Skoda is expanding the Kodiaq lineup with a more powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain and a new Laurin & Klement trim that brings additional luxury and comfort to its popular SUV. The updated plug-in hybrid delivers 200 kW (272 PS), a significant increase over the existing 150 kW (204 PS) version, while the larger battery and DC fast-charging capability promise greater flexibility on longer journeys.
The new additions arrive as the Skoda Kodiaq celebrates its 10th anniversary. Since its debut in 2016, the large SUV has attracted 1.2 million customers across 70 markets worldwide, establishing itself as one of the Czech automaker’s most important models.
Skoda Kodiaq Laurin & Klement Adds Luxury and Comfort
The new Laurin & Klement trim becomes the range-topping option in the Kodiaq lineup, focusing on premium equipment, distinctive styling and improved passenger comfort. Named after Skoda’s founders, the trim combines upscale details with a choice of powertrains.
Inside, the SUV features seats with a massage function, adding another layer of comfort for drivers and passengers on longer journeys. The exterior receives silver roof rails, body-coloured front and rear bumpers, matching side sills and specially designed alloy wheels.
Laurin & Klement badges inside and outside the vehicle distinguish the premium version from other Kodiaq models.
The new trim offers buyers a more luxurious alternative within the Kodiaq range without requiring them to choose a single specific powertrain configuration.
Skoda Kodiaq Plug-In Hybrid Increases Output to 200 kW
The biggest technical update is the new plug-in hybrid powertrain, which increases the Kodiaq’s combined system output from 150 kW (204 PS) to 200 kW (272 PS).
The revised system combines a 1.5-litre TSI four-cylinder petrol engine producing 130 kW (177 PS) with an electric motor rated at 85 kW (116 PS). Improvements to the combustion engine and updated powertrain control software deliver the higher combined output.
Energy for the electric motor comes from a traction battery with a gross capacity of 25.7 kWh and a usable capacity of 19.7 kWh. This is the same stated battery capacity as the existing Kodiaq iV, but the updated powertrain offers substantially more combined power.
Another important improvement is the addition of DC fast charging at up to 50 kW. This allows drivers to recharge the battery during longer trips, making charging stops more practical than relying exclusively on slower AC charging.
Skoda has not specified an electric driving range for the new 200 kW version in the supplied announcement. The existing Kodiaq iV offers an all-electric range of more than 100 kilometres, although the range of the revised powertrain will depend on its final specifications and testing results.
With the higher output and DC fast charging, the new plug-in hybrid aims to combine stronger performance with the everyday flexibility of electric driving.
Skoda Kodiaq Turns 10: From Its 2016 Debut to 1.2 Million Customers
The Kodiaq made its world premiere in Berlin on September 1, 2016, before customer deliveries began in spring 2017. It marked Skoda’s entry into the large SUV segment and was the brand’s first large SUV based on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform.
From the beginning, the model was offered with five- and seven-seat configurations, a broad selection of petrol and diesel engines, and optional all-wheel drive.
Its launch attracted attention even before the vehicle reached showrooms. On May 6, 2016, the Alaskan city of Kodiak temporarily changed its name to Kodiaq for one day to celebrate the new Skoda SUV.
The model’s name was inspired by Kodiak Island in Alaska. The final letter, “q,” was influenced by the language of the indigenous Alutiiq people.
The Kodiaq’s success continued with the introduction of the sporty Kodiaq RS in 2018. It became the first Skoda SUV to carry the company’s RS performance badge, initially using a 2.0-litre BiTDI diesel engine producing 176 kW (239 PS).
Later that year, racing driver Sabine Schmitz drove a production Kodiaq RS around Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife, setting a lap time of 9 minutes and 29.84 seconds for seven-seater SUVs. The record still stands according to Skoda.
An update in April 2021 brought Matrix LED headlights and a new 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine for the Kodiaq RS, increasing output to 180 kW (245 PS).
Production of the first-generation model continued until 2024, with 866,100 vehicles manufactured. Approximately 60% of customers selected all-wheel drive, while the five-seat configuration proved slightly more popular than the seven-seat version.
Germany, the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic were among its most important European markets.
Second-Generation Kodiaq Brings More Space and Modern Design
Skoda unveiled the second-generation Kodiaq on October 4, 2023, with series production beginning at the Kvasiny plant in the Czech Republic in mid-January 2024.
The latest generation builds on the original model’s formula with a roomier interior, updated technology and styling influenced by Skoda’s Modern Solid design language.
One of its notable interior features is the Smart Dials system, which uses multifunctional rotary controls to make frequently used vehicle functions easier to operate.
Electrification also became a more important part of the Kodiaq lineup with the introduction of the Kodiaq iV plug-in hybrid. Its existing powertrain produces 150 kW (204 PS) and provides an all-electric driving range of more than 100 kilometres under the applicable test cycle.
Skoda reports that almost 330,000 second-generation Kodiaqs had been produced by the time of its latest announcement, underlining the SUV’s continued importance to the brand.
