The upcoming Škoda Peaq is already telling a story before it even breaks cover, not through its design, but through the camouflage hiding it. This all-electric flagship SUV is shaping up to be a major step for Škoda.
The brand has made extensive efforts to keep its final look under wraps, while still putting on a show. Designer Petr Petzet explains the ideas and stories behind masking Škoda’s biggest SUV yet.
A camo design inspired by its name
The upcoming Škoda Peaq is still under wraps. The camouflage conceals the car’s true proportions and styling, allows public road testing ahead of launch, and keeps key design details secret until revealed. But in true modern automotive fashion, it also doubles as storytelling.
According to Škoda designer Petr Petzet, camouflage today isn’t just functional but carries a meaning. That meaning starts with the name itself.
The (Peaq) theme is mountain peaks and valleys paired with a sunset-inspired colour palette. “Using an abstract depiction of valleys and peaks was an immediate source of inspiration for me,” Petzet explains.
The final design was chosen from an internal competition, with multiple designers pitching ideas before this concept was selected in collaboration with marketing and communications teams.
Also read: First look at the Škoda Epiq compact electric SUV
Colours that do more than look good
The colours took more refinement while the pattern came together quickly. The final look has the dominant Škoda Emerald Green, subtle sunset tones along the body, and a matte finish to emphasise a more subdued, refined look.
But it’s not just about aesthetics. The contrasting colours help break up the vehicle’s shape, make it harder to visually read proportions and tie the entire design together from front to rear.
Optical illusions at work
The Peaq follows Škoda’s Modern Solid design language, which focuses on clean, simple forms, ironically making camouflage even trickier. The design uses irregular lines and intersecting shapes and visual distractions to confuse the eye.
Hidden tricks
A standout “main peak” graphic on the rear window. A flowing sunset graphic along the side. Even hidden amphibian motifs are tucked into the pattern. The elements are interconnected, creating a layered visual story while masking the real design underneath.
Even the wheels are in disguise
Škoda has taken things a step further by camouflaging the wheels, something not commonly executed to this extent. The prototype runs on 20-inch wheels, and the design is intentionally hidden until revealed.
The wheel camouflage visually blends with the body wrap. It’s all about keeping every design element under wraps until the big debut.
Also read: 2026 Skoda Octavia Hybrid and Superb PHEV prices confirmed
A 100+ hours design job
Wrapping the Škoda Peaq is a highly tailored process. The team spent over 100 hours developing the design.
Custom graphics were mapped specifically to Peaq’s body, and seven separate print files were used to finish the job. Applying the camouflage itself took around one week per vehicle.
The final touch
There was one last detail before Peaq’s first public appearance at the opening of a new battery production facility. Petzet personally applied the Škoda lettering to the front and rear. It’s a small but symbolic finishing touch on a project that blends secrecy, creativity, and precision.
Škoda’s largest, most ambitious SUV yet
The upcoming Škoda Peaq is the production version of the Škoda Vision 7S concept. It’s a seven-seat flagship SUV that sits at the very top of Škoda’s lineup. It’s even bigger than the Kodiaq at nearly 4.9 metres long. It is going to be the largest and most expensive Škoda ever.
The name “Peaq” was officially confirmed on January 13, 2026, with a global reveal schedule in mid-2026 (Northern summer). It is expected to launch in late 2026 or early 2027.
First prototype drives for media took place in late March 2026, with key details already emerging, including over 600km of range from the 91kWh battery variants.
The takeaway
The Škoda Peaq might still be hidden, but its camouflage is doing more than just covering it up; it’s building intrigue. Its camouflage is a clever preview of a flagship SUV that’s set to be a major player when it officially breaks cover later in 2026.
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