- Skoda gives the Superb a stronger plug-in hybrid setup.
- Offered in Sportline and L&K trims with 268 hp combined.
- It also gains larger, thicker ventilated rear brake discs
Skoda has decided its sensible executive flagship could use a bit more spark. The answer is a stronger plug-in hybrid powertrain that now sits at the very top of the Superb range. Combined output climbs to 268 horsepower, though there is a catch.
If you want it, you will need to choose either the Sportline or the Laurin & Klement trim in Hatch form, as the Combi is not invited to this particular party.
The current generation of the Superb arrived in late 2023 with a full buffet of options, including gasoline, diesel, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Until now, the standard 1.5 TSI PHEV delivered a combined 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS), well below the 2.0 TSI with 261 hp (195 kW / 265 PS). This new version reshuffles the order slightly and gives the electrified option a stronger voice in the lineup.
How Much Quicker Is The New PHEV?
Under the skin, the upgraded setup produces a combined 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. That translates to a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph). Compared to the regular PHEV, it is a full second quicker to 100 km/h and 5 km/h (3 mph) faster at the top end.
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The extra power and torque come courtesy of a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine that now produces 174 hp (130 kW / 177 PS) on its own, thanks to some software tweaking. It is paired with a single electric motor delivering 114 hp (95 kW / 116 PS), fed by a 25.7 kWh battery pack and working through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that sends power to the front wheels.
Skoda has also given the braking system some extra muscle, fitting larger ventilated discs at the rear. The new setup measures 310 mm (12.2 inches) in diameter and 22 mm (0.9 inch) in thickness, compared to 300 mm (11.8 inches) and 12 mm (0.5 inch) on the standard PHEV.
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For those who care about driving dynamics, the most fitting option for the new powertrain is the Sportline trim. It brings a subtly sportier bodykit with black accents, 19-inch wheels with aero covers, and a dedicated suspension setup that lowers the car by 15 mm (0.6 inches).
Prefer comfort with your extra horsepower? The Laurin & Klement trim leans the other way, adding chrome accents, distinct wheels, leather upholstery, a Canton audio system, special emblems, and Dynamic Chassis Control adaptive suspension as standard.
Still Not The Quickest Superb On The Road
The new variant is the most powerful Skoda with a combustion engine in the current lineup. However, it still falls short of the 276 hp (206 kW / 280 PS) delivered by the previous-generation Superb with the GTI-sourced 2.0 TSI engine.
And despite the headline figure, physics has its say. The added weight and front-wheel-drive layout mean it cannot live with the current non-electrified Superb 2.0 TSI 4×4, which makes 261 hp (195 kW / 265 PS) and dispatches the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in a brisk 5.6 seconds.
More: Skoda’s One-Off Superb Sleeper Edition Outmuscles Audi’s RS4 Avant
The Superb has yet to receive a performance-focused RS trim, but a one-off build from 2024 came pretty close to the perfect spec. The Superb Combi Sleeper Edition was developed by Skoda UK in collaboration with RE Performance to celebrate the sales success of the model.
The one-off is powered by an upgraded 2.0 TSI engine producing 470 horsepower and 661 Nm of torque. It rides on lowered coilover suspension and hides beefier brakes behind 19-inch alloy wheels. Visually, though, it keeps the standard bodykit and tailpipes, fully committed to the Sleeper brief.
