2019 Skoda Vision iV Concept

Oliver Stefani, Head of Škoda Design, explained, “The striking face of the concept study with horizontal light strip gives it an ultramodern look and underpins its strong, self-assured appearance.”

The Škoda Vision iV is 4,665 mm long, 1,926 mm wide and has a height of 1,613 mm; its wheelbase measures 2,765 mm. The concept study gleams in Ultra Yellow – a multi-layered paint finish that contains organic gold pigments to create the effect of different shades. The radiant surface is complemented by matt design features in anthracite, providing the car with a rugged and modern look. The design of the Škoda Vision iV’s athletic body and bold wings is combined with a coupé-like, flowing roofline. The side view is characterised by a tornado line that connects the front and rear. This accentuates the clean surfaces of the handleless doors. Just a touch will open them automatically – the opposed-opening rear doors even open electrically. Classic wing mirrors have been replaced by cameras providing a 180-degree view which is relayed in the rear-view mirror. The aerodynamically optimised 22-inch wheels appear open and lightweight. One of the spokes on each wheel bears illuminated Škoda lettering.

Crystaline shapes and minimalist design

The front is characterised by the reinterpretation of Škoda’s typically wide, covered grille, featuring delicate vertical slats and illuminated crystalline structures. A prominent horizontal light strip in the upper part of the grille connects the arrow-shaped main headlights that shine with innovative Matrix LED technology. The headlights resemble three glass jewels and other brand-typical crystalline elements. Large, striking air ducts in the front bumper emphasise the car’s sporty appearance. The distinctly sculpted, short bonnet bears an illuminated crystal Škoda logo.

From the outside, the long passenger compartment hints at the generous amount of space available inside. Furthermore, the boot has a total capacity of 550 l. Aerodynamic trailing edges and crystalline LED tail lights can be found at the bold rear. These redefine the Škoda-typical ‘C’ shape and, along with a strip of lights above the rear diffuser, accentuate the car’s width. Another eye-catching detail on the slightly curved lip of the electric tailgate is the Škoda lettering – the individual letters illuminate in red.

Oliver Stefani explained, “The minimalist design, also highlighted by the use of cameras instead of wing mirrors or by the lack of door handles, symbolises how easy our electric cars are to use. What’s more, illuminated design features and new light technology add exciting visual touches.”

An airy, spacious feel and new highlights in the large interior

The Škoda Vision iV’s interior echoes the design of the VISION E concept study and further enhances it. It is a role model for future electric cars from the Czech car manufacturer. Škoda designers have made use of the lack of a classic transmission tunnel to give the instrument panel and centre console a striking new arrangement. This lends the interior a particularly spacious feel. The lowest level offers plenty of storage space between the driver and front passenger seats. Above this, there is a movable and particularly easy-to-reach centre console. This provides space for control units and two mobile phones, which can be wirelessly integrated into the infotainment and operating systems, and charged inductively.

The instrument panel consists of two levels that are delicate and light. It continues the shape of the vehicle’s front; decorative stitching and ambient lighting also accentuate these lines. The large screen appears to float in the centre above the instrument panel; there is a hand rest in front of it for use while operating the touchscreen. The exquisite, soft-foam surface with its specific texture resembles crystalline structures and will be used in all Škoda cars in future. Ultrasuede®, a synthetic suede fabric, rounds off the instrument panel and door trims. Ultrasuede® is a premium material which is manufactured in a particularly eco-friendly way.

The lower level of the instrument panel features striking decorative birch veneers with a matt finish that are extremely ductile and strong yet lightweight. These replace the classic air vents and create a sense of a natural flow of air. The wooden slats span virtually the entire width of the interior and are proof of the Škoda designers’ attention to detail. This is also evident in the illuminated door handles, the shape of which resembles those found in classic Škodas such as the POPULAR. The airy feel and the generously spacious interior of the Škoda Vision iV are accentuated even further by a panoramic glass roof.

Steering wheel with new design and swivel seats

The Vision iV’s steering wheel also boasts a new design. It features just two spokes and ‘Škoda’ in block lettering instead of the usual Škoda logo; below it, a metal brace echoes the front of the vehicle. Buttons and particularly well-crafted knobs that appear to float on the steering wheel are both exquisitely designed and simple to use. The driving mode can be selected on the steering wheel; thus, all controls can be found together in one central position, in easy reach of the driver.

The particularly lightweight swivel seats also contribute to the airy, spacious feel. The seats are covered in Dinamica®, a suede substitute that does not contain any animal-derived components, and includes perforations that shimmer with golden accents. Dinamica® is partially made from recycled polyester, which is also used for T-shirts and plastic (PET) bottles for example. Recycling polyester reduces CO2 emissions by approx. 80% compared to the production process using conventional materials. The backrests boast covers made from vegan vinyl fibres, whilst seat inserts feature a unique perforation pattern with golden accents. The footwell is covered by tufted floor mats made from pure bio-degradable wool.

