That’s right. Although it looks like a notchback sedan in some angles, the Vision iV is one of those coupe-SUVs, a rather low-slung one in this case. It’ll be built on VW Group’s modular platform for electric vehicles (MEB).
The Vision iV is a concept at the moment, and adopts a similar, sharp design language as the Vision RS. The front fascia is dominated by a horizontal light strip running across the upper part of the grille to link up the Matrix LED headlights. As with most of the new concepts these days, the cameras replace the traditional wing mirrors. They’re mounted on a shark-fin-shaped holders.
The side profile has been kept clean, with a sharp shoulder line connecting the front and rear lights. The 22-inch wheels are aerodynamically optimised. Also helping with the clean airflow are the door handles, or the lack of it. They’re replaced with touch opening. However, it remains to be seen how that would work in snowy conditions.
The rear-end features a lip spoiler and C-shaped crystalline LED tail lights. A light strip runs across the full breadth of the diffuser, making the car appear wider. Also notice the blazing-red glass ŠKODA name in letters.
The rear-hinged doors welcome you to an airy-looking interior that has been (mostly) borrowed from the Vision E.
The dashboard is visually split into two layers. The upper layer is dominated by a large infotainment system that appears to be hovering in mid-air. The surface of this layer has been given a softened finish reminiscent of a crystalline structure. The lower part of the dashboard is graced with matte birch-white décor that replaces the classic vents.
The steering wheel has also been redesigned. It has two spokes and the traditional logo here has been replaced by the ŠKODA name in letters. As with the Vision E, the seats can swivel. The absence of a tunnel console contributes to more storage space and the centre console also looks very different. Besides the controls, there is space for two phones, which can be charged wirelessly and – via Wi-Fi – can be connected to the infotainment system.
The Vision iV continues the trend of vegan materials. The look of the dashboard and door panels has been rounded off with Ultrasuede, an artificial substitute for suede leather produced from a premium plant-based microfibre that is apparently, very environmentally friendly to make. The seat cushions are made from Dinamica, derived from recycled polyester fibres, which is an artificial alternative to suede. The backrest covers are vinyl fibre, while the footwells feature biodegradable natural-wool tufted mats.
Which then brings us to the business end of the story. The Vision iV is powered by two electric motors, one at each axle. Together, they deliver a system output of 225 kW (306 hp), which is transmitted to all four wheels as required. The maximum range in WLTP mode is 500 km and the battery can be charged to 80% capacity in 30 minutes, Skoda says.
In the right circumstances, the Vision iV can also handle autonomous driving and self-parking, thanks to its laser and radar scanners.
The production model is expected to arrive in 2020.
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