Škoda has pulled the covers off the Vision O concept at the Munich motor show, offering a detailed glimpse at what could become the next-generation Octavia estate. While crossovers and SUVs dominate sales in markets like Australia, the unveiling in Germany underscores just how central the wagon remains in Europe and why Škoda is determined to carry the format into the electric age.
Estates still matter in Europe
Unlike in Australia, where SUVs and dual-cab utes have long displaced the once-popular wagon, Europe continues to show strong demand for long-roof practicality. Škoda in particular has carved out a dominant position in this segment. Since 2016, the Octavia Combi and Superb Combi have consistently ranked among the continent’s best-sellers, making Škoda the leading wagon brand in Europe. The Škoda Vision O is therefore more than just a design study; it represents the company’s pledge to keep estates alive as the shift to electrification gathers pace.
Speaking at the Munich unveiling, Škoda CEO Klaus Zellmer said:
“At Škoda, our commitment to our customers – who have trusted us as leaders in the estate segment since 2016 – drives us to deliver the Vision O: a blend of innovative design, over 650 Liters of luggage space, autonomous driving capabilities, and an intuitive AI assistant. This vehicle transforms every journey into an effortless, empowering experience while advancing our sustainability goals and elevating our ‚modern solid ¢ design principles.”
Dimensions and design
Škoda has deliberately sized the Vision O to slot between its two best-known estates. At 4,850mm long, 1,900mm wide, and 1,500mm tall, the concept is longer than the Octavia Combi but slightly shorter than the Superb Combi. Its width surpasses both, lending it a more planted and confident stance. Like many electric vehicles, the body sits a little higher to accommodate the battery pack, though the nearly flat roofline preserves the wagon’s traditional emphasis on space and practicality.
Key dimensions at a glance
| Specification | Measurement |
| Length | 4,850 mm |
| Width | 1,900 mm |
| Height | 1,500 mm |
| Roofline | Nearly flat |
Visually, the Škoda Vision O marks a decisive shift from Škoda’s typically conservative approach. The front end introduces a “Tech-loop mask”, replacing the traditional grille with a bold, futuristic interpretation that flows seamlessly into narrow, minimalist headlights.
Exterior design highlights
- Front fascia: Introduces a new “Tech-loop mask” in place of the traditional grille
- Headlamps: Narrow, minimalist units integrated seamlessly into the front surface
- Bodywork: Sharp, angular lines replace Škoda’s more conservative, curved styling
- Roof: Floating black roof adds contrast and a sleek visual break
- Rear design: Full-width LED taillights and illuminated Škoda badges
- Glass roof: Panoramic section extends all the way to the tailgate, enhancing light and space
Together, these elements create a wagon that feels both recognisably Škoda and yet distinctly modern, a car designed to stand out on European roads while signalling the future of the Octavia in an EV-focused era.
Interior
Step inside the Škoda Vision O, and it’s clear Škoda has gone all-in on a digital-first approach. A massive 1.2-metre-wide display dominates the dashboard, stretching almost end-to-end, while a vertically mounted central screen takes care of infotainment duties. Still, Škoda hasn’t abandoned practicality, key controls for climate and fan speed are kept on physical switches and a rotary dial.
Highlights include:
- Dashboard tech: 1.2-metre-wide screen + vertical infotainment display
- Physical usability: Rotary dial and switches for essential functions
Practicality is still at the heart of the Škoda Vision O. The boot offers 650 litres of space with the seats up, expanding to more than 1,700 litres when folded, figures that rival many midsize SUVs.
Space and storage:
- 650 litres with seats up
- 1,700+ litres with seats folded
Even the floating centre console has been reimagined with modern touches. It integrates magnetic wireless charging pods, a built-in fridge, and a removable Bluetooth speaker.
Centre console features:
- Wireless charging pods (magnetic)
- Built-in fridge
- Removable Bluetooth speaker
And then there are the classic Simply Clever details that Škoda loves to showcase, some quirky, some playful. Think four umbrellas hidden in the doors, rear-hinged “suicide” doors for easier cabin access, and even experimental “bird’s nest” headrests. These may not reach production, but they reinforce the brand’s flair for everyday surprises.
Simply clever quirks:
- Four umbrellas in the doors
- Rear-hinged back doors
- Bird’s nest headrests
Sustainability at the core
While the Škoda Vision O showcases cutting-edge technology and practicality, Škoda has made sustainability a central theme. The interior makes extensive use of recycled and recyclable materials, without compromising on quality.
Sustainability highlights:
- Seats and interior elements made from 100% recycled polyester
- Large surfaces finished in Ultrasuede nu, containing 65% plant-based content
- Flooring crafted from NABORE, made from recycled leather offcuts
- Materials and production designed for minimal waste
Passenger comfort is enhanced by circadian lighting, which adjusts the cabin illumination to natural daily cycles, supporting the body’s biorhythms. A standard 230V socket also caters to laptops and other devices, combining eco-consciousness with everyday practicality.
Technology and driver assistance
The Škoda Vision O debuts an enhanced version of Škoda’s digital assistant, Laura, which now offers broader functionality beyond navigation, from scheduling appointments to note-taking. More advanced features are expected to roll out via over-the-air updates once the production model arrives.
Platform and powertrain speculation
Škoda has not confirmed whether the Vision O is based on Volkswagen Group’s current MEB architecture, used by models like the ID.7 Tourer, or whether it previews the upcoming SSP platform, which is scheduled to underpin the next-generation Volkswagen Golf from 2029. Powertrain details remain undisclosed, but industry expectations suggest a rear-wheel-drive layout as standard, with dual-motor all-wheel drive available as an option.
What does this mean for Australia?
For Europe, the Škoda Vision O is a direct signal that wagons will continue into the electric era. For Australia, however, the story is more nuanced. Estates have largely disappeared from local roads, with the Octavia one of the few models keeping the format alive. Whether the production version of the Škoda Vision O reaches Australian showrooms will depend on local demand and Škoda’s broader EV rollout strategy.
That said, Škoda Vision O highlights a global trend: manufacturers are increasingly exploring ways to merge electric efficiency with long-roof practicality, creating alternatives to SUVs without sacrificing space. While the estate body style is no longer mainstream in Australia, the Škoda Vision O demonstrates Škoda’s confidence that the format still has a future — one rooted in European preferences but with potential relevance for niche buyers here.
Looking ahead
Although Škoda has not officially confirmed that the Vision O previews the next-generation Octavia, the connection appears clear. Industry expectations place the production version around 2028, coinciding with the fifth generation of the Octavia estate. Importantly, Škoda is unlikely to abandon petrol and hybrid versions immediately, with internal-combustion Octavia models expected to continue alongside the EV for some time.
For now, the Škoda Vision O remains a concept. But it sends a strong message: Škoda is preparing to carry its best-selling model into the electric era while preserving the estate’s defining qualities of space, practicality, and usability, even as global markets like Australia lean increasingly toward SUVs.
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