New Škoda Superb liftback redefines luxury and performance

We already had the opportunity to appreciate the new flagship Škoda model in the station wagon version. Now, the Czechs have invited us to test drive the liftback. They clearly distinguish between these variants, noting that the cars target different customers. Unlike Volkswagen, Škoda still offers the luxury of choosing the body style.

Škoda Superb boasts a 90-year history. The Czechs were building prestigious limousines under this name when there wasn't even a factory in Wolfsburg. However, the modern version of the Superb wouldn't have been created without the Volkswagen Passat, which generously shared its technology. In the first version, even the styling of both sedans was similar; in the second generation, the Superb acquired a station wagon version, a more distinct character, and a larger size. In the third version, many consumers saw it as a wiser purchase than the Passat.

Currently, the situation is completely reversed: there wouldn't be a new Passat without the Superb's popularity and the Czech brand's competence. The new Superb and Passat are now produced in the same factory in Bratislava. Czech specialists from Mladá Boleslav handled most of the development work. The fourth-generation Superb remains available as a station wagon and liftback, while the Passat is only available in the former variant – a new sedan hasn't been developed.

The new Superb liftback is 1.7 inches longer than its predecessor and measures 16 feet 1 inch in length. The wheelbase of 9 feet 4 inches remains unchanged. Interestingly, it has decreased in width by 0.6 inches. In designing the body, the Czechs used several tricks to improve aerodynamic properties, resulting in a drag coefficient of just 0.23. The underbody covers are longer, the rims are smoother, and the windshield is more sloped.

So, how do Superb station wagon customers differ from liftback drivers? Some want a station wagon and buy one. The latter also need a large, functional trunk, but their preferences steer them toward a more elegant classic. The Superb's trunk under the massive lid now holds 23 cubic feet, 0.7 cubic feet more than before and only 1.6 cubic feet less than the Superb station wagon. Folding down the seats increases the capacity to 63.4 cubic feet, unmatched for classic sedans.

The Passat sedan was allegedly eliminated from the market by the popularity of premium-brand limousines. Meanwhile, the Superb scores precisely because it isn't associated with the premium class. Its badge doesn't unnecessarily irritate but provides all comforts, including in the back.

A significant amount of space in the cabin is part of the 90-year tradition of the Škoda Superb. The latest generation beats 16-foot limousines like the Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series, or Audi A6 in this regard. On the back seat of the 1936 Superb, during a short drive, I noticed that the Superb was once closer to the Multivan and even had six seats.

The practical solutions from the Simply Clever series have just as long a tradition. Škoda claims the new Superb has as many as 28 such patents. Not all are standard, but each provides a microdose of satisfaction when discovering and using them.

A few examples: the rear armrest is length-adjustable, and, besides cup holders, it also hides a rubberized base for a smartphone. The phone or tablet can be inserted into a dedicated holder on the headrest. Side and rear window blinds provide darkness in the cabin. If a streaming session becomes boring, tilt the side head supports and pull a blanket from the pouch.

The trunk holds all the accessories needed to keep large and small luggage in place: hooks, nets, pockets, and fasteners. A QR code in the trunk links to a tutorial, making discovery easy.

The multifunctional Smart Dials with small screens are an absolute rarity in these times. They are precisely what Land Rover, for example, recently eliminated from their cockpits. In the Superb, the side dials can adjust the air conditioning temperature, and by pressing the ring, the degree of heating or ventilation of the seats. The middle dial can be programmed to control up to four functions, including volume, map zoom, driving mode, intelligent air conditioning mode, or airflow direction and intensity. Smart Dials are more convenient than the touch fields still used in the Octavia.

The Superb was fortunate to avoid the imperfect multimedia systems seen in the previous Octavia or Golf VIII generations and now gets the latest setup with a 13-inch main screen. The interface is intuitive, offers significant personalization, and the screen's responsiveness is commendable. The virtual dials can also be customized, and a new feature is a highly readable head-up display projected directly on the windshield.

A clear sign of the times is using recycled materials in the Superb's cockpit. Patterns on some decorative trims indicate this, while it's less noticeable in the applied fabrics. Škoda emphasizes that the leather is tanned in an environmentally friendly way using waste fluid produced during olive oil production. But don't worry: the cabin's material quality is very high, and Škoda keeps raising the bar.

In my opinion, the Superb front seats are more comfortable than ever. There are three seat variants, with the middle model offering partial electric adjustment, two-axis headrest adjustment, and a massage function with three pillows. The top Ergo seats massage the back with up to 10 pillows. These features are especially beneficial for those who spend a lot of time driving, but even the middle variant provides ample adjustment options and excellent body support.

Unlike the station wagon version, which offers over 62 miles of electric range, the Superb liftback will not come with a plug-in hybrid. The engine lineup includes three gasoline engines and two diesels, all with a seven-speed DSG as standard. Here they are:

The 150 HP engines are the efficiency champions. With an average consumption of 45-49 mpg according to WLTP standards, the 1.5 TSI allows for over 683 miles on a single 17-gallon tank. The two-liter diesel is even more economical (48-53 mpg) and offers a range of over 745 miles.

The 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine operates within a 48V mild hybrid system—an electric starter-generator supports the combustion engine. When lightly pressing the gas, the engine can operate in two-cylinder mode, and when releasing the accelerator, the engine takes a break to save fuel. A light press of the accelerator, and the engine smoothly returns to action. For those utilizing these features efficiently, steady driving at 55 mph can result in around 41 mpg. During highway driving, I recorded a consistent 33 mpg.

The relatively small engine in the large liftback performs impressively and can accelerate up to 140 mph. It needs 9.2 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph, which may test the patience of those always in a rush. There's the 265 HP 2.0 TSI with standard all-wheel drive for them. This variant accelerates from zero to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds.

However, don't consider the 2.0 TSI 4x4 version sporty. It's a limousine for express travel, not necessarily for thrilling driving experiences. The stronger diesel, with standard all-wheel drive, best fits the Superb's character. This setup allows the use of 193 HP and 295 lb-ft of torque right from the start without the risk of losing front-wheel traction. All the torque can be sent to the rear axle at a moment's notice.

Gone are the days when TDI engines were annoyed with their clatter. The two-liter engine now has excellent manners, plenty of power, and a surprisingly low appetite for fuel. I recorded only 62 mpg on a country road section, and on a faster highway section, the computer showed 40 mpg. What more could you want?

For ultimate long-distance comfort, you can opt for adaptive suspension DCC Plus. The "Plus" suffix indicates that, instead of one valve regulating the stiffness of the shock absorbers, there are now two, separately controlling the rebound and compression. As a result, the range of settings is broader, and primarily, the Superb has eliminated its tendency to sway slightly. The DCC Plus suspension excellently absorbs unevenness, and in Individual mode, the stiffness can be adjusted across 15 levels. Handling is relaxed and light.