Zero-emission drive with two electric motors

The Škoda Vision iV impressively combines zero-emission driving with the highest level of dynamics. The concept study is the first Škoda to be based on Volkswagen Group’s MEB modular electric car platform and running purely on an electric battery. It is powered by two electric motors that deliver a total of 225 kW (306 PS). The car has a maximum range of 500 km in the WLTP cycle, and the lithium-ion battery can be charged to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes. Intelligent all-wheel drive provides a safe yet dynamic driving performance.

Christian Strube, Škoda Board Member for Technical Development, said, “One characteristic of electric motors is that maximum torque is available straight away. This provides excellent responsiveness and when accelerating, this concept car achieves more dynamism than we’ve ever seen from a Škoda. And to top it all off, it produces zero emissions, runs quietly and offers perfect traction.”

For the Škoda Vision iV, Škoda has drawn on Volkswagen Group’s MEB modular electric car platform. The zero-emission car is powered by two electric motors – one on the front axle and one on the rear axle. This means the car features all-wheel drive that can react according to the current situation. The car’s power output is 225 kW (306 PS) and it has a top speed of 180 km/h. Thanks to maximum torque being immediately available at all times, the Vision iV can reach a speed of 100 km/h from a standing start in just 5.9 seconds; the short burst from 80 to 120 km/h takes less than 4 seconds. The car also boasts a maximum range of up to 500 km in the WLTP cycle.

Lithium-ion battery can be charged to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes

In the MEB platform, the high-voltage battery lies compactly between the front and rear axle in the car’s underbody, where it is also optimally protected. The liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 83 kWh and can be charged to 80 per cent of its total capacity in 30 minutes. The car can be charged using a cable. The flow of energy between the two motors and the battery is controlled electronically.

Intelligent electronics also take care of power distribution for the all-wheel-drive system. When accelerating, they ensure optimal traction for all four wheels. While doing this, the car’s continuous and simultaneous management adapts to the needs of the driver as well as to the individual conditions and given situations. Thus, the intelligent all-wheel drive always provides the maximum level of dynamics, driving stability and safety.

Innovative technology provides safety and comfort

The Škoda Vision iV uses innovative technology to improve the safety and comfort of its occupants. The car is fitted with various laser scanners, radar sensors and cameras, allowing it to navigate its surroundings and respond accordingly. In addition, the concept study’s comprehensive connectivity features allow it to exchange information directly with other road users and cars as well as with the infrastructure. In certain situations, this means the Škoda Vision iV is able to drive autonomously or park itself.

Škoda has equipped the Vision iV with technology for a new level of safety and comfort. Comprehensive connectivity features enable the car to communicate with other road users and vehicles as well as with infrastructure such as traffic control centres, meaning the car can respond to what is happening in traffic quicker and more precisely. In addition, numerous assistance systems support the Vision iV when either the driver is behind the wheel or it is driving and parking autonomously.

Modern laser scanners and radar sensors enable the car to accurately assess its surroundings. A high-performance computer with a great deal of processing capacity interprets the data. Assistance systems such as Traffic Jam Assist therefore work particularly precisely and quickly. The Škoda Vision iV can be driven autonomously at level 3. This means it can completely take over steering on motorways, for example. Here, the systems control overtaking and evasive manoeuvres, accelerate and apply the brakes. In dangerous situations, the driver is prompted to take over the steering wheel again within a defined time frame. From level 3, vehicles also communicate automatically with other vehicles, allowing them to inform one another of potential dangers. In addition, the Škoda Vision iV can also communicate with infrastructure.

State-of-the-art infotainment system with voice and gesture commands

The Škoda Vision iV is equipped with the latest-generation infotainment system. It provides access to Škoda’s numerous mobile online services including Infotainment Online and Care Connect. If desired, the system can be operated using voice command, gestures or the occupants’ smartphones. These devices are integrated directly into the concept study’s infotainment system using the innovative centre console. Smartphones can now also be used as a digital key for unlocking as well as starting up the Vision iV.

The Vision iV is perfectly aligned with the needs of modern society and fully integrates smartphones as part of its operating and infotainment concept. The doors can be unlocked using a smartphone as a digital key. Inside the vehicle, the driver and front passenger’s mobile devices can be placed in the centre console, where they are inductively charged and wirelessly integrated into the latest-generation infotainment system. Furthermore, the Vision iV can be controlled using gestures, and – thanks to intelligent speech recognition with online support – can understand entire sentences and even dialects.

Upon opening the Vision iV, the driver is greeted by a specific welcome logo visible on the seemingly floating display. A permanent 5G connection enables the use of Škoda’s numerous online services such as Infotainment Online and Care Connect. Infotainment Online provides Online Traffic Information in real time, weather reports or information about available parking spaces, for example. Care Connect includes Proactive Service and remote vehicle access via the Škoda Connect app or web portal.

A premium sound system ensures the car’s occupants experience perfect acoustics, and the Vision iV itself monitors the well-being and safety of the driver. For example, the car detects when the driver’s concentration is waning by monitoring the movement of their eyes. It can also keep track of their heart rate – alerting the driver if it is at a dangerous level or, if necessary, automatically and safely bringing the vehicle to a stop.