Skoda is a company that has always been known for its quality, reliability, and innovation. It is a brand that has been around for more than a century, and during that time, it has constantly been at the forefront of the automotive industry. Now, with the Skoda 7S Vision, the company is taking things to a whole new level.
The Skoda 7S Vision is the new top model from Skoda and is scheduled to go into production in 2025, a year earlier than planned. This all-electric SUV is a seven-seater, 5.02 meters long, and has a range of over 600 km. It is a class above the large Kodiaq high seater, and the Czechs fully utilize the MEB platform from Volkswagen, which is exclusive to the group.
"Minimalist design, maximum space" is the basic rule of the Skoda 7S Vision electric SUV, which still gets a real name. The new, angular face, which they coolly call “Tech Deck Face” at Skoda, will soon also be available on other brand models. Angular wheel arches, beefy underride protection, and a striking grill make this vehicle stand out from the crowd.
"Exactly, our customers love robust vehicles," says Thomas Kretschmer, Head of German Product Marketing at Skoda, with a smile. This goes with the hip matte paint, which really comes into its own. The front radars are hidden behind black colored plexiglass, inside Skoda brings the practical rotary controls on the center console (can also be switched by touch). Ditto the large movable touchscreen.
But there should be a real B-pillar and classic doors: the Vision 7S study did not have one and had portal doors that opened in opposite directions. And otherwise? Chrome and animal leather are out, for the time being, sustainable covers made from recycled plastics are hip. The manufacturer also promises a good charging speed: around 200 kW is possible with the DC charger, so the 89 kWh battery is recharged after just under 30 minutes at the latest.
Skoda is rising faster than ever, and the Skoda 7S Vision is proof of that. The company increased its global revenues by 19% in 2022, despite the challenges caused by supply chain constraints and the war in Ukraine. The carmaker delivered 731,300 cars last year, representing a drop of 16.7% on the previous year. Profit margins took a hit, with Skoda's exit from the Russian market impacting its return on sales by around €700m.
However, Skoda is not resting on its laurels. The company is taking an important step towards establishing the Czech Republic as an e-mobility hub by launching the production of battery systems for BEVs based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electrification Toolkit (MEB) at its main plant in Mladá Boleslav. Another assembly line will be added this year, raising the total capacity to 1,500 batteries a day. The MEB battery systems manufactured in Mladá Boleslav will also be installed in vehicles built by Volkswagen, Audi, and Seat.
Skoda will introduce several new and updated products over the next three years, the first of which will be facelifted versions of its Skoda Kamiq and Skoda Scala models. These will be followed by a range-topping Skoda 7S Vision that will redefine the SUV segment. And that's not all. Skoda also plans to introduce an electric successor to the small car Skoda Fabia, which will be available for less than €20,000.
