Škoda Elroq is not trying to impress with slogans. It's competing with data, functionality, and results. On June 5, 2025, it won the Connected Car Award from Auto Bild and Computer Bild in the Compact Car category. That win didn’t come from flashy marketing. It came from features delivered as standard—and they matter.
Award-Winning Connectivity Features
Škoda didn’t bundle basic tech and call it premium. It standardized what other brands upsell:
- 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Bluetooth connectivity
- SmartLink for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Two USB-C ports up front
- Voice assistant Laura, integrated with ChatGPT, supporting 15 languages
- MyŠkoda app with remote vehicle access features
Why it matters: These features are available on every Elroq trim—not just the expensive ones. That levels the playing field for tech-savvy buyers looking for a compact EV under the $50,000 mark.
Reader Vote: Function Over Flash
The Connected Car Award, now in its 11th year, focused on real innovation. Editors from Auto Bild and Computer Bild pre-selected candidates. Readers voted on finalists.
Elroq didn’t just win; it beat a competitive field of compact EVs and hybrids. The reason? Škoda’s consistency in feature availability, regardless of variant or price.
This marks Škoda’s fourth win at the awards:
| Year | Award Category | Technology/Model |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Pioneer Award | SmartGate |
| 2020 | Pioneer Award | Sound Analyser |
| 2021 | New Mobility Award | Citymove App |
| 2025 | Compact Car Category | Elroq |
Impact on EV Market Strategy
Škoda’s Elroq positions itself in the compact SUV segment as an entry-level electric vehicle. It launched in December 2024 and has been gaining momentum since.
Here’s a breakdown of why the Elroq fits current buyer demands:
- Smart tech integrated across all trims
- Affordable electrification without sacrificing usability
- ChatGPT-backed voice assistant—still rare among competitors
- Full smartphone integration via SmartLink
- Remote vehicle control for everyday convenience
Elroq's Broader Recognition in 2025
Škoda didn’t stop with connectivity wins. The Elroq has already received two additional awards this year:
- ADAC Autotest – Ranked first in the Lower Mid-Range (Unterer Mittelklasse) category
- Red Dot Award – Recognized for product design excellence
Each award covers a different metric:
- ADAC focuses on vehicle performance and utility.
- Red Dot evaluates visual and functional design.
- Connected Car Award emphasizes digital integration.
Elroq’s ability to earn awards across such varied benchmarks signals a balanced product execution—not just tech gimmicks or range bragging.
Why the Connected Car Award Matters to Buyers
Škoda’s win reflects what buyers care about in 2025:
- Usability over luxury
- Feature transparency
- System reliability
- AI integration that adds value—not fluff
For example, voice assistant Laura doesn’t just control music or climate. With ChatGPT integration, it can answer real-world queries, manage complex commands, and evolve with updates.
Market Takeaways and Forward-Looking Moves
This award isn't just a marketing asset for Škoda. It directly impacts buyer perception in a saturated compact EV market where:
- Connectivity features influence up to 40% of purchase decisions
- EV buyer expectations now include AI integration as standard
- Resale value correlates increasingly with built-in digital infrastructure
Škoda’s decision to roll out these features as standard on the Elroq was tactical. It signals the brand is investing in value retention and digital consistency.
Summary Table: Škoda Elroq Key Connectivity Highlights
| Feature | Availability | Competitive Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| 13-inch Touchscreen | Standard | Larger than most entry-level EVs |
| Bluetooth + SmartLink | Standard | Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto included |
| USB-C Ports (x2) | Standard | Fast charging up front |
| Voice Assistant (Laura) | Standard | ChatGPT-enhanced AI assistant |
| MyŠkoda App | Standard | Full remote vehicle access |
Bottom Line
Škoda won the 2025 Connected Car Award by making cutting-edge features standard in the Elroq, not optional. It didn’t gamble on gimmicks. It delivered practical connectivity tools where they count.
This strategy pays off. It builds trust, earns votes, and secures resale value.
In a crowded compact EV market, that’s how you win—with data, not promises.
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