Škoda’s two new electric models, the Epiq and the Peaq, have both won a Golden Steering Wheel. Auto Bild and Bild am Sonntag organise the German award, which reached its 50th edition this year. To win, the cars first had to get through a public vote and then a hands-on assessment by an expert jury, and in the Peaq’s case by a panel of families as well.
A two-stage award with a long history
The Golden Steering Wheel (Das Goldene Lenkrad) is run by the German motoring magazine Auto Bild and the Sunday paper Bild am Sonntag. It has been presented for 50 years, and this year’s anniversary edition brought wins for both of Škoda’s new battery-electric models.
The award starts with a public vote. Readers pick from every new model launched on the German market during the model year. Tens of thousands of people take part, and their votes decide three finalists in each category. The Epiq and the Peaq both made it through this first round.
Scrutiny on the Lausitzring
In September the finalists were assessed at the Lausitzring circuit in Germany. This year’s jury had 26 members. Alongside editors-in-chief from Auto Bild and the wider Bild media group, it included racing figures and well-known car enthusiasts such as multiple rally champion Sébastien Ogier and former tennis star Boris Becker.
According to Škoda, each car was scored in set areas. These covered practicality, driving position, build quality and visibility from the cabin. On track, the jury rated handling and driving feel, acceleration and braking. Value for money was also part of the score.
Thomas Drechsler, Head of Communications at Škoda Auto, described what the jurors asked about:
“The jury members are interested in the materials used in the interior, the design, the philosophy behind these aspects and the brand’s approach to them. They ask about the price of the entry-level model as well as the price of the specific car they have been given to test. They also ask about the environmental footprint of its production.”
Families put the Peaq to the test
The Peaq had the harder route because it competed in the Family Car category, which includes an extra test. Five families, with children ranging from babies to teenagers, judged how well the car suited them. They checked how flexible the seating was and how much luggage space it offered, including whether a pushchair fits without being folded. They also looked at getting in and out, safety features, fitting child seats, and how easily front and rear passengers could hear each other.
“The family jury members drove outside the racing circuit. They focused heavily on everyday usability and examined how user-friendly the infotainment system was and what smart solutions the car offered,” says Drechsler. As one example, he points to the Peaq’s large glass roof with automatic shading.
According to the company, the families asked most often about driving range and charging time, which matter for both daily driving and holiday trips. “All family members always carried out the tests, while the fathers made notes,” Drechsler said. Mothers and fathers made the final decision together.
Who collected the trophies
Holger Peters, Acting Chair of the Board of Management, accepted the award for the Peaq. Dr. Johannes Neft, Škoda Auto’s Chief Development Officer, accepted the award for the Epiq.
What it means
Germany is one of Europe’s most important car markets. An award that combines a public vote with a jury assessment gives buyers there an outside opinion on Škoda’s new electric models. Škoda has not given any new prices, specifications or launch dates with this announcement.
Source: www.skoda-storyboard.com