Words NZ Autocar | Images Skoda
Published 2 August 2025
Skoda is teasing its first electric estate concept which will debut at the upcoming Munich show.
Known as Vision O, the show car hints at the next-generation electric Octavia. It is due out before 2030, and will utilise the Volkswagen Group’s new SSP EV platform.
The teaser profile shot is in keeping with the Octavia Estate we already know well. But with new light signatures and sharper edging it aligns with ‘Modern Solid’ design language.
A laid back windscreen and gently sloping roofline are part and parcel of its new design.
Octavia estate is amongst the brand’s best sellers and Skoda isn’t about to forsake that. It is committed to continuing the estate bodywork legacy into the future.
Exterior designer Jounggeen Kim shaped the Vision O’s silhouette, explaining “This car is built to do it all.
“I see Skoda as a family-oriented brand…and I aimed to reflect those qualities through the new Modern Solid design language.”
Read our review of the 2025 Skoda Superb.
He admitted to borrowing some design cues from former popular models like Yeti and Roomster.
Skoda had originally planned to launch an electric estate version of Octavia using the current MEB electric architecture. But when it saw the potential of the SSP architecture, executives decided to delay things because the new platform offered more performance and was more cost-efficient.
The Vision O concept is a test bed to determine reaction from the media, dealers and potential customers, said Skoda’s chief, Klaus Zellmer.
The production version of the electric Octavia estate is due out the same time as the Volkswagen ID (electric) Golf, which also uses the SSP platform. To date, Skoda’s EVs exist in a parallel line-up. That situation will continue for hybrid Octavia estates will sell alongside battery EVs.
Before Octavia EV bows, the compact Epiq EV will debut next year as Skoda’s entry-level electric car. And the Vision 7S concept car will go into production in 2026 as an electric Kodiaq equivalent. There are no plans for a cheap electric city car from Skoda at present. Zellmer said VW can work that part of the new car market.
Meantime, Fabia, Kamiq and Scala are due for updating in the next few years. Mild hybrid versions will be needed to meet Euro 7 emissions regulations.
Zellmer is big on long range hybrids too because consumers want PHEVs. People appreciate the range and ease of ICE power and the benefits of EVs if there’s at least 100km of range.
