Skoda Superb

The 2025 Skoda Superb for the Indian market is expected to be powered by a potent 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine. This four-cylinder unit is anticipated to produce around 201 bhp (204 PS) of power and 330 Nm of torque. Power will be transmitted to the front wheels via a 7-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) automatic transmission. While international markets might receive additional petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid options, India is likely to focus on this single petrol powertrain initially.

This engine and gearbox combination is known for its refinement, strong performance, and quick shifts. The Superb is expected to offer brisk acceleration, making highway overtakes effortless. The powertrain is well-suited for both city driving, with smooth low-speed response, and highway cruising, where it maintains composure and refinement. While specific ARAI mileage figures for the 2025 model are awaited, the previous generation with a similar engine offered competitive fuel efficiency, and improvements are expected with the new generation's aerodynamic enhancements. A 4x4 system might also be offered on select variants, as seen in international markets, enhancing traction and stability.

Ride and Handling

The 2025 Skoda Superb is engineered to deliver a sophisticated and comfortable ride, characteristic of a premium executive sedan. The suspension setup is expected to be finely tuned to absorb road imperfections, ensuring a plush and composed ride quality, even over challenging Indian road surfaces. The car's long wheelbase contributes significantly to its high-speed stability and ride comfort.

Handling is expected to be precise and predictable, offering a confident driving experience. The electric power steering should be light at city speeds for easy maneuverability and weigh up appropriately at higher speeds, providing good feedback. While it is not a sports sedan, the Superb is capable of handling corners with composure, exhibiting minimal body roll for its size. Cabin insulation is expected to be excellent, effectively filtering out road and wind noise, contributing to a serene and quiet interior environment. The overall ride and handling balance will prioritize passenger comfort and refinement, making it an ideal vehicle for long journeys and daily commutes.

The interior of the 2025 Skoda Superb is designed to offer a truly luxurious and exceptionally spacious cabin, a key differentiator in its segment. The dashboard features a new, modern layout dominated by a large free-standing touchscreen infotainment system. A significant change is the relocation of the gear selector to the steering column, freeing up space in the center console.

Material quality is expected to be top-tier, with soft-touch materials, premium leather upholstery (potentially in new dual-tone themes), and tasteful chrome and dark chrome accents throughout. The rear cabin remains the Superb's forte, offering unparalleled legroom, making it ideal for chauffeur-driven owners. Comfort features include electrically adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions (on higher variants), multi-zone automatic climate control, and ambient lighting. Practicality is enhanced by Skoda's "Simply Clever" features, and boot space is a massive 625 litres, making it incredibly versatile for luggage.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the 2025 Skoda Superb is a significant upgrade, centered around a large 13-inch free-standing touchscreen display. This system is expected to be highly responsive and intuitive, offering seamless connectivity with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Complementing the central touchscreen is a 10-inch fully digital virtual cockpit (digital instrument cluster), which provides customizable displays for driving information, navigation, and media. A unique feature is the inclusion of three smart rotary dials on the center console, which integrate small digital displays and can be configured to control various functions such as climate control, seat ventilation, and volume, offering a blend of tactile and digital control. A premium Canton sound system with 12 speakers is anticipated on top variants, delivering an immersive audio experience. The system is also expected to offer connected car features and over-the-air (OTA) updates.

The exterior design of the 2025 Skoda Superb evolves the brand's crystalline design language, presenting a more refined and contemporary aesthetic. The front fascia features a larger, more sculpted butterfly grille, flanked by sleek, swept-back LED Matrix headlights with integrated LED DRLs. The redesigned bumpers incorporate larger air intakes, contributing to a wider and more assertive stance.

From the side, the Superb retains its elegant and elongated silhouette, a hallmark of its design that emphasizes its executive sedan proportions. Sharp character lines and multi-spoke alloy wheels (expected to be 18-inch on top variants) enhance its premium appeal. The rear is characterized by sleek, wraparound LED taillights with crystalline elements, potentially connected by a light bar, and a revised bumper design. Aerodynamic efficiency has been improved, contributing to better fuel economy. Dimensions are substantial, measuring approximately 4869 mm in length, 1864 mm in width, and 1503 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2836 mm. Ground clearance is around 151 mm.

Safety is a paramount concern for Skoda, and the 2025 Superb is expected to uphold the brand's strong safety record. While specific Bharat NCAP ratings for the 2025 model are pending, previous Skoda models on similar platforms have achieved 5-star Global NCAP ratings, indicating a high level of occupant protection. The Superb is likely to be equipped with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features.

Standard safety equipment is expected to include 9 airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Higher variants will likely feature advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), potentially including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Front Assist (with predictive pedestrian and cyclist protection), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), and Park Assist. A 360-degree camera system with parking sensors will further aid in maneuvering this large sedan. The use of high-strength steel in its construction reinforces the vehicle's structural integrity, providing a robust safety cell for occupants.

The 2025 Skoda Superb re-enters a segment that has seen a decline in traditional sedan sales, but it still faces competition from a select group of premium sedans and even some entry-level luxury SUVs.

Its most direct and long-standing rival is the Toyota Camry Hybrid. The Camry offers a strong-hybrid powertrain, delivering exceptional fuel efficiency and Toyota's renowned reliability. While the Camry might not match the Superb's outright luxury and European driving dynamics, its hybrid advantage and bulletproof reliability make it a compelling alternative for those prioritizing running costs and peace of mind.

From the German luxury trio, the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine (or standard 3 Series) are indirect competitors. The Audi A4 offers a refined petrol engine, premium interiors, and a strong brand image, appealing to buyers seeking established luxury. The BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine, with its extended wheelbase, directly competes with the Superb's emphasis on rear-seat space and driving dynamics, offering a more engaging driving experience. While these German sedans might carry a higher premium, they offer a more prestigious badge and often more dynamic performance.

The Superb differentiates itself by offering a unique blend of executive-class space and comfort at a price point that undercuts many true luxury sedans, while still providing a premium European driving experience and a strong feature set. Its sheer cabin volume and practical boot space often surpass its direct sedan rivals, making it a highly practical luxury offering.

The 2025 Skoda Superb's return to the Indian market is a welcome one, bringing a compelling package of luxury, space, and performance to the premium sedan segment. With its refreshed design, exquisitely appointed interior, powerful TSI petrol engine, and a host of advanced features, it is well-positioned to appeal to discerning buyers who value executive comfort and sophisticated European engineering. The Superb continues to be a benchmark for rear-seat space and practicality in its class, making it an ideal choice for chauffeur-driven owners and families who frequently travel.

While its CBU pricing will place it at the higher end of the segment, the value proposition lies in its expansive feature list, premium experience, and robust build quality. For those seeking a comfortable, powerful, and technologically advanced sedan that offers a true executive lounge experience without stepping into the full-blown luxury brand territory, the 2025 Skoda Superb is a highly recommended option. The L&K (Laurin & Klement) variant is expected to be the sole offering, providing the complete, uncompromised Superb experience.