More Powerful Hybrid Version
Škoda raises the bar for its flagship executive car by introducing a more powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain. This new version, which occupies the top position in the lineup, develops a combined output of 268 horsepower. However, this option is available exclusively for the Sportline and Laurin & Klement trims in the hatchback (liftback) body style, leaving the Combi estate out of the picture.
Technical Specifications of the New Hybrid
The new electro-hybrid unit delivers a combined 268 hp (200 kW) and 400 Nm of torque. This allows for acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 225 km/h. These figures are a full second and 5 km/h better than those of the regular PHEV.
The additional power and torque are provided by a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, which itself develops 174 hp thanks to software optimization. It is assisted by a single electric motor with 114 hp, a 25.7 kWh battery pack, and a seven-speed preselective gearbox that sends power to the front wheels.
Updated Braking System
Škoda has also modernized the braking system by installing larger and thicker ventilated discs at the rear. Specifically, the new brakes have a diameter of 310 mm and a thickness of 22 mm, compared to 300 mm and 12 mm for the standard PHEV.
Choice Between Sport and Luxury
For those who value driving dynamics, the most suitable option for the new powertrain is the Sportline trim. It adds a slightly sportier body kit with black accents, 19-inch wheels with aero caps, and a unique suspension setup that lowers the ride height by 15 mm.
On the other hand, the more luxurious Laurin & Klement trim features chrome accents, different wheels, leather upholstery, a Canton audio system, special emblems, and the Dynamic Chassis Control adaptive suspension as standard.
Comparison with Other Powerful Versions
The new version is the most powerful Škoda with an internal combustion engine in the current lineup. However, it cannot match the 276 hp of the previous-generation Superb with the GTI’s 2.0 TSI engine.
Furthermore, its additional weight and front-wheel drive make it slower than the current non-electrified Superb 2.0 TSI 4×4 with 261 hp, which accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds.
Unique Projects and the Future
The Superb has not yet received a sport-oriented RS trim, but a unique 2024 model came quite close to the perfect specification. The Superb Combi Sleeper Edition was developed by Škoda UK in collaboration with RE Performance to celebrate the model’s successful sales.
This unique car is equipped with an upgraded 2.0 TSI engine producing 470 horsepower and 661 Nm of torque. It also received a lowered suspension on coilovers and more powerful brakes behind shiny 19-inch alloy wheels. Despite the additional power, the estate retains the production body kit and exhaust tips, remaining true to the “sleeper” concept.
The introduction of the more powerful hybrid Superb clearly indicates Škoda’s strategic course: to combine the efficiency and environmental friendliness of plug-in hybrids with dynamics approaching those of traditional powerful engines. Although the absolute acceleration record holder remains the all-wheel-drive version, the new 268-hp unit offers a substantial combination of performance and electric driving capability. Limiting availability to only two top trims and the hatchback body style can be seen as a way to emphasize the exclusivity of the offer. This step also demonstrates how the manufacturer is gradually increasing electrification even in the large executive car segment, which was previously dominated exclusively by internal combustion engines.