Škoda Space: what we know about Škoda’s seven-seat electric SUV

It is around three years since Škoda unveiled the Vision 7S, a fully electric concept that previewed what is expected to be the Czech brand’s next model: it may be called the Škoda Space.

Now edging closer to production, the first test mules have been spotted for what will become the company’s largest electric SUV.

In size it should be comparable to the Kodiaq and, like that model, the new electric SUV is also set to offer seating for seven. That places the Space firmly in the sights of the South Korean Kia EV9 and Hyundai IONIQ 9.

Earlier this year, the manufacturer released its first teasers and, although the car seen here is heavily camouflaged, there is little doubt the Škoda Space will stay very close to the Vision 7S concept.

That is immediately apparent at the front, where the new “T”-shaped lighting signature stands out, alongside what appears to be the new panel the brand refers to as the “Tech Deck”.

From the side, the notably tall roofline and the very short nose are the key talking points - there is no longer any need to package an internal combustion engine. As on the Vision 7S concept, the door handles sit flush with the bodywork, reducing aerodynamic drag and giving the car a cleaner look.

And the interior?

For now, the cabin layout of the new model remains unknown, but it is reasonable to expect three rows of seats so it can carry up to seven passengers.

If the Vision 7S interior is any guide, the design direction should centre on a large display in the middle of the dashboard, paired with a fully digital instrument cluster.

Unlike many new cars that have almost no physical switches, the new Škoda Space is expected to strike a better balance between digital and analogue controls - according to Peter Olah, who leads interior design for Škoda’s concept cars and series-production models.

“(…) the studies we carried out with our customers show their preference for having some physical buttons and controls for frequently used and important functions, and we kept that in mind when we designed the interior of the Škoda Vision 7S.”

Peter Olah, head of interiors for Škoda concept cars and production models

What do we already know?

Not every detail has been confirmed yet, but it is already clear that Škoda’s largest electric SUV will use the MEB platform shared with the Enyaq and the Elroq - as well as many other Volkswagen Group EVs. From that, it follows that it should share battery and motor options too.

Looking at the Enyaq line-up, it would not be surprising if the Space (name still unconfirmed) offered the same rear-mounted outputs of 150 kW (204 PS) and 210 kW (286 PS), as well as the twin-motor (all-wheel drive) version producing 250 kW (340 PS).

When it comes to batteries, there may be some variation. Across Škoda’s current EVs, the largest pack is 82 kWh (77 kWh usable). The Vision 7S was shown with an 89 kWh unit, while the Volkswagen ID.7 and ID. Buzz - built on the same MEB platform - are available with a 91 kWh battery (86 kWh usable).

Speculatively, it would make sense for Škoda’s biggest electric SUV to take advantage of the largest battery on offer, to deliver a respectable driving range - somewhere between the ID. Buzz’s 467 km and the ID.7’s 702 km. After all, this is a family-focused model, capable of carrying up to seven people.

When will it arrive?

The official unveiling is expected later this year, but the market launch is not due until 2026.