New Kodiaq iV. A more powerful plug-in than ever before
In the article:
- Major changes have been made to the hybrid system of the Skoda Kodiaq iV.
- What sets the luxury Laurin & Klement version apart?
- The Kodiaq and its role in the history and development strategy of the Czech brand.
A more powerful and prestigious Kodiaq
The Czechs have prepared an important update for one of their most significant models. The Kodiaq, which has been a cornerstone of the Czech brand’s lineup since its debut, now features a new plug-in hybrid system with 200 kW (272 HP) of power, along with the top-tier Laurin & Klement equipment package. The launch is not coincidental, as the manufacturer is celebrating 10 years of this model, which has attracted around 1.2 million customers in 70 markets worldwide since 2016. According to Skoda, the Kodiaq remains one of the most important vehicles in its lineup.
The most significant technical update is the new version of the plug-in hybrid drive system. The previous Kodiaq iV offered a total power output of 150 kW (204 hp). This has now increased to 200 kW (272 hp). The powertrain combines a 1.5 TSI gasoline engine with 130 kW (177 hp) with an electric motor that delivers 85 kW (116 hp). The manufacturer states that both modifications to the internal combustion engine and new control software for the entire system have contributed to the higher power output.
The energy is stored in a traction battery with a gross capacity of 25.7 kWh and a usable capacity of 19.7 kWh. It is the same battery as in the previous Kodiaq iV, but the new configuration delivers significantly better performance. Another important change is the ability to charge using direct current at up to 50 kW. This makes refueling during long trips much more convenient than relying solely on AC charging, according to the press release.
Skoda has not yet announced the official electric range for the more powerful version. However, the currently available Kodiaq iV can travel over 100 km in electric mode according to the standard homologation cycle.
Laurin & Klement focuses on comfort
Alongside the new powertrain, a Laurin&Klement version has been added to the lineup, named after the brand’s founders. This is the most luxurious version of the Kodiaq. Features include massage function seats designed to enhance comfort on long trips. Exterior highlights consist of silver roof rails, bumpers painted in the vehicle’s color, special door sills, and dedicated wheel rims.
The model also bears Laurin&Klement markings on both the exterior and interior. Importantly, this version isn’t tied to a specific powertrain, allowing customers to combine the luxurious features with their chosen engine configuration.
A Decade of Success for the Kodiaq Model
It’s worth recalling that the history of this model began on September 1, 2016, when the Kodiaq made its world debut in Berlin. Sales started a few months later, in the spring of 2017. It was Skoda’s first large SUV based on Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform. From the outset, it was offered in five- and seven-seater versions, with a wide range of gasoline and diesel engines, as well as an optional all-wheel drive system.
The manufacturer also shares an interesting fact related to the debut. Even before the car reached dealerships, the American city of Kodiak in Alaska officially changed its name to “Kodiaq” for one day to honor the launch of the new SUV.
The model’s success was further strengthened by the introduction of the sportier RS version in 2018. That same year, German racing driver Sabine Schmitz set a lap record for production seven-seater SUVs at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. According to Skoda, the time of 9 minutes and 29.84 seconds remains unbroken.
By 2024, 866,100 units of the first generation had been produced. Approximately 60 percent of customers opted for all-wheel drive, while five-seater versions were slightly more popular.
The second generation focuses on space and digital features
The current generation of the Kodiaq was unveiled in October 2023, with mass production beginning in January 2024 at the plant in Kvasiny. The vehicle features a more spacious interior, a more modern design, and solutions aligned with the Modern Solid styling language. One of the most interesting elements of the cockpit are the Smart Dials, which combine the functions of traditional switches with the ability for digital configuration.
Electrification plays a much greater role today than in the first generation of the model, and the development of plug-in hybrid versions is set to be one of the pillars for the further evolution of the Kodiaq. According to the manufacturer, nearly 330,000 units of the second-generation SUV have been produced by the time of the latest updates.
What does Skoda’s electric portfolio look like?
The Czechs are consistently expanding their lineup of electrified models. The core of their electric vehicle range is currently the Enyaq family, which includes the traditional SUV Enyaq and the sporty-styled Enyaq Coupé. Both models are also available in more performance-oriented RS versions.
The brand’s electric offensive also includes the compact SUV Elroq, positioned below the Enyaq. The electrified lineup is supplemented by plug-in hybrid models, namely the Kodiaq iV and the Superb iV.
Oskar Włostowski