A couple of days ago we posted a vague silhouette that Skoda released that may be previewing an upcoming concept car. But that has now sprouted into a much clearer idea of what exactly this future Czech show car will look like, be named, and powered by.
Starting with the name, Skoda has dubbed it ‘Vision E’ and have also revealed it to be a fully electric compact crossover based upon - as suspected - the new MEB platform by the VW Group that will go on to underpin various other electric vehicles from Audi and Volkswagen than can use either a single or dual motor setup with batteries stored within the floor between the two axles.
The Vision E, should it be fast-tracked for a production release in the near future, should be a worthy alternative to the Tesla Model X, albeit one that shouldn’t break the bank. Measuring, 4.64 metres long and 1.92 metres wide, the Vision E is a 5-seater that exudes sportiness with its wide stance, low roofline, and flared arches.
While power and range figure are obviously still up in the air, it’s sizeable reserves of lithium-ion cells can presumably power it past the claimed 500km mark. Skoda also seems to imply that the Vision E will also come with a range extender option, a combustion engine of some sort that can fill up the battery when reserves run low.
Being a crossover, Skoda would has fitted it with a dual-motor setup, and it says that its combined output is 225kW. Acceleration should be brisk, befitting an fully electric car, and the automaker claims it’ll top out at a respectable 180km/h.
The Vision E, apart from being their first fully electric vehicle project, is also one that should usher in a more cutting edge autonomous driving features. Skoda claims it will meet Level 3 requirements for autonomous driving and has outlined a plan to be offering five purely electric models in various segments by 2025.
The Vision E is expected to make its debut at the 2017 Shanghai Motor Show next month.
For more on Skoda vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
