Skoda is planning to launch a fully electric estate car similar in size to the current Octavia Combi, and it could go on sale in Ireland in 2030. It's previewed by the Vision O concept car at the IAA Mobility show in Munich this week. The Vision O introduces a new chapter in the company's 'Modern Solid' design language and previews how the Czech brand will expand its electric vehicle offering alongside the already revealed Skoda Epiq - a compact crossover that will launch next year with a €25,000 price point in most of Europe.
An evolution in Skoda design
The Skoda Vision O has a futuristic design that wouldn't look out of place in a sci-fi movie set in 2050. The front has an unusual look with no apparent grille as such - it is electric after all. Instead, there is a body-coloured panel surrounded by a black frame incorporating a lighting signature in the upper section. This fresh look at the front end is call the 'Tech Loop' face by Skoda's designers.
Here it apes the illuminated look of the current Enyaq and Elroq models, advancing it with slender daytime running lights that look almost like eyebrows. Additional lighting elements featuring the indicators extend separately into the leading edges of the front wings.
Skoda calls these the 'Cyber Lights', and they provide the car with a distinctive new look. The Skoda wordmark on the bonnet is also illuminated, a trend that we have already seen emerge in recent Cupra and Volkswagen models. A further part of the Vision O's clean look is that the windscreen wipers are hidden under a movable cover when not active.
The distinctively shaped alloy wheels have been aerodynamically optimised for efficiency without sacrificing on looks, while the pronounced wheelarches have a squarish look.
The most outstanding feature of the car's side profile, however, is the body-coloured B-pillar element that creates a more defined separation between the front and rear doors. Those doors open from opposite sides in true concept car style to create a vast opening into the cabin.
Overall, the Skoda Vision O measures 4,850mm in length and is 1,900mm wide and 1,500mm tall. The boot can swallow 650 litres of cargo with all seats in place, and more than 1,700 litres when the back seats are folded down.
To make the Vision O as practical as possible, there are battery charge ports on each side of the car, above the rear wheels where the back doors hinge from the body.
What about range and performance?
For now Skoda isn't talking about any technical details as the Vision O is only a design concept. Think of it as looking into the future direction of the company and how the next generation of production models will look.
Johannes Left, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development, said: “With the Vision O, form follows function. Active cooling and bonnet ventilation improve aerodynamic efficiency, which translates to a longer range and reduced environmental impact.
“The lighting concept creates a clear identity: Skoda Cyber Lights working with the Tech-Loop face for a distinctive visual signature. The production model will be based on a future Volkswagen Group platform planned for the next decade, with development prioritising efficiency, sustainability, robustness and a smaller environmental footprint.”
'Simply Clever' features inside
Reflecting the exterior, the Vision O's cabin adopts a clean and reductionist design where light colours and uncluttered surfaces create a relaxing environment. Skoda's designers wanted the interior to feel more like a comfortable living room than a car cabin.
The seats are upholstered in a recycled PES flat-knit material and feature headrests that use Ultrasint TPU which has a transparent effect coating - this is 65 per cent plant-based. The flooring is made from recycled leather called Nabore, which comes from post-production offcuts.
Besides the eco-friendly credentials of the interior, the Vision O has plenty of practical features. The doors contain large storage compartments that go beyond the typical door bin, including a lid that hinges upward.
Other novel features include a built-in fridge, dedicated storage for the charging cables in the boot and two wireless charging pads on the centre console that are magnetic to prevent your phone from moving. To help you keep your music with you on the go there is a portable Bluetooth speaker that you can take out of the car. And yes, there are still umbrellas in the doors.
Oliver Stefani, Head of Design, added: “We designed the Vision O from the inside out - we built our car on customer experiences. The main experience for us is the simplicity. Today we live in a world of noise and complexity, and Vision O brings us back clarity and calmness in design and functionality.
Looking to the Horizon... Display
No sooner than BMW unveiled its 'Panoramic Vision iDrive' in the new iX3, and now Skoda has also revealed a fresh take on dashboard design.
The 'Horizon Display' is a 1.2-metre-long display that spans the full width of the dashboard beneath the windscreen and relays relevant information in a minimalist way. The infotainment system still operates through a touchscreen that sits on the centre console in a portrait orientation.
There's also Skoda's ever-present digital assistant called Laura, and route-planning for optimum efficiency can be done through the MySkoda app that is being updated now to version 8.5, incorporating Google Gemini for AI support with charging stops and improved points of interest tailored to the individual user.
Commenting on the Vision O's debut, Klaus Zellmer, Skoda CEO, said: “At Skoda, our commitment to our customers - who have trusted us as leaders in the estate segment since 2016 - drives us to deliver the Vision O: a blend of innovative design, over 650 litres of luggage space, autonomous driving capabilities and an intuitive AI assistant. This vehicle transforms every journey into an effortless, empowering experience while advancing our sustainability goals and elevating out 'modern solid' design principles.”