Škoda Epiq Unveiled: How Design Chief Oliver Stefani is Redefining Brand Identity Through “Modern Solid”
Škoda has introduced the Epiq, a new model that serves as the primary vehicle for the brand’s “Modern Solid” design strategy. According to Chief Designer Oliver Stefani, the model prioritizes three core pillars—refinement, functionality, and authenticity—by combining a 490-liter cargo capacity with a return to ergonomic physical controls and aerodynamic-focused styling.
How does the Škoda Epiq implement the “Modern Solid” design strategy?
The “Modern Solid” strategy aims to bridge the gap between high-end design and everyday usability. Oliver Stefani, who has led Škoda’s design team since 2017, explained that this approach focuses on three specific areas: refinement, functionality, and authenticity.
Functionality is most evident in the vehicle’s utility features. The Epiq includes a 490-liter trunk volume and a low loading edge, a design choice Stefani says is intended to assist customers during daily tasks like loading groceries. The vehicle is also engineered to appear larger than its actual dimensions, providing a sense of space that caters to consumer expectations for interior roominess.
Refinement is integrated into the lighting architecture. The front of the vehicle features T-shaped daytime running lights positioned above the main headlamp. While the assembly appears as a single, uniform horizontal black line from a distance, Stefani noted that the components are actually three-dimensional to ensure proper light beam penetration.
Why is Škoda returning to physical buttons in the interior?
While many manufacturers are moving toward entirely touch-based interfaces, Škoda is doubling down on tactile ergonomics. Stefani stated that the design team has not abandoned physical controls, specifically maintaining buttons for climate settings and other essential functions.
This decision addresses a growing criticism of modern automotive interiors: the difficulty of using touchscreens while the vehicle is in motion. According to Stefani, physical buttons provide better usability when driving on uneven surfaces or “cobblestones,” where precise finger placement on a glass screen becomes challenging. This focus on ergonomics is intended to meet the practical expectations of drivers who prioritize ease of use over purely digital aesthetics.
The Shift in Interior Ergonomics
- Tactile Feedback: Physical buttons allow for “blind” operation while keeping eyes on the road.
- Reduced Distraction: Larger, well-spaced buttons reduce the cognitive load on the driver.
- Durability: Mechanical controls often provide more consistent feedback in varied driving conditions.
How is electrification changing future automotive design?
The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is fundamentally altering the silhouette of modern cars. Stefani pointed out that the traditional radiator grille, once a defining characteristic of brand identity, is becoming less necessary as electric motors require different cooling profiles.
In the absence of a large front grille, designers are shifting their focus toward aerodynamics to extend driving range. This shift allows for more fluid, continuous front-end designs. Stefani also highlighted the C-pillar as a key area where design is evolving. The Epiq uses a contrasting C-pillar—one side is steep to maximize interior passenger visibility, while the other is dynamic to create a sense of movement.
This design language, characterized by the tension between steep and dynamic lines, is expected to influence upcoming models in the Škoda lineup, signaling a move toward a more “electrified aesthetic.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the trunk capacity of the Škoda Epiq?
The Škoda Epiq features a cargo volume of 490 liters and is designed with a low loading edge for easier access.
What are the three pillars of Škoda’s “Modern Solid” strategy?
The strategy is built on three pillars: refinement, functionality, and authenticity.
Does the Škoda Epiq use touchscreens for everything?
No. The design maintains physical buttons for climate control and other vital functions to improve ergonomics and driver safety.
What do you think about the return to physical buttons in modern cars? Does it make you feel more confident behind the wheel? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more automotive design insights.
