One-off Škoda Superb special edition celebrates success of third-generation model [Photo Gallery]

Škoda’s flagship model for more than 20 years, the Superb has enjoyed a unique status in the brand’s line-up. Launched in 2001 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Superb quickly became the benchmark car in its sector for quality, practicality and value.  As one of the automotive industry’s great all-rounders, the Superb has won more industry awards than any other car in the Škoda range. The third modern generation of the Superb has been the best-selling generation to date – 860,000 cars, accounting for more than half of the 1.6 million models produced over all generations. A new fourth-generation Superb went on sale in June (2024) and delivers even more space, comfort and technology.

To celebrate the remarkable sales and critical success of the third-generation model, Škoda UK has commissioned a unique, hand-built special – the Superb Sleeper Edition. Based on the Superb Estate 2.0TSI 280PS 4×4, which at the time of its introduction in 2016 was the most powerful and fastest production Škoda ever, the one-off special has been designed and engineered to reflect the Superb’s status as the ultimate all-round everyday car.

Boasting high performance and an unassuming exterior appearance, the Superb is a nod to ‘sleeper car’ culture. Designed and built in the UK by RE Performance, the engineering team behind the record-breaking Octavia that set a Land Speed Record of 227.080mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats in 2011, the Superb Sleeper Edition boasts all-wheel drive and a raft of mechanical modifications that raises the engine power output from 280PS and 350Nm of torque to 477PS and 661Nm. The engine is fitted with an upgraded turbo and a revised fuel system. Upgrades to the induction intake and intercooler collectively boost the car’s performance, delivering an exhilarating driving experience.

To ensure that the Superb Sleeper handles and stops as well as it accelerates, the car’s height is 50mm lower than the standard car on which it is based, and is equipped with a handling pack with a race-bred coil-over suspension, along with a performance brake kit (that comprises larger grooved discs and upgraded callipers).

Although the Superb Sleeper features a significantly updated drivetrain and chassis, one aspect of the vehicle will remain unchanged. To pay tribute to the model’s reputation as the ultimate ‘sleeper car’, the special edition looks as unmodified as possible from the outside. Finished in Royal Green, a colour introduced to the UK range in 2023 to mark the coronation of King Charles III, the exterior is complemented by a Cognac tan perforated leather interior with contrast stitching, and driver seat massage function.

The Lauren & Klement flagship model features one of the most comprehensive equipment lists in the sector. Full Matrix LED headlights with AFS (adaptive front light system), LED daytime running lights, Lane Assist, an electrically operated boot with Virtual Pedal, Park Assist and a Rear View Parking camera offer every creature comfort for driver and passengers.

Inside, Tri-zone climate control, heated windscreen and heated three-spoke leather multifunction steering wheel ensure that occupants are comfortable at all times, while the standard-fit Virtual cockpit, Columbus satellite navigation with 9.2″ touchscreen display and integrated Wi-Fi and CANTON sound system further enhances the Superb’s luxury feel. 

With one of the best luggage capacities in its class (660 litres, which extends to 1,950 litres with the rear seats folded down), the Superb Estate Sleeper Edition offers bucket loads of pace and space.

A hat-trick of successes
The third generation of the Superb caused a sensation at its world premiere in Prague in 2015. Its design language, luxurious interior, wide range of modern assistance systems and highly efficient engines were well received. At the same time, the third-generation Superb introduced several technical innovations to the brand’s model range: in addition to the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive chassis, parking assist and three-zone air conditioning were also available for the first time. The spacious Superb Estate was added to the range in the same year.

Over the last 23 years, Škoda has delivered around 1.6 million units of the Superb.