 which, with the 86kWh battery, still manages to return a claimed 15kWh/100km, which allows it to travel up to 649km before it needs plugging in.

Choose the four-wheel drive Peaq 90X flagship and the quickest Skoda SUV still returns 15.8kWh/100km for a 613km claimed range.

All of those figures are better than a Kia EV9, with the rear-drive entry model only able to cover 449km, while the longest range all-wheel drive models can only drive up to 512km.

How long does it take for the 2028 Skoda Peaq to charge?

The Skoda Peaq is based on a heavily upgraded version of the Volkswagen Group's MEB platform that was first rolled out on the VW ID.3 back in 2019, so it has to make do with lowly 400-volt electrics that limit charging speeds, compared to the 800-volt electrics that come with the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9.

That explains why, while a Kia EV9 can be topped up at between 210kW and 220kW, the Peaq 60 can only handle a charge of up to 160kW for a 27-minute 10 to 80 per cent charge.

A Peaq 90 sees that rate increase to around 199kW, but the bigger battery sees top-up times increase to 28 minutes.

Those wait times could seem less competitive with the arrival of a new Chinese seven-seater that will normally boast peak charging well beyond 350kW, for a top-up of comfortably less than 20 minutes.

With its standard 11kW AC charger (a 22kW AC charger isn't available) a 0 to 100 per cent top-up takes six hours 30 minutes for the Peaq 60 and around nine hours for the Peaq 90.

What's the 2028 Skoda Peaq like on the inside?

As you might hope, the new Skoda Peaq offers plenty of space inside for a large family.

After all, it measures in at 4874mm long, 1865mm wide and stands 1664mm tall with a generous 2965mm wheelbase, designers have been able to maximise the space within.

Even though it's aimed at the Hyundai Ioniq 9 or Kia EV9 rivals, both of those cars are larger still (5010mm, 1980mm, 1750mm).

That explains why the third row in the Skoda is more suited to kids, rather than adults, but space can be made by sliding the second row forward.

Luggage space with all seats in place is limited to around 299 litres - which probably isn't enough for most families of five, but stow the third row and its luggage-carrying capacity rockets to a plentiful 935 litres.

Up front, there's even a decent 37-litre frunk that can store cables and the rear parcel shelf when not in use.

Designed with families in mind, the rear doors open wide, there's loads of leg- and headroom in the second row, tri-zone climate control and lots of vents.

ISOFIX mounting points are limited to the two outer pews and the front passenger seat.

In the front row, the Peaq feels made up of premium materials, while the dash comes with a large 13.6-inch portrait-mounted multimedia display that runs a new Android-based software.

Ahead of the driver is a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that's clear, with all the tech easy to use.

There is even three big paddles that act as shortcuts for climate controls, proper buttons on the steering wheel and a large roller for the volume that could all be operated while wearing oven mitts, aiding the ease of use for even the most ham-fisted on the move.

As well as loads of cubbyholes, we love the pair of illuminated Qi2 magnetic wireless phone chargers that handily secure your phone when charging.

What's the 2028 Skoda Peaq like to drive?

The Skoda Peaq is perfectly judged for its family wagon role.

Even with the least powerful Peaq 60 powertrain, there's enough torque to shrug off the kerb weight that hovers around 2200kg.

Like other MEB models, the Peaq comes with MacPherson struts up front that's combined for a multi-link rear suspension. Air springs, aren't even an option, but even without them, the big Skoda manages to deliver a smooth and comfortable ride over a rough road.

Body roll is well contained, with the Peaq providing plenty of confidence behind the wheel. The Czech brand will offer adaptive dampers as an option, which might be worth considering as they will be able to switch from a soft, plush ride to the extra body control you might need when driving loaded with passengers and luggage.

Around town, a tight turning circle for the rear-drive versions means the Peaq feels more agile than its rivals, and should be easier to park than the longer Kia EV9.

What's not so good about the 2028 Skoda Peaq?

The drawbacks of buying the Skoda Peaq involve its limited charging speeds that aren't as competitive as they should be, meek performance off the line and a lack of thrills behind the wheel, although many owners will warm to its relaxed, laid-back nature of how the Skoda drives.

Our car had an irritating hardware or software glitch that saw the multimedia undergo multiple factory resets unprompted.

What comes standard with the 2028 Skoda Peaq?

With more than a year to go until it arrives in Australia, there's little intel on how the Skoda Peaq is shaping up for our market, instead, we're forced to look at what's happened in Europe, which might indicate what the local line-up might look like.

In markets like the UK the Peaq is available in nine different paint options.

Standard on the Skoda Peaq are:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Multi-function steering wheel
• LED headlamps and tail-lights
• Seven seats
• Two USB-C ports in front, two USB-Cs in 2nd row, two USB-Cs in third row
• Climate control
• Heated height-adjustable front seats, with electric adjust lumber support
• 13.6-inch multimedia system
• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• Variable boot floor
• Dual Qi.2 magnetic chargers
• Electric sliding parcel shelf

Mid-spec models in Europe add:

• Matrix LED headlights
• Remote park assist
• 360-degree camera view
• Lane assist and traffic light detection
• Illuminated grille

High-grade Sportline variants get:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Gloss black exterior features
• Adaptive dampers
• Three-spoke sport steering wheel with paddles for brake regen

Options include the Relax pack that adds massage seats, a folding table and a more powerful Sonos sound system.

There's also the option of adding ventilated seats with adjustable footrests. Acoustic glass, brackets for iPads and an electric folding tow bar are all cost extras.

The Skoda Peaq has yet to undergo crash tests by either Euro NCAP or ANCAP but, when it does, expect it to be awarded the full five stars for protection.

Standard safety kit includes:

• AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Adaptive cruise with traffic jam assist
• Lane-keep assist
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Turn and crossroad assist
• Front and rear cross-traffic alert
• Traffic sign recognition
• Front and rear parking sensors
• 11 airbags
• Predictive speed sensor
• Exit warning 

What warranty does the 2028 Skoda Peaq come with?

Like any other Skoda, the all-new Peaq arrives with a comprehensive seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, with a further eight-year/160,000km protection for the high-voltage battery, plus a further 24 months roadside assistance.

The expected service interval for the Peaq should be every 24 months/30,000km, whichever comes first. Like the small Elroq, the new flagship Skoda EV will come with either a pay-as-you-go fixed price servicing, or the option of pre-paid eight- and 10-year service packs for an additional cost on purchase.