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

Škoda has never been shy about building sensible cars for sensible people. But every so often, even the most pragmatic brand wants a flagship—something that says, yes, we still do spreadsheets, but we can dream a little too. Enter the Škoda Peaq, the Czech automaker’s upcoming electric, seven-seat SUV and, if all goes according to plan, its most ambitious model to date.

Confirmed for a full reveal this summer and scheduled to go on sale by the end of the year, the Peaq is the production version of the Vision 7S concept first shown in 2022. Back then, it looked like Škoda had let its designers drink an extra espresso and locked the accountants out of the room. Now, that concept is heading for showrooms—with only a modest trimming of its wilder edges.

Think of the Peaq as an electric Kodiaq. Big, upright, family-focused, and unapologetically practical—but powered entirely by electrons and positioned at the very top of Škoda’s lineup. In size and intent, it’s aimed squarely at the small but growing club of seven-seat electric SUVs, lining up against vehicles like the Peugeot e-5008 and Mercedes-Benz GLB. And while it’s not pretending to be a luxury status symbol, it will flirt with higher price territory than Škoda has ever dared before.

That alone makes the Peaq interesting.

A New Peak for Škoda

The name “Peaq” (yes, pronounced like peak) isn’t subtle. Škoda openly admits this is its range-topper, a statement car meant to showcase where the brand is headed in the electric era. According to Martin Jahn, Škoda’s board member for sales and marketing, the Peaq represents a deliberate elevation of the brand—without abandoning its core values.

“With the Vision 7S, we entered new territory for Škoda,” Jahn said, pointing to the company’s new “Modern Solid” design language. “Now we are bringing this innovative vehicle concept to life.”

Translation: this is Škoda trying to look bolder, tougher, and more future-facing—while still leaving enough room inside for kids, dogs, luggage, and that one IKEA run you definitely didn’t plan.

Design: Concept Car, But Make It Real

The Vision 7S introduced Škoda’s Modern Solid design language, which has since trickled down to newer models. Expect the Peaq to stick closely to the concept’s chunky proportions, squared-off shoulders, and clean surfacing. It won’t look soft or anonymous, and that’s a good thing. Seven-seat SUVs have a habit of blending into parking lots like beige wallpaper.

Underneath, the Peaq will ride on Volkswagen Group’s familiar MEB platform—the same architecture that underpins the Enyaq, Elroq, and a small army of VW Group EVs. That means proven hardware, flexible battery options, and packaging that prioritizes interior space over flashy performance numbers.

Don’t expect supercar acceleration or Nürburgring lap times. Do expect a flat floor, generous legroom, and a third row that actual humans can use without resentment.

Price: New Territory, Same Philosophy

Škoda hasn’t announced pricing yet, and Jahn carefully avoided pinning down an aspirational number. What we do know is that the Peaq will sit above the Enyaq, which currently starts just under £40,000. That alone pushes Škoda into a price bracket it hasn’t traditionally occupied.

Still, don’t expect EV9 or Volvo EX90 money. Škoda is betting that it can undercut more premium seven-seat EVs while offering comparable space and everyday usability. Jahn summed it up neatly: Škoda may not be the cheapest option, but it wants to be the best value for the money—just on “a different level than before.”

In other words, the Peaq won’t be cheap, but it should feel like you got more than you paid for. That’s very on-brand.

Why the Peaq Matters

Seven-seat EVs are still rare. Most electric SUVs stop at five seats, leaving larger families—or people who just like options—scrambling for alternatives. Škoda sees that gap as an opportunity, and the Peaq is designed to fill it with unapologetic practicality.

Jahn previously called the car Škoda’s “new highlight,” describing it as “beautiful from the outside, very practical from the inside.” That’s marketing speak, sure—but it also neatly summarizes what Škoda does best when it’s at the top of its game.

If the Peaq delivers on its promise, it won’t just be Škoda’s biggest and most expensive EV. It’ll be proof that the brand can move upmarket without losing its soul—and that family-focused electric cars don’t have to be dull, overpriced, or both.

The Peaq isn’t trying to be flashy. It’s trying to be smart. And in today’s crowded EV landscape, that might just be the boldest move Škoda could make.

Source: Škoda