Skoda’s Estate survives as an EV

It won’t be all SUVs in Skoda’s electric future, as the big estate is destined to make the transition. Hurrah.

Words by Jake Groves

Illustration by Avarvarii

Scoop: Skoda is keeping faith with the estate, and hanging on to some engines

DOUBLE TEAM

Given Skoda’s sales success in Eastern Europe, which lags behind on EVs, it isn’t letting go of combustion engines yet. A new-generation Superb will be revealed this year, still propelled by petrol, diesel or PHEV power. But Skoda’s EV roll-out includes this new estate, a Karoq replacement and VW ID. 2 sibling by 2026.

MEB ALL THE WAY

All of Skoda’s announced new EVs (including the production version of the Vision 7S) will use MEB+, an upgraded version of the VW Group’s EV platform. MEB+ includes new ‘unit-cell’ battery packs, with up to 435 miles of e-range and 200kW charging. Skoda is already using the vRS badge on EVs, so a new vRS wagon may happen.

MODERN SOLID

That’s the name of Skoda’s new design philosophy, first previewed by the Vision 7S concept (pictured). All future Skodas, battery-electric or otherwise, will be inspired by its design and wear its ‘Tech Deck Face’. Skoda designer Franck Le Gall tells CAR: ‘We want you to recognise what’s coming towards you.’

THE WISH LIST

‘We’re aiming for 600 litres of boot space,’ says Skoda boss Klaus Zellmer of the future estate. Elsewhere, it’s all about lowering the price of future EVs; ‘we want to now see prices on the level below €40,000 because it’ll attract new clientele.’ Skoda will start with introducing smaller battery sizes in the Enyaq crossover.

FACTFILE

POWERTRAIN 82kWh (est) battery, twin e-motors, all-wheel driveMAX POWER 400bhpMAX TORQUE 349lb ftCHASSIS Steel monocoqueDUE 2026 (est)

Electric line-up will include roomy estate… and maybe a vRS badge