History: Tracing the Škoda Superb from its 1930s origins to its successful modern generations

› The model designation ‘Superb’ has a long tradition of denoting the Czech car manufacturer’s range topper
› Building on this legacy, each modern generation of the Superb has epitomised engineering excellence since 2001
› Showcasing a wide array of innovative features and further design refinements, the fourth modern Superb generation embodies Škoda’s rich heritage

Mladá Boleslav, 2 November 2023 – The first generation of the modern Škoda Superb was launched in 2001 – nearly seven decades after the original Superb’s debut in 1934. To date, more than 1,600,000 units have rolled off the production lines. Both the hatchback and Combi estate model variants have clinched numerous international accolades and awards from renowned car magazines over the years.

The predecessor to today’s Superb models was the comfortable, quiet and responsive Škoda 640 Superb. It was launched in 1934 and, at 5,500 mm in length offered ample room for up to seven people. By the time the historic Superb went into series production, Škoda had already produced several premium models. However, the Superb was innovative in many ways, featuring an advanced central tube frame with independent wheel suspension, and the onboard wiring worked with a then completely new 12 V system, which is still used in cars today. The model was powered by a six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 2,492 cm³ and an output of 40.5 kW (55 hp). Four years later, in 1938, Škoda launched its new 3000 OHV straight-six engine with a displacement of 3,137 cm³. It provided an output of 62.6 kW (85 hp) and was more efficient owing to its new concept with overhead valves (OHV). The Superb 3000 OHV was available as a classic notchback saloon, a limited-edition convertible and a limousine with a glass partition between the front and rear seats. Between 1939 and 1940, Škoda produced twelve Superb 4000s with eight-cylinder engines. One of these rare models is now a focal point for visitors at the Škoda Museum in Mladá Boleslav. From 1935 to 1949, Škoda built a total of 2,500 units across all versions of the first Superb generation.

More than 50 years later, Škoda relaunched the Superb. Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2001, the first modern-generation Superb has been the brand’s flagship ICE model ever since. By 2008, around 137,000 units had rolled off the production line. The Superb was the first Škoda model to feature several technical innovations back then, such as bi-xenon headlights, automatic Tiptronic transmission and the Coming Home function, which kept the dipped headlights on for a short time after the doors closed. Garnering numerous accolades, it was also dubbed the ‘Best Import Car’ by the German trade magazine ‘Auto Bild’.

Škoda Superb (2001) — First modern-generation Škoda Superb

In 2008, Škoda presented the second generation of the modern Superb, the first to offer optional all-wheel drive. The hatchback featured an innovative Twindoor, a sizable tailgate designed to open either partially, like a traditional boot lid, or fully. Thus, the Superb combined the advantages of a notchback saloon – with a separate boot – and a hatchback. From 2009, the Czech automaker expanded the series to include a particularly spacious Combi estate. By 2015, the second Superb generation had found 618,000 buyers and outperformed its predecessor in terms of sales figures. The second generation also won a host of international awards. British car magazine ‘Top Gear’ named it ‘Luxury Car of the Year’ in 2009, and, in 2012, it claimed the title of ‘Best Import Car’ in its category in the ‘Best Cars’ readers’ poll by the German car magazine ‘auto motor und sport’.

Škoda Superb (2008) — Second-generation Škoda Superb

Launched in February 2015 with the Combi estate following soon after, the third iteration of the modern Superb is built on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform. Once again equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, it was the first Škoda model to feature a DCC Adaptive Chassis, tri-zone climate control, and pioneering assistance systems like Traffic Jam Assist and Emergency Assist. Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist and Travel Assist expanded the Superb’s offerings. With the 2019 model update, the Superb iV debuted as Škoda’s first plug-in hybrid model. As of now, with over 845,000 units produced, the third modern generation of the Škoda Superb is the best-selling generation of this series to date. Across all generations, more than 1,600,000 Superb models have been produced worldwide, and the fourth-generation Superb is poised to continue the flagship’s success story.