► Skoda’s next EV previewed
► Production Epiq due in 2026
► Sibling model to VW’s ID.Cross
Skoda has given us the best look yet at its new compact electric SUV, the Epiq, with the reveal of a new version at the Munich motor show.
Though Skoda is still calling it a ‘show car’ for now, it looks almost entirely production ready. Already shown in true concept form in 2024, this ‘new’ Epiq has been revealed alongside its camouflaged VW Group stablemates, the VW ID.Cross and Cupra Raval, ahead of IAA Munich.
Set to arrive in showrooms in 2026, the Epiq will slot underneath the Skoda Elroq in its electric SUV line-up and be its most affordable EV. Skoda says it is looking for price parity with its petrol-powered Kamiq crossover, which starts from around £25,000.
Full spec details are still under wraps, but Skoda says the Epiq will measure 4.1m in length, putting it against the Renault 4 and Ford Puma Gen-E in this already competitive class.
Though not yet announced, it’s expected to be available with a choice of new 38kWh and 56kWh batteries, which Skoda says gives it a claimed range of up to 264 miles.
It’s also the first Skoda to fully adopt its new ‘modern solid’ design language, as shown on the Epiq concept last year. It’s quite a striking looking thing, at least by Skoda standards, with its patterned plastic trim repeated at the front and rear on the lower bumpers and a new lighting signature. That said, the gloss black ‘Teck Deck’ grille is carried over from the Elroq and facelifted Enyaq, while wraparound rear lights are a new addition for the Epiq.
One of the few things unlikely to be carried over to the production version are its matt Cashmere paintwork, while hopefully the ‘SKODA’ branding on the C-pillar gets ditched before production commences.
Skoda hasn’t yet shown us the Epiq’s interior, but we’d expect business as usual, with an easy-to-use touchscreen, few physical buttons and the firm’s useful ‘simply clever’ touches. It does say it will offer ‘generous storage options and clever luggage solutions, including bag hooks, fasteners, and hidden underfloor compartments’. A 476-litre boot is also very competitive for this segment.
Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Skoda said: ‘The Epiq show car offers a concrete glimpse into the next addition to Škoda’s successful all-electric family. With the Epiq, we’re taking another step towards making electric cars a practical and compelling choice for everyday drivers.’
The Epiq is expected to arrive at a similar time to Volkswagen’s ID.Cross EV and the Cupra Raval, both also shown in camouflage form at Munich. Cupra and Seat has taken a lead on the development of the VW Group’s small EVs, with production beginning at its Navarra plant in Spain next year. Skoda says the production version (albeit if it’s really any different to this car) will be revealed in mid-2026.
Senior staff writer, car reviewer, news hound, avid car detailer.
By Ted Welford
Senior staff writer at CAR and our sister website Parkers. Loves a car auction. Enjoys making things shiny
