Skoda Vision 7S provides first look at future seven-seat EV

• To rival the Kia EV9
• Range of 370+ miles
• One of three future EVs from Skoda by 2026

The Skoda Vision 7S concept has been unveiled, signalling a fresh brand identity as Skoda further embraces electric models. The Vision 7S will form part of the firm's plan to introduce three additional EVs into the lineup by 2026. Currently the Skoda Enyaq iV is the only electric only car in its showrooms, with the plug-in hybrid Skoda Octavia iV and Skoda Superb iV complementing the electrified range.

The Vision 7S has slim ‘T-Light’ headlights and a plastic element in place of a conventional grille, housing an array of sensors. Flat chrome lettering and a new logo take the place of Skoda’s existing 3D badge. The new features form one cohesive frontal design named ‘Tech Deck’ by the manufacturer, so expect to see it feature on other future models. 

Skoda Enyaq Coupe - sleek yet still practical

The Vision 7S also showcases an inverted bonnet bulge, central vents cut into the lower section of the front bumper and a contrasting colour for the central element.

Further to the new nose design, there’s a flat roof for aero efficiency, along with squared off wheel arches for a sturdy design. It also has real environmental credentials, thanks to the use of recycled tyres in the front and rear bumpers along with the wheel arch lining.

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Along the sides there is a clear separation at the shoulder line, while pronounced sills extend slightly beyond the doors: Skoda suggests this could be a ‘utility bar’. Expect there to be external power supplies mounted there if the production version is to make something of this design.

The seven-seat Skoda Kodiaq currently competes with rivals like the petrol and diesel-powered Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. Although all three of these companies have stated they intend to switch to fully-electric powertrains quickly. It is possible that the new Vision 7S design could take the place of the Kodiaq as the firm's largest seven-seat vehicle, which would put it in competition with Kia’s forthcoming EV9.

Inside, three rows of two seats offer a ‘six plus one’ arrangement with a child seat facing in the opposite the direction of travel atop a centrally raised area that runs the length of the cabin. It is not yet clear whether this design will make production instead of a more conventional seven seat layout. 

A 14.6-inch screen will be able to move between landscape and portrait mode, with the aim of rotating and rising so that it can be viewed by all passengers when ‘relax’ mode is activated. This mode will also recline the seats and move the steering wheel away from the driver to maximise space.

Further sustainability goals are achieved inside the cabin, with 100% recycled material used for the seat fabric. A fresh interior look will be complimented by a matte finish for interior plastics, instead of shiny black or silver materials.

Skoda has made extensive use of magnets to hold additional features within the cabin, including backpacks held onto the seat backs. Metal water bottles and smartphones will also be able to be held in place around the dashboard.

Charging speeds are quoted up to 200kW  – in line with other vehicles using the same MEB platform – and expect 370+ miles of range from a 89kWh battery when tested to WLTP standards. The Vision 7S will become the largest vehicle to use the platform that also underpins the Skoda Enyaq iV. 

We expect the Vision 7S to be at the top of the four vehicles planned to be on sale in full EV form by 2026, with the Enyaq the only one currently in production.

If you’re shopping for an SUV today and want to go fully-electric then check out our list of 10 best electric SUVs.