Škoda has opened the order books for the keenly-anticipated all-new Superb iV plug-in hybrid. The new model, which is priced from £41,465 OTR, introduces the brand’s second-generation plug-in hybrid drivetrain that delivers an all-electric range, along with the ability to use high-speed DC rapid chargers. The new model joins the recently launched second-generation Kodiaq iV, further reinforcing the brand’s leadership in the plug-in hybrid market.
The Superb iV follows in the wheel tracks of its successful predecessor but offers a substantial improvement in its all-electric capabilities. Like the Kodiaq, the fourth-generation Superb was designed from the very outset to accommodate a new plug-in hybrid system, and features a larger battery pack and completely redesigned power electronics to further optimise range and efficiency. Yet despite the increase in battery size, the Superb retains all the qualities, space and practicality customers have come to expect from the brand’s flagship estate model. Available in estate form only, the Superb iV comes with a 510-litre boot with the rear seats in position (1,770 litres with rear seats folded) and sector-best rear legroom.
The Superb’s drivetrain consists of two elements; a highly efficient 1.5 TSI four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor built directly the DQ400e sic-speed DSG gearbox. The petrol engine develops 150PS while the electric motor is capable of producing 116PS. The combined system output of the two power sources is 204PS. As with the first-generation Superb iV drivetrain, the motor can move the car alone or in combination with the engine. The motor, which is separated from the engine by a clutch, is also used to start the engine and replaces the traditional alternator. Key to the performance of the second-generation plug-in system is the introduction of a much larger 25.7kWh pack (19.7kWh usable) lithium-ion battery pack. Located under the rear seats, the new pack is almost twice the capacity of the first-generation battery (13kWh), and delivers a corresponding boost in all-electric driving range. In E-mode, the new Superb iV has a WLTP all-electric driving range of up to 84 miles† (SE Technology) - a significant increase on the previous model (up to 35 miles WLTP). As before, drivers have the option of using the petrol engine in hybrid mode where it works alongside the electric motor. The Superb’s battery pack is additionally equipped with integrated water cooling as standard and accumulates energy from both regenerative braking and external charging, and supplies energy for the heating and air conditioning compressor.
The Superb iV’s second-generation plug-in system also introduces a faster and more sophisticated charging system. For the first time, a Škoda plug-in hybrid can accept a DC rapid charge via a new CCS socket. The new charging ports (Type 2 and CCS) have also been relocated from the front grille to the front wing of the Superb, making it easier to access DC rapid chargers. Thanks to a peak speed of 50kW, the Superb iV’s pack can be charged from 10-80% in around 26 minutes+. As with the previous model, the new Superb iV can also be charged on an AC supply at a maximum charge rate of up to 11kW. When connected to a suitable 11kW AC charger, a 10-80% charge can be achieved in around 2hrs 30 minutes+.
The new Superb iV comes with three driving modes, which are accessible via the ‘Hybrid’ icon on the infotainment system. These allow the driver to change the way in which the plug-in system operates and delivers its power.
• E-mode This mode delivers electric-only drive. The car always starts in this mode if the battery is sufficiently charged and the outside temperature is higher than -10°C (the mode is not active below this temperature).
• Hybrid mode In this mode, the vehicle’s control unit continuously assesses the driving situation and can use either the electric motor, engine, or both to minimise fuel consumption. The system will always find the most effective and efficient way of combining the outputs from the motor and the engine.
• Sport mode This mode delivers a more dynamic driving experience that harnesses the maximum possible power of the petrol engine and electric motor. In addition, this mode is directly linked to the sport setting in the ‘Driving Mode Select’ menu. The system output will peak at 204PS and 350Nm of torque.
The Superb iV is available to order in estate form only and comes with the option of three trim levels: SE Technology, SE L and Laurin & Klement. All iV models come with Mode 3 (32A) charging cable as standard.
Superb Estate iV SE Technology – from £41,465 OTR
The entry-level SE Technology trim comes with an extensive standard specification that includes 17-inch Mintaka silver alloys, a 13-inch central infotainment display with integrated Sat Nav as well as a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit. Heated front seats with four-way pneumatic lumbar support and extendable thigh support are also fitted as standard. SE Technology models are additionally equipped with a Rear View Camera with washer, Adaptive Cruise Control with Speed Assist, Lane Assist Plus, Traffic Jam Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition.
Superb Estate iV SE L – from £44,820 OTR
SE L models add larger 18-inch Dofida silver alloy wheels, rear LED lights with animated indicators and two rear fog lights. The new generation LED matrix beam headlights deliver a more powerful illumination and include LED daytime running lights, Dynamic Range Control and Cornering, Poor Weather Light and an all-weather light mode takes over the role of the fog lights. The SE L also adds sports comfort seats with advanced massage function for the front seats, electrically-operated boot with Virtual Pedal and an electric sliding parcel shelf.
Superb Estate iV Laurin & Klement (L&K) – from £48,540 OTR
The range-topping iV model comes with 18-inch Belatrix aero anthracite alloy wheels and a special L&K Suite Black with black leather interior or L&K Suite Cognac Design Selection. The cabin also benefits from a CANTON sound system, two-spoke leather, heated multi-function steering wheel with DSG paddles as well as heated rear seats, heated windscreen and heated washer nozzles. Other standard features include Park Assist, Trained Parking and an Area View camera.
Thanks to the significant improvements to the plug-in hybrid drivetrain, the new Superb iV offers the potential for significant running cost savings, particularly for fleet and company car drivers. All three Superb iV models attract a Benefit in Kind rate of just 5% while drivers able to access home charging and low-rate overnight energy tariffs can make further savings, especially when driven in electric-only E-mode.