Between the spy shots and the official teasers we’ve seen plenty of Skoda’s upcoming Superb, though so far the sightings have been restricted to the capacious wagon version. But we all know that the mechanically identical sedan is being developed in parallel and this week we’ve finally spotted one out in the open.
Spy photographers caught the more formal four-door Superb testing in the Alps, and a quick Google translate job on the German text on the rear tells us that its specifically the performance of the brakes on the long Alpine descents that the engineers are interested in.
The Superb shares its stretched MQB platform with the next European-market Volkswagen Passat, which has traditionally been slightly shorter than the Skoda but will match it inch-for-inch this time. While the VW will only be available as a wagon, the Skoda gives buyers two body styles to choose from, including the liftback sedan seen here. Both feature a massive wheelbase that’s likely to be increased a little from the current Superb’s 2,840 mm (111.8 inches) today, and potentially 100 mm (2.5 inches) longer than the outgoing Passat’s.
Related: Skoda’s New 2024 Kodiaq And Superb Are Almost Ready For Production
The profile shots that best show off the Superb sedan’s long wheelbase also reveal that its rear window has a fairly sporty rake, but it looks like the roofline maintains its height until almost the back end of the rear door, which suggests rear headroom won’t be compromised at all. VW entrusted Skoda to design both the Passat and Superb, and the two cars will be built at the same Kvasiny factory in the Czech Republic.
Neither the Superb or Passat will offer a pure EV variant, but electric power will still play a crucial role in the powertrain lineup thanks to a range of mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid gasoline engines. But Skoda has always been VW’s most conservative brand with a very sensible customer base, so a diesel or two will probably remain on the menu when the Superb is launched this fall to keep the peace with European drivers who still love the potential to drive 500 miles (805 km) on a tank of fuel.
Skoda has confirmed that the new Superb will make its debut in autumn 2023 and will be available for sale shortly thereafter.
