TECH – Skoda Vision 7S concept
Photos: Skoda
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Skoda are looking ahead to the future, with a new focus on electric mobility as part of the ‘Next Level – Skoda Strategy 2030’ that will also bring a new design language, new logo and a comprehensively updated corporate identity.
The focus on electric mobility – e-mobility in Skoda speak - will see 5.6 Billion Euro invested in this area over the next five years and new all-electric models released. At least one of those upcoming models will lean heavily on the ‘Vision 7S’ concept shown here.
“The Vision 7S is the forerunner of our new design language that we’ll be rolling out across the entire product portfolio over the coming years,” said Martin Jahn, Skoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing. “With the new styling, we are taking the brand to the next level and aligning it to our customers’ new needs and expectations, particularly regarding user experience, connectivity and the entire customer journey.”
Few details are provided on the drivetrain for the Vision 7S, but Skoda says the concept has an 89kWh battery that will deliver range of more than 600km (WLTP cycle), with fast charging at 200kW.
New Look
According to Skoda, the new design language in the Vision 7S combines robustness, functionality and authenticity. The traditional Skoda logo does not feature anywhere, while in a more subtle difference from past models, the Vision 7S is the first Skoda finished in matte paint.
Starting at the front end, the Vision 7S has a ‘Tech-Deck Face’ that is flatter and wider than the front end of current Skoda models. With no need for a conventional grille in an EV, this space is now covered by a smoked glass panel that conceals the concept’s sensors.
Above this, ‘SKODA’ lettering features on the bonnet’s leading edge, while an ambient light strip runs across the full width of the front end.
Headlights and DRLs are moved further outwards and sit one above the other, forming a ‘T’, with the DRLs as the horizontal element and the headlights as the vertical element. The tail lights are configured in the same way, with the ‘T’ treatment also reflected in the arrangement of the exterior mirrors and door handles.
In the lower bumper, large vertical vents direct air to the vehicle’s cooling system and brakes. The seven-slot opening, which may have Jeep calling in their corporate lawyers for IP violations, is repeated on the rear bumper.
At each end, the bright ‘Flashy Orange’ centre opening in this seven-slot arrangement not only provides a contrast to the Explorer Green matte paint, but houses a tow hook and can also be used to disengage the vehicle’s high-voltage current in case of an emergency.
Another point to note with the bumpers is that they are made from recycled tyres, as are the wheelarch linings. The wheels are 22-inch size and of an aerodynamically optimised design.
On the flanks, what Skoda calls a ‘tornado line’ separates the body panels from the glass area, with the doors of a pillarless style, front-hinged at the front and rear-hinged at the rear to create a vast entry to the interior.
Below the doors, running boards to facilitate vehicle entry feature additional air vents that push warm air generated by the EV powertrain to the outside.
The concept’s roofline, while sloping gently to the rear, is flatter than current Skoda models and terminates at a large spoiler that’s driven by the same aerodynamic requirements as the wheel design.
As with the front end, the Skoda logo has been replaced with ‘SKODA’ wording at the rear that is illuminated. Skoda wording also features on the D pillar.
Minimalist Interior
The Vision 7S offers seating for seven, in a spacious 2-2-3 arrangement with sporty-looking bucket seats on the first two rows.
There’s enough space between the first- and second-row seats to allow a rear-facing child seat to be mounted on the concept’s long central tunnel. This placing is said to be the safest part of the vehicle in the event of a collision, while an optional interior camera allows the child to still be monitored when only the front-row seats are occupied.
The same ecological concerns that drove the selection of materials for the exterior also feature inside. Recycled tyres have been used for the flooring, while leather seat trim has been replaced with sustainable fabrics, including 100 per cent recyclable polyester.
On the doorcards, “interactive” fabric surfaces allow them to be drawn on with a finger, to leave short notes or for children to create drawings.
Two distinctive interior configurations for the Vision 7S – Driving and Relaxing – are defined by positioning of the seats, controls and central touchscreen. When in Drive mode, these elements are in their conventional positions with a vertically-oriented screen, but when in Relax mode, the unique, oval-shaped steering wheel and instrument cluster slide away from the driver to create additional space, while the central screen rotates to a horizontal position to optimally display entertainment content.
In Relax mode, the front-row seats rotate inwards and recline for extra comfort, while also allowing the rear passengers to view the screen. Second-row seats also recline in Relax mode, so all passengers can enjoy a more comfortable seating position and better view of the screen.
New HMI
The human-machine interface is said to have been completely re-invented for the Vision 7S, with a mix of haptic and virtual controls to simplify the user experience.
When in Drive mode, an 8.8-inch digital instrument screen is augmented with a head-up display, while the steering wheel’s oval shape makes the screen easier to see.
The 14.6-inch central touchscreen is the largest ever fitted to a Skoda, with content split across the display area and fully configurable.
Below this, six buttons allow direct access to infotainment, phone, app menus, vehicle settings and navigation controls, with the sixth button user configurable.
A trio of large rotary dials control the in-cabin comfort and scrolling through touchscreen content, with large buttons under these for selecting the Drive/Relax mode, door locking/unlocking and a scroll wheel for adjusting music/content volume.
Smartphones are designed to be an integral part of Vison 7S infotainment operation, with dedicated spots on the centre console to allow two units to be mounted for use as trackpads. These are held in place by magnets, with magnets also used on the front seatbacks to allow tablets and similar devices to be mounted.
More magnets in the centre console allow placement of model-specific drink bottles and a first aid kit, while the front seatbacks incorporate bespoke backpacks.
The colour palette of the interior picks up on the exterior, with a light green for the seats and middle section of the dash and door cards, complemented by darker tones for the upper doorcards and seat inserts, with Flashy Orange accents on areas like the seatbelts.
Finally, a large crystal indicates battery status through different colours, with its positioning in the centre of the dash, ahead of the touchscreen, designed to make it viewable from inside and outside of the vehicle.
Coming in 2026
The first production model under Skoda’s new design language is due for release in 2026, but how much of what’s seen in the Vision 7S concept will be incorporated is still to be determined at time of writing.
“With the Vision 7S concept study, we’re giving a specific preview of an entirely new Skoda model that will round off the top end of our product portfolio and customer base,” said Skoda Auto CEO, Klaus Zellmer.
“We’re significantly accelerating our e-campaign and will be launching three additional all-electric models by 2026, with more in the pipeline.”