› Striking exterior design: narrow, triangular headlights in a crystalline look and with Matrix LED technology
› Absence of B-pillars resulting in an even more spacious interior
› Futuristic interior design: rotating body-contoured individual seats for getting in and out of the car comfortably
› Modern operating concept for information and entertainment
With a length of 4,688 mm, a width of 1,924 mm and a height of 1,591 mm, the ŠKODA VISION E exudes great presence. Due to the long wheelbase – 2,851 mm – and the short front and rear overhangs, the engineers were able to create a very generous and comfortable interior that is typical for ŠKODA. The future-oriented car combines an SUV-style raised seating position and a generous amount of space usually seen in a hatchback with a dynamic silhouette and a gently sloping roofline, in the coupé style.
Exterior
“Over the last few years, with our ŠKODA design language, we have produced several sensational concept cars that point the way to the brand’s future,” said Karl Neuhold, Head of Exterior Design at ŠKODA. “The new ŠKODA VISION E is now presenting the next step towards a future-oriented design.”
The modern ŠKODA design wows with harmonious proportions, neatly moulded surfaces, precise lines and clean-cut edges. Equally characteristic are the powerful contours, which set the stage for a sensational interplay between light and shade that conveys dynamism and emotiveness. With their 3D design, the crystalline structures of the headlights, tail lights and other features dominate the sophisticated character that is defined by modern technology and a particular degree of refinement. The design is an expression of the timeless elegance and modern functionality that is typical of ŠKODA cars.
“Czech crystal glass art, which enjoys high international prestige and has a long tradition, is an important source of inspiration for the modern ŠKODA design. It combines classic manufacturing processes with modern aesthetics. The ŠKODA VISION E is therefore also a reference to cultural heritage in the brand’s homeland,” said Karl Neuhold, ŠKODA Head of Exterior Design. The ability to produce high-quality, emotive works of art from simple, precise shapes is consistent with the fundamental values of the Czech car brand, whose vehicles harmoniously combine aesthetics and functionality.
ŠKODA’s brand-typical design language has continually developed in recent years. The concept studies have introduced the anticipated new details: in 2011 with the ŠKODA VISION D and subsequently with the ŠKODA VISION C (2014) and ŠKODA VISION S (2016). This continuous development is also reflected in the latest new models and has now been elevated to a new level with the ŠKODA VISION E.
The front section of the ŠKODA VISION E, having been developed further, is characterised by the striking design of the bonnet, which is sculptured and features edges running towards the centrally placed brand logo that shines in white. Below the bonnet, a wide LED lighting strip runs across the vehicle’s entire width and flows at both ends into slim, triangular headlights. All lighting units at the front and sides are in white. As with other electrically powered cars, there is no classic radiator grille. The lower section of the car’s front features a thin black bumper trim above the front spoiler. This connects the two triangular grilles of the outer air inlets. The combination of classic ŠKODA design details and new features lends the ŠKODA VISION E an extremely compact, robust and dynamic appearance.
The side view is characterised by the sharp incline of the windscreen, and the roofline, which begins to gently slope towards the rear at an early stage. This design accentuates the coupé-style appearance. There is neither a classic B-pillar, nor are there the typical wing mirrors. The opposed-opening rear doors, which are operated electrically, make getting in and out of the car extremely comfortable. The tailgate is also electric. There are no wing mirrors but rather cameras that transfer what is happening around the vehicle onto interior displays and continuously keep the driver informed. This solution improves the vehicle’s aerodynamics and the functions previously associated with the wing mirrors (e.g. recognition of vehicles).
The bold tornado line, which rises towards the rear, runs from the headlights to the tail lights and creates an exciting interplay of light and shade on the body’s surfaces. Below the tornado line, a further LED lighting strip runs through the vehicle’s front half. It is tapered towards the body’s centre and therefore underlines the wedge shape, as well as giving the side view additional contour.
For the ŠKODA VISION E, the designers have come up with a very special lighting concept. The ŠKODA VISION E’s headlights feature Matrix LED technology that ensures a particularly comprehensive road illumination which is always adapted to the individual driving situation. The highly efficient LED headlights produce a dipped and high beam which are not only directed very precisely onto the space in front of the car but also remarkably evenly. Due to innovative control technology, the adaptive light distribution reaches an additional level of quality. The single diodes are controlled together with the lenses and reflectors for targeted illumination of individual road areas whilst other areas are left out. Lighting control is connected to a front camera to analyse the individual traffic situation which includes recognising preceding and oncoming cars in good time. The data of this records allow for a precise definition of the light distribution at all times. This again enables optimum use of the headlights’ range when driving with high beam whilst eliminating a blinding effect for oncoming road users at the same time.
With the ŠKODA VISION E, all of the tail light functions feature advanced LED technology. The LED light sources are particularly energy efficient and produce a high contrast effect. This leads to particularly harmonious and expressive signalling of all relevant lighting functions such as tail light, brake light and indicator.
There is a further strongly contoured line below the lighting units which takes up and continues a corresponding line on the side. The strong moulding of the line and the tailgate spoiler create a concave surface area which incorporates the tail lights and the brand logo, which shines in white. A further LED lighting strip runs below the rear line and a black apron rounds off the rear section’s bottom part. As with all fully electrically powered vehicles, there is neither an exhaust system nor are there tailpipes.
The distinct horizontal lines and the dynamic wedge shape give the ŠKODA VISION E a particularly sporty appearance, even when stationary. The combination of design elements and classic ŠKODA features make the ŠKODA VISION E an attractive representative of the Czech car manufacturer’s evolved design language.
Interior
There is no transmission tunnel due to the concept, which creates a particularly spacious interior with four individual rotating seats that are slightly raised and come with new backrests. The opposed-opening doors are electrically operated. Thanks to the large glass surfaces, the interior is light and transparent. The concept of horizontal lines is continued consistently and underlines the interior’s clear-cut structure and generous amount of space.
Besides the cockpit screen for the display of conventional vehicle data, there are further displays for the passengers on board the ŠKODA VISION E. The central touchscreen is located in the middle of the dashboard, so that the driver and front passenger can operate and read all of the important functions and services such as those provided by ŠKODA Connect.
In addition, there are individual displays for the front and rear passengers to allow for the operation of numerous comfort functions such as information and entertainment. The front passenger display is integrated into the dashboard whilst the displays for the rear passengers are in the front seats’ backrests. Furthermore, the front and rear passengers can control their individual entertainment program using their own touch displays. The front passenger’s control unit is incorporated into the right armrest; the rear passengers’ control unit is located between the two rear seats.
Ambient lighting is integrated into the doors’ decorative strips and below the dashboard. It can be set to one of ten colours and can therefore be adjusted to the individual mood.
As soon as the vehicle drives autonomously, you can slide the front seats back and enjoy guaranteed maximum relaxation. At the same time, the steering wheel is raised, providing the largest possible amount of space and a corresponding degree of comfort.