Skoda Superb PHEV Coming With Passat GTE Powertrain And 70Km Of EV Range

Skoda’s commitment to electrification will be led by the plug-in hybrid version of the Superb, which is expected to arrive next year.

The company’s flagship saloon/estate will combine a 1.4-liter petrol engine with an electric motor, making a total of 215 horsepower, says AutoExpress, quoting details released by the brand’s senior management.

If those numbers seem familiar, it’s because the Skoda Superb PHEV will use the same powertrain as the Volkswagen Passat GTE. However, unlike its German cousin, which has a 9.9kWh lithium-ion battery pack that allows it to travel for up to 50km (31 miles) on electricity, the Skoda will get a zero-emission range of around 70km (44 miles), thanks to a 13kWh battery.

If there is enough market demand, then the Czech automaker could use the same recipe for the Kodiaq too, or a scaled down version to fit the smaller Karoq and Octavia, according to their chief of powertrain, Martin Hrdlicka.

“It’s not a question of the technology, but we have to see what our customers are expecting from such a product, and how much they’re willing to pay for it, because the plug-in hybrid systems don’t come free”, commented Hrdlicka. “So, first we have to see how the Superb goes, and the reaction of our customers.”

It’s unknown whether Skoda will apply the PHEV badge on the Superb, or if they will sell it with a different moniker, but either way, the D-segment car will be joined eventually by full EVs. One of them will be based on the upcoming VW ID hatch, and will debut in 2020.

Note: Latest Skoda Superb pictured