Škoda is about to do something it’s never done before: launch a true flagship. And not just any flagship—a three-row, fully electric SUV designed to drag the Czech brand into a new, more premium orbit.
Meet the Peaq, a seven-seat electric SUV that’s been caught testing in Arctic-grade winter conditions just months ahead of its official debut. If the name sounds aspirational, that’s the point. This is Škoda aiming for the top of its own food chain.
Born from 2022’s Vision 7S concept, the production Peaq is shaping up to be the electric equivalent of the Kodiaq—only bigger, bolder, and far more ambitious. It will sit above the Enyaq in both size and price, lining up against a growing class of three-row EVs like the Peugeot e-5008 and Mercedes-Benz GLB, while undercutting pricier options such as the Kia EV9 and Volvo EX90.
A Concept That Actually Made It to Production
Spy shots from Sweden reveal a vehicle that looks surprisingly faithful to the Vision 7S. Sure, the surfaces have been smoothed and the edges softened, but the Peaq’s proportions—tall, long, and wide—remain unmistakably flagship-grade.
Škoda’s clever camouflage tells an even better story. Instead of the usual black-and-white swirl, the Peaq is wearing body-colored panels shaped to mimic the smaller Enyaq, hiding what’s underneath. But look closer and you can still see the truth: slim LED daytime running lights, a tall upright nose, and a wide lower grille that echoes the concept car’s rugged, tech-forward face.
Around the sides, the camouflage continues along the sills and C-pillar, trying to hide a design that appears to keep the Vision 7S’s distinctive rear side window treatment. Translation: this thing will look more futuristic and more assertive than any Škoda before it.
Built on VW’s EV Backbone
Underneath, the Peaq rides on Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform—the same architecture that underpins the Enyaq, Elroq, and dozens of VW Group EVs. That means big battery options, long range, and enough floor-mounted lithium-ion cells to keep seven passengers comfortable on a road trip.
Expect a flat floor, generous legroom, and a cabin engineered around Škoda’s traditional strengths: space, clever storage, and family-friendly usability—just with a lot more screens and a lot less gasoline.
A New Price Bracket for Škoda
Here’s where things get really interesting.
The Enyaq currently starts just under £40,000, but the Peaq will go higher—possibly much higher. Škoda’s leadership has already confirmed it will be the brand’s most expensive model ever, pushing into territory the company has never occupied.
But Škoda insists it won’t abandon its value-for-money roots. The idea isn’t to be cheap—it’s to be the best deal in the segment. That means undercutting luxury rivals like the Volvo EX90 while offering more space and practicality than similarly priced competitors.
In other words, Škoda wants to be the brand that makes premium-sized electric SUVs feel attainable.
Why the Peaq Matters
The three-row EV segment is still thin. Most electric SUVs top out at five seats, and families who need more space are still being forced into gasoline or hybrid alternatives. Škoda sees that gap—and it’s going straight for it.
Internally, the Peaq is more than just another model. It’s a statement that Škoda is ready to grow up, charge more money, and still convince buyers they’re getting a smarter deal than anyone else offers.
If the production car delivers on what the spy shots suggest—and if Škoda keeps the price in check—the Peaq could become one of the most important electric SUVs in Europe when it lands later this year.
And for a brand built on quietly clever cars, this might be its loudest move yet.
Source: Škoda; Photos: Autocar