Skoda releases 268bhp plug-in hybrid Superb

Skoda has unveiled the most powerful Superb yet for the current-generation lineup. Mating a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with an 85kW electric motor, it boasts a system output of 268bhp and 400Nm of torque. 

To jolt your memory slightly, Skoda introduced its first plug-in hybrid model, the Superb iV, in 2019, followed by the Octavia iV a year later and the plug-in hybrid Kodiaq in 2024. All were powered by the same 150kW plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Boasting 268bhp and 400Nm of torque, this latest 200kW plug-in hybrid Superb is the most powerful Skoda currently with a combustion engine

While this powertrain will remain available for all Superb Combi trim levels and for the Superb in the Selection trim, the Sportline and Laurin & Klement trim levels for the Superb will only get the new, more powerful 200kW plug-in hybrid variant moving forward.

Skoda seems rather proud of the output of this latest Superb, noting that it now stands as the most powerful Škoda vehicle equipped with a combustion engine.

Credit for the 50kW system power increase over the 150kW variant is due to an upgraded petrol engine and software optimisation of the powertrain control unit. Skoda also notes that the new powertrain delivers significantly improved in-gear acceleration, supported by the strong interaction of the electric motor and the turbocharged petrol engine.

This plug-in hybrid Superb's impressive output allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.1 seconds, before going on to achieve a top speed of 225 km/h at full tilt.

The top-of-the-line Sportline and Laurin & Klement trims of the Superb will be sold exclusively with this 200kW plug-in hybrid drivetrain moving forward

But that's not where the upgrades end.

To match the increased performance, the Superb's braking system has also been upgraded. The 200kW Superb version features larger, ventilated rear discs measuring 310mm in diameter and 22mm in thickness (compared to the 300×12mm ones on the 150 kW plug-in hybrid). 

The car's front brake cooling system also benefits from an airflow channel below the bumper, which provides more efficient airflow to the brakes than the active cooling from the engine compartment through a wheel arch grille used in the 150 kW version.

Interestingly, however, what hasn't changed is the capacity of the Superb's high-voltage battery, which remains at 25.7kWh. As with before, this battery’s charging capabilities outpace those on other plug-in hybrids quite significantly; it’s able to support DC charging at up to 50kW for a 10-80% recharge in just 26 minutes. 

Consequently, Skoda notes that the 200kW Superb's weight, alongside most other technical parameters, remains unchanged.

Sadly, it doesn't seem that the this powerful Superb is set to make the swim over to Singapore's shores. Singaporean buyers do, however, get to savour the mild hybrid Skoda Superb Combi, which is offered locally in the top-of-the-line Laurin & Klement trim.