Skoda just rolled out the heavy artillery, and the Kia EV9 should be worried
Four years of waiting end on June 23. Skoda's largest-ever EV lands in France with three rows, 295 hp and a clear target — the Kia EV9.
Skoda is finally going all-in. On 23 June 2026, in France, the brand will unveil the Peaq — its first truly large electric crossover. This is the flagship. This is the battery-powered alternative to the Kodiaq. And this is a head-on rival to the Kia EV9 that the Czechs have been quietly building for four long years. European order books open this summer.
The shape is hardly a secret — the production car grew out of the 2022 Vision 7S concept. Length sits at 4,874 mm, with a generous 2,965 mm wheelbase. The Peaq leaves even the Kodiaq trailing for size, and the main boot stretches to a claimed 1,010 litres, with another 37 in the frunk. Yes, this comfortably qualifies as a big-boot SUV.
In the design, Skoda has gone for full drama. T-shaped lighting signatures, a glossy black Tech-Deck Face panel, an elaborate front light bar, a high beltline, broad rear pillars and flush door handles — every detail is doing its part to build a premium-flagship aura. At the rear, more T-shaped lamps and a connecting element with the brand’s motif.
Underneath sits Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform. Two batteries and three flavours from launch. The base version gets a 63 kWh pack and a 201 hp rear-mounted motor. The 90 and 90x variants step up to a 91 kWh battery, delivering 282 and 295 hp respectively. Production will be set up at Skoda’s home plant in Mladá Boleslav.