Skoda’s new seven-seat electric SUV has been spotted for the first time, nearly three years after the Czech brand unveiled the bold Vision 7S concept that previewed its future flagship electric car and introduced us to its new ‘Modern Solid’ design language. 

‘Modern Solid’ is the same philosophy used to create the Skoda Elroq that was launched late last year, with certain design elements then carried over to the Enyaq during its recent, rather extensive facelift. So we have a clear idea of what's underneath this prototype’s camouflage.

At the forefront, you'll find the 'Tech Deck Face', a more streamlined take on the classic Skoda grille, designed to accommodate the array of sensors, radars, and cameras that support the vehicle's driver-assistance features. This stylish front end also features a pixelated design for the daytime running lights, which peek through the camouflage and are expected to extend onto the front fenders. 

Additional features that seem to have been inherited from the Vision 7S include a dual-fin roof spoiler and sleek tail lights that stretch onto the trunk. The overall design closely resembles the concept as well, showcasing a distinctly squared-off front and classic SUV dimensions, complemented by short rear overhangs that optimize interior space for both passengers and their belongings.

Unsurprisingly, the coach doors on the Vision 7S haven't made it to production, given that we can see the pop-out rear door handles are where they’d normally be. The concept’s unconventional ‘six-plus-one’ seating arrangement has almost certainly been replaced by a more traditional choice of five or seven-seat options, although we have yet to get a look inside the production car.

The zero-emissions alternative to the award-winning Skoda Kodiaq isn’t due to be unveiled until the end of 2026, or potentially in early 2027, but it’s likely to feature a similar set-up inside to the Enyaq and Elroq. That should include the huge 13-inch central touchscreen, a five-inch driver’s display, various sustainable materials and plenty of ‘simply clever’ touches.

So far, the only detail Skoda has confirmed about its seven-seat EV is that it'll be around 4.9 metres long. That’ll make it the biggest model in Skoda’s line-up by far, and bigger than the Peugeot E-5008 it’ll be going up against. However, it’s not quite as colossal as the Hyundai Ioniq 9 or Kia EV9 – two other contenders in the steadily expanding seven-seat EV segment.

Underneath the Skoda’s camouflage is almost certainly the same MEB bespoke electric-car platform that’s used by the Enyaq and Elroq, as well as around a dozen other EVs including the Ford Capri. Another is the nearly five-metre-long Volkswagen ID. Buzz LWB minibus, so we know the architecture can accommodate a vehicle this large. 

The seven-seat Skoda will probably get the same 86kWh battery as the ID. Buzz LWB, which we’d expect to provide a range of nearly 400 miles. That’s on par with the Hyundai Ioniq 9, but still some way off the up to 415 miles of range offered by the Peugeot E-5008, in the right guise. 

A choice of single-motor, rear-drive and dual-motor, all-wheel drive powertrains is likely to be offered, and we wouldn’t be surprised if there was a hot vRS version too, considering that both generations of the Skoda Kodiaq have been given the same treatment.

What are your thoughts on Skoda's latest seven-seat electric vehicle? Share your opinions in the comments section!