In the latest step towards achieving its Next Level Strategy 2030, Škoda has revealed a new brand identity which includes both a new logo and a new design language. While this language is expected to roll out in new vehicles from 2024 onwards, the OEM has today unveiled the Vision 7S – a seven-seater concept EV designed to preview it.
At the center of Škoda’s revised brand identity is its new logo, which sees its structural 3D graphics swapped for a sleeker 2D design – symbolizing the brand’s marketing activities shifting from print to digital. Its two different shades of green similarly represent ecology, sustainability, and electromobility – areas the brand is focusing on in its future. The picturemark will be used across Škoda’s digital communication channels, while a new wordmark featuring updated typography is planned to be used more widely across its vehicles. The brand’s new design language utilizes clear, reduced, lines that work to express simplicity and value. More prominent elements include a new face called Tech-Deck and the adoption of sustainable materials throughout the interior.
In addition to previewing how this language may appear in its future vehicles, Škoda’s Vision 7S concept provides an array of technologies and features designed for family use. Leading this offering is the EV’s two interior configurations – Driving and Relaxing. The Driving mode sees the concept’s controls placed within reach of the driver, while the 14.6-inch central touchscreen is oriented vertically to enhance accessibility and provide efficient information stacking. The screen’s upper area hosts key content, such as the map and navigation guidance, while the lower area provides more dynamic content that is easy to reach and control. The amount of information shown on this stack can be adjusted with an up or down swipe while a menu widget can help the user access various functions by scrolling.
Intended for use when the vehicle is stationary, while charging for example, the Relax mode retracts the steering wheel and instrument cluster, pivots the first- and second-row passenger seats inward before reclining them, and rotates the screen to a horizontal orientation. In this mode, the screen can play entertainment content – including movies and games – and be controlled through a touchpad on the lower spoke of the steering wheel or via a smartphone.
The system’s digital controls are supported by a series of physical controls embedded in the center console that resides beneath the central display. Here, five buttons are linked to its infotainment, phone, settings, navigation, and app menus, while a sixth can be assigned to a function of the user’s choosing. Underneath, two larger rotary controls adjust the HVAC while a third controls content shown on the central display. Below these are two buttons that activate the EV’s Driving and Relax modes that sit between a volume scroll wheel. A series of magnets allow two smartphones to be securely placed in the console, where they can also be used as a remote trackpad, while second- and third-row passengers can similarly attach devices to the seat backrests to optimally view content from them. Also integrated into the center console is a child seated, mounted in front of the second row of seats, opposite to the direction of travel. An optional interior camera can transmit a video feed of this seat directly to the central display.
While the full specifications for the Vision 7S have not yet been revealed, Škoda confirmed that it would be based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform. In utilizing MEB, the EV will offer a maximum range exceeding 600 kilometres (370 miles) and an 89 kWh battery that can be charged at up to 200 kW. The concept previews one of three new EVs Škoda plans to launch before 2026 – arriving alongside a small car and compact SUV. These models together will support the brand’s electrification strategy, through which it expects to increase the EV share of its European sales to more than 70% before 2030. To fulfill this goal, Škoda will invest €5.6 billion into e-mobility and €700 million investment into digitization over the next five years.
