The Skoda Superb iV boasts comfort, space, and luxury, and it also offers one of the best hybrid-electric ranges in the segment. John Marcar has spent a week with the Superb iV to see how it compares against the competition.

A Crash Course in Skoda Superbs

I recently had the best kind of history lesson, learning all about the Skoda Superb. The 'lesson' involved driving every iteration of the Skoda Superb on a Scottish Roadtrip, from the 2001 Mk1 through to the present-day 2026 Superb Sportline 4x4. With my superb road trip all done in just a couple of days, I decided it would be good to book a Superb in for a week for a proper test and to see what it's like to live with.

Currently, there are three petrol-engined variants for the Superb: a 1.5L TSI (190PS), a 2.0 TSI (190PS), and a 2.0L (272PS). There are a further three diesel engines: a 1.6L TDI (120PS), a 2.0L TDI EVO (150PS) and a 2.0L TDI (190PS)

Superb iV

The model I have on test is the PHEV iV in SE trim. The iV (intelligent vehicle) utilises the 1.5L TSI petrol engine alongside a 27.5 kWh battery and an 85kW motor, which can either power the car exclusively as an EV for up to 79 miles or act as an electric boost, increasing the overall power to the petrol engine when accelerating.

The result of the combined power is 204 PS (around 200 bhp), a 0- 62 mph sprint in 8.1 seconds, and a more than adequate top speed of 136 mph. The other perk of the combined powertrain is a potential fuel economy of up to 1,539 MPG - yes, really!

Price vs the Competition

The iV SE I have on test is a fairly basic trim with just one optional extra ticked (metallic paint at £680), which takes the model from its OTR retail price of £44,930 up to £45,610.00 as tested.

Whilst £46k is far from an insignificant amount of money, compared with what you get for the price vs a similarly specified BMW (530e - £64,930) or Mercedes (E220 e Urban - £67,995), the Skoda suddenly looks like very good value.

Standard Equipment

Another win for the Superb iV is what you get included for the price.

As standard, comes: 14-way electrically adjustable driver and front passenger seats with advanced massage functions, heating and ventilation. Also, there's a rear-view parking camera, cruise control with driver assist, LED Matrix headlights and LED tail lights, VW's latest 13-inch infotainment and touchscreen with built-in navigation and smartphone connectivity, keyless entry, power-assisted tailgate with virtual pedal for hands-free boot-opening operation, voice control, two wireless phone chargers, and an umbrella hidden cleverly in the driver's door. As for safety features, there are plenty on offer, including blind-spot assist, lane assist, driver fatigue monitoring, traffic assist, and hill hold.

Electric Range and Charging Times

A big selling point for the Superb iV is the electric-only range. At 79 miles (WLTP), the Skoda outperforms both the BMW and Mercedes-Benz equivalents by as much as 20 miles. Charging is made easy with up to 40kW DC charging, which recharges from 10 to 80% in just 26 minutes. With an 11kW AC home charger, the same level of charge can be achieved in around 2.5 hours.

How the iV Hybrid System Works

Where Skoda has been especially clever is with its hybrid system and real-world electric range. For day-to-day driving in 'normal' mode, the iV will prioritise using the battery and electric motor to operate as an EV and will continue to do so until the battery is depleted. A constant battery percentage and electric range are displayed on the 10-inch instrument cluster screen ahead of the steering wheel, along with clear indications of when the electric power is being used and when the battery is being charged via kinetic energy and braking. The electric motor also provides a helpful boost during hard acceleration, delivering electric power directly to the gearbox in addition to the engine.

In normal driving mode, the Superb iV operates as an EV with the 1.5 TSI petrol engine remaining on standby for hard acceleration, high-speed driving (motorways), and when the electricity is all gone. Unlike range-extended EVs (as seen in much of the Chinese competition), the 1.5 TSI is designed to power the car exclusively if needed rather than generate electricity for an electric motor. When running, the engine is relatively quiet, and the 6-speed DSG gearbox offers the familiarity of a petrol-powered car. In sport mode, the iV prioritises the engine and uses the electric motor to boost performance. To replenish the battery, a slightly more aggressive regen setting kicks in, utilising kinetic energy from the braking system.

For the Best Experience, Keep the Battery Charged!

One downside of the hybrid driving system is that the iV will always prioritise electric power, even when the battery is depleted. This can mean that if the battery is empty in a town or city centre, the engine continuously coughs into life for short bursts, but only until the iV's on-board computers think there's enough charge in the battery to power the car as an EV again. In start-stop traffic, this can feel a little clumsy, as the car rolls from a standing start in electric mode, then jolts into life as a petrol-engined car, only to shut off again a few moments later and repeat the cycle. The solution is to charge the battery as often as possible so there's always at least 10% remaining. With a minimum charge, the reward is a smoother driving experience at slower speeds and in start-stop traffic.

Driving Review

There's very little to moan about from the driver's seat of a Skoda Superb, especially when being simultaneously massaged and ventilated on a long drive. The seating is exceptionally comfortable in both the front and back rows, and the driving position reflects what has now become standard for VW-AG's MQB platform (excellent).

The additional weight of the battery is cleverly disguised thanks to its location under the bonnet. The battery and motor occupy the space that a larger, heavier engine would typically take up, resulting in a nose weight (90kg) that matches the non-hybrid versions.

Whilst the 4x4 variants offer a slightly better overall driving experience, the front-wheel-drive Superb iV steers and brakes perfectly well and, with the battery regen in the most aggressive setting, allows for minimal brake pedal use, which can help steady the car on faster country roads.

Around town with a full battery, the Superb iV is a great place to be, delivering a comfortable, quiet driving experience. In urban environments, the maximum electric range will also be achieved, making most commutes achievable with just electric power.

Whilst the Superb is surprisingly dynamic in terms of handling, if a sportier driving experience is what you're after, the Sportline 4x4 version is probably the Superb to go for; however, for everyday duties, at a very reasonable price, the iV will comfortably tick most boxes for most buyers.

Size and practicality

The Superb's origin story was about offering a luxurious car for a reasonable price, and in saloon form, that mantra still sticks. The estate version is still every bit as luxurious as the saloon, yet offers greater practicality thanks to a huge 690 L boot that expands to 1920 L with the rear seats folded flat. Inside the car, there are countless clever storage options, making the Superb a great and very practical family car.

Conclusion

If price is your focus, and a plug-in hybrid estate is what you're after, then the Superb iV is about as good as it gets. The Superb iV represents a significant uplift in quality and driving experience over cheaper Chinese hybrids, and offers enough of a saving over the likes of BMW and Mercedes to justify the minor reduction in driving dynamics.

The Superb, in all its forms, is an excellent option for those who want a car that does it all whilst quietly blending in without fuss. In iV form, it offers the best of both worlds in terms of drivetrain and enough standard equipment to keep buyers feeling comfortably smug.

words by John Marcar
photography by Henry Faulkner-Smith

Skoda Superb iV SE (2026) Review: Luxury, Space and Class-Leading Hybrid Range