The Skoda Enyaq EV range has been well received by EV buyers in the global market and now the Czech brand is building up on its EV portfolio with the new Vision concept. The new Skoda Vision 7S concept has broken cover today previewing the company's future EV strategy. The Skoda Vision 7S concept is a zero-emission seven-seater electric vehicle concept and is part of Skoda's plan to launch three EVs by 2026. In terms of dimensions, it is larger than the Enyaq, and is being showcased in a '6+1 seating layout, with three rows and a baby seat mounted on top of a central rack that can be adjusted between the last two rows.
The Skoda Vision 7S also debuts Skoda's new design philosophy where the design team, led by Oliver Stefani, has introduced a solid piano black plastic that replaces the conventional grill. Skoda calls it the 'Tech Deck" because it is used to house and hide the myriad sensors needed for driving assist systems. The black element is flanked by slim LED running lights, and encircled by a further strip that sports the Vision 7S's main headlight units. The hood has an inverted power dome which is basically a design modification as there is no engine under the hood and it also features Skoda's new Logo where name is spelt out in lettering, just like we have seen Skoda putting the name of its cars at the rear. Skoda's design team is also trying to incorporate housing plug sockets to power external devices in the pillars.
On the inside, a massive 14.6-inch touchscreen takes centre stage. The front-row seats can rotate slightly inboard allowing the passengers to watch content more easily. The steering wheel has a new two-spoke design that seems likely to make production, and behind it sits an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel. The whole cabin has been finished using recycled and sustainable materials, with seat fabric made from 100 per cent recycled polyester. The cabin also features matt paint in all areas where there would currently be shiny plastic. In terms of features, it gets backpacks integrated into the seat backs, and extensive use of magnets to help hold things like smartphones and metal water bottles among others. The current seat layout is unlikely to be retained for production though, and we expect a middle seat in the second row with Child seat mounts.
Upon launch of the production car there will be multiple powertrain options, but the concept car has been introduced with a 89kWh battery delivering a range of over 595 kmph. The Skoda Vision 7S concept is based on the same MEB architecture as other EVs from the Volkswagen Group like the Enyaq. And quite obviously, it will have a larger wheelbase than the Enyaq given it's a seven-seater.
