The First Performance SUV from Mladá Boleslav
When Škoda decided to affix its revered RS badge to a sport utility vehicle for the very first time, the engineering team in Mladá Boleslav chose an unapologetically capable blueprint: a seven-seat crossover powered by the most potent production diesel engine in the marque’s history. The Škoda Kodiaq RS represents the new spearhead of the Czech manufacturer’s global crossover strategy, proving that serious everyday practicality and legitimate sporting pedigree can co-exist within a single, highly composed chassis.
To demonstrate that this was far more than an appearance package or a cosmetic exercise, Škoda dispatched the Kodiaq RS to Germany’s demanding Nürburgring Nordschleife prior to its formal public unveiling at the Paris Motor Show. Piloted by racing driver Sabine Schmitz, the production-spec prototype tackled the legendary 20.832-kilometre circuit in 9 minutes and 29.84 seconds, securing the official lap record for the fastest seven-seater SUV in Green Hell history. That performance established the tone for what the Kodiaq RS delivers: an athletic family cruiser engineered with genuine high-speed poise, permanent all-wheel-drive assurance, and tireless long-range muscle.
Biturbo Diesel Engineering: Two-Stage Induction and 500 Nm of Torque
Under the bonnet sits the mechanical centerpiece of the Kodiaq RS: a 2.0-litre BiTDI four-cylinder diesel that stands as a true technical landmark for Mladá Boleslav. Generating 176 kW (240 PS) and a massive 500 Nm of torque between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm, it is the most powerful production diesel engine ever installed in a Škoda. Developing this level of output from a 1,968 cc displacement required a sophisticated two-stage sequential turbocharging setup rather than a conventional single-blower layout.
The forced induction system pairs two distinct turbochargers working in close coordination. The primary unit is a compact, high-pressure exhaust gas turbocharger featuring electronic variable turbine blade geometry. Because its turbine and compressor wheels have minimal inertia, it spools almost instantaneously off idle, building boost pressure from very low engine speeds to eliminate traditional turbo lag. The secondary unit is a larger low-pressure turbocharger engineered to flow substantial air volumes at higher engine speeds, generating up to 3.8 bar of absolute boost pressure.
At low engine revolutions, the two chargers operate sequentially: the low-pressure turbo acts as a pre-compressor, feeding pre-compressed air directly into the high-pressure unit for final compression into the combustion chambers. As engine revs climb and exhaust gas volume increases, the system transitions smoothly, eventually bypassing the high-pressure unit entirely so the large low-pressure turbocharger operates in a single-stage mode. The result is seamless, continuous power delivery across the rev band with immediate throttle pick-up and towering mid-range shove.
Drivetrain Calibration, All-Wheel Drive and Chassis Dynamics
Harnessing 500 Nm of torque requires robust transmission hardware and intelligent traction management. The Škoda Kodiaq RS routes power exclusively through a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission (DQ500), specifically calibrated to handle the engine’s intense low-rpm torque spike while delivering crisp, rapid gear shifts in manual or sport mode. The transmission integrates seamlessly with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system governed by an electro-hydraulically controlled multi-plate clutch located ahead of the rear differential.
Under standard cruising conditions on dry tarmac, the electronic control module directs nearly all driving torque to the front wheels to conserve fuel. The instant slip is detected, or when driver throttle inputs demand sudden acceleration, the multi-plate clutch engages within milliseconds, sending up to 85 percent of available torque to an individual rear wheel or distributing drive evenly across both axles. Working alongside the all-wheel-drive hardware is Škoda’s electronic differential lock (XDS+), which gently brakes an unloaded inside wheel during aggressive cornering to pivot the SUV cleanly toward the apex.
Chassis composure is anchored by standard Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). This adaptive damping arrangement continuously monitors road surface inputs, vehicle speed, steering angle, and lateral acceleration, adjusting the damping characteristics at each individual wheel in fractions of a second. Drivers can toggle between Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual, and Snow drive modes via Driving Mode Select, noticeably altering shock absorber stiffness, throttle mapping, and power steering assistance. In Sport mode, DCC firms up body control significantly, suppressing body roll and pitch during hard transitions without completely compromising ride suppleness.
Steering duty falls to a standard progressive steering rack. Unlike fixed-ratio mechanisms, the steering gear teeth are spaced closer together toward the outer locks. Around the center position, the steering feels calm and settled for effortless highway cruising, while larger steering angles require considerably less hand-over-hand input, lending the Kodiaq RS genuine agility along tighter mountain passes and through urban roundabouts.
