Hot version of upcoming electric SUV, as previewed by the Vision E concept, will focus on styling and experience.

Skoda is planning on launching a vRS performance variant of its upcoming electric SUV that’s based on the Vision E concept. The hot version is likely to be badged ‘eRS’ and will be released in 2022, following the launch of the standard electric version in 2020.

Skoda’s sales and marketing chief Alain Favey confirmed, “There will be a vRS version of our future electric car,” he said. “It will be more about styling and experience, and not necessarily performance.”

Talking more broadly about the vRS performance brand, Favey said: “Customers like the sporty experience without [the car] being a flashy sportscar. The most powerful vRS is 248.4hp, so it’s about the look and the sporty driving of the car.”

The standard electric SUV, based on the Vision E concept shown at last year’s Shanghai motor show, will use the Volkswagen Group’s electric-only MEB platform, which is being used across all of the company’s brands.

Inside, the car will adopt the ‘floating’ screen seen in the Vision X concept earlier this year. While the Vision X will make production next year as the smallest SUV in Skoda’s line-up, this screen will be saved for Skoda’s electric models, starting with the SUV, explained Favey.

While Volkswagen is understood to be offering a number of battery capacities with different kilometre ranges, Favey said the electric SUV, which is between the Karoq and Kodiaq in terms of size, will offer one battery that will be capable of at least 483km of range.

Skoda will launch its electric model later than many rivals, including Volkswagen, whose electric ID hatchback is due late next year.