Plug-in hybrid Skoda Superb iV is back with more range

• Electric range of 84 miles
• 201bhp
• £41,465

The latest Skoda Superb has been with us for a few months now, but there has been a plug-in hybrid-shaped hole in the lineup since its launch. Now, though, the Superb iV is back and brings a raft of upgrades to the nameplate’s plug-in hybrid system for the new generation of Skoda’s large family car.

While the previous-generation Skoda Superb was offered as a plug-in hybrid model in saloon and estate form, this time around the Superb iV is available solely in the estate body style.

What’s new about the latest Skoda Superb iV?

The Superb iV’s battery size has been increased to a capacity of 25.7kWh (19.7kWh usable) compared with the previous generation’s 13kWh unit, making the new Superb iV capable of an impressive electric range of up to 84 miles to a charge (up from the old car’s 35 miles). That will make it cheaper to run around town, while enabling buyers to do more of their shorter trips without producing any exhaust emissions at all, so long as they keep the battery regularly topped up.

On the subject of charging, Skoda says that the new Superb iV’s charging system is faster and more sophisticated than before. It can accept a DC rapid charge from a charging station at speeds of up to 50kW, enabling a 10-80% top-up in around 26 minutes. For home AC charging, the Superb iV will be capable of speeds of up to 11kW, so the same top-up will be possible in 2.5 hours from a compatible home wallbox.

What else do I need to know about the Skoda Superb iV?

As with many plug-in hybrids, the Superb iV will include various driving modes to juggle between varying degrees of performance and efficiency. E-mode will limit the Superb iV to running on electricity only where possible, such as for shorter trips around town where it’s important to keep emissions to a minimum. Hybrid mode allows the system to automatically juggle between petrol and electric power for the most efficiency, while Sport prioritises performance by utilising the full potential of the electric motor and combustion engine.

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The good news is that the Skoda Superb iV will be available across the entire Superb Estate trim level lineup, including the same entry-level SE Technology, rather than buyers having to opt for a higher specification if they want PHEV tech. We think the equipment on offer as standard is plenty for most buyers, and the latest Superb feels more upmarket than its predecessor.

The Skoda Superb iV will cost from £41,495 in SE Technology, jumping up to £44,820 in SE L specification, with the Laurin & Klement top-spec model costing £48,540. Order books are now open.

There are now loads of plug-in hybrids on the market to choose from – read our list of the top 10 best…