Skoda Hints at Electric Seven-Seat SUV Competing with Kia EV9 | Carscoops

      The Kodiaq-sized three-row utility vehicle, previewed by the Vision 7S concept from 2022, is set to debut next year.

      Skoda has unveiled the initial teaser images of its flagship seven-seat electric SUV, which showcases the Modern Solid design language inspired by the Vision 7S concept. The company is aiming to compete with SUVs like the Kia EV9 with this yet-to-be-named model.

      After achieving its best financial performance in 2024, Skoda plans to maintain its momentum. On the same day it announced a record profit of €2.3 billion ($2.51 billion), Skoda released teaser images of the upcoming high-end electric SUV scheduled for release next year.

      Anticipated to be the priciest Skoda ever, this SUV, potentially named 'Space', will likely be a production variant of the Vision 7S concept, which introduced the Modern Solid design language that has since been featured on the new Epiq.

      However, this new model will be significantly larger than the smaller SUVs and is expected to be about the same size as the current combustion engine Kodiaq, known as the brand's largest and most expensive vehicle. It will accommodate seven passengers and will compete against models like the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9.

      The three teaser images show darkened views of the front and rear, along with a close-up of the rear quarter, but do not provide details on the side profile or grille. From what is visible of the hood, rear hatch, D-pillar, and T-shaped front and rear LED lights, the SUV resembles a larger Epiq. Previous spy shots of the SUV in full camouflage have been shared at the end of this post alongside a rendering from Carscoops that suggests how the SUV may appear on the roads.

      Skoda is likely to utilize the established VW MEB EV platform for this new SUV, which is expected to measure approximately 192.9 inches (4.9 meters) long, making it 9.8 inches (250 mm) longer than the five-seat Enyaq.

      The MEB technology will enable Skoda to offer both single and dual-motor powertrains, keeping entry prices competitive in line with the brand’s value focus, as seen with the single-motor, rear-wheel drive variant of the EV9. The 7S concept promised a WLTP range of 373 miles (600 km), significantly better than the 293 miles (472 km) that VW claims for the ID.Buzz, which is based on the same platform.

      In 2024, Skoda delivered 936,600 vehicles, marking a 6.9 percent increase compared to the previous year. The introduction of this large electric SUV in 2026 could potentially propel the brand past the million-unit sales milestone for the first time in its history.