Acoustic Tuning: Dynamic Sound Boost Debuts on a Škoda
High-torque diesel engines excel at relentless cruising efficiency, but four-cylinder oil-burners rarely stir emotional auditory responses. To address this character trait directly, Škoda engineers equipped the Kodiaq RS with Dynamic Sound Boost, marking the technology’s first appearance on any production Škoda vehicle.
Dynamic Sound Boost uses an electronic actuator mounted directly adjacent to the exhaust tailpipe rather than piping synthetic noise through the cabin audio speakers. The control unit reads real-time engine telemetry, including rotational speed, load, throttle pedal angle, and road speed, calculating a complementary acoustic pulse. When the driver engages Sport mode, the actuator produces a rich, baritone exhaust note that reinforces the vehicle’s athletic nature, providing an evocative mechanical soundtrack while retaining standard, hushed diesel refinement in Comfort and Normal modes.
Visual Presence: RS Aero Styling, Gloss Black Accents and 20-Inch Xtreme Alloys
The exterior treatment of the Kodiaq RS blends measured aggression with functional aerodynamic efficiency. Up front, a redesigned bumper features bespoke air curtains and wider lower cooling intakes designed to channel ambient air around the front wheel arches. The signature Škoda radiator grille is finished entirely in high-gloss black, matched by gloss black window trim, exterior mirror caps, and integrated roof rails.
At the rear, the Kodiaq RS wears a distinctive full-width reflector strip integrated into the lower bumper apron, a traditional styling hallmark shared with Škoda’s RS passenger cars. Visible chrome exhaust tips puncture the rear diffuser panel, hinting at the twin-turbo hardware beneath. Filling the flared wheel arches as standard equipment are massive 20-inch ‘Xtreme’ alloy wheels wrapped in 235/45 R20 tyres, housing 17-inch ventilated brake discs clamped by vibrant red brake calipers front and rear.
Illumination comes courtesy of full-LED headlights and dynamic rear taillight clusters, ensuring crisp illumination and a recognizable light signature after dark. Rounding out the exterior identity is the newly redesigned ‘vRS’ emblem—featuring a red accent in place of the previous green detailing—proudly displayed on the front grille mesh and tailgate.
Cabin Craftsmanship, Digital Architecture and Everyday Versatility
Step inside, and the Kodiaq RS immediately distances itself from standard utility crossovers. The front cockpit is dominated by heavily bolstered sports seats featuring integrated headrests, wrapped in tactile black Alcantara and leather upholstery. Contrasting red diamond-quilted cross-stitching runs along the seat bolsters, center armrest, and door panels, complemented by carbon-look decorative dashboard strips and stainless steel pedals.
The driver grips a flat-bottomed multifunction sports steering wheel trimmed in perforated leather, featuring tactile shift paddles for manual DSG control. Standard digital instrumentation arrives in the form of Škoda’s customizable Virtual Cockpit. While standard display layouts like Classic and Modern are available, the RS variant introduces a bespoke Sport view, placing a large central tachometer and digital speedometer directly in the driver’s line of sight alongside critical boost and oil temperature readouts.
Despite its performance focus, the Kodiaq RS remains true to Škoda’s practical ethos. Available in either a standard five-seat or optional seven-seat configuration, the cabin retains remarkable packaging efficiency. With the third-row seating stowed flat into the floor, luggage capacity measures a generous 600 litres, expanding to an expansive 1,960 litres with all rear rows folded down. The interior also incorporates familiar “Simply Clever” practicalities, from door-edge protective guards and umbrella storage compartments in the front doors to an electric tailgate with virtual pedal operation.
Emissions Compliance, Long-Range Cruising and Performance Benchmark
Balancing high output with strict European environmental regulations represented an essential target for the engineering team. To satisfy the stringent Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standards in force at launch, the 2.0 BiTDI powertrain employs comprehensive exhaust gas aftertreatment hardware located directly adjacent to the engine block for rapid thermal warm-up.
The assembly integrates an oxidation catalytic converter, a closed-loop diesel particulate filter (DPF), and a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system utilizing AdBlue injection to scrub nitrogen oxides (NOx) before exhaust gases exit the tailpipes. This clean-burning setup allows the Kodiaq RS to return impressive fuel economy figures on long motorway journeys, yielding an effective cruising range in excess of 800 kilometres on a single 60-litre diesel fill-up.
Against the stopwatch, the all-wheel-drive SUV covers the benchmark sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, reaching an unrestrained top speed of 221 km/h. More impressive than flat-out velocity is the vehicle’s rolling in-gear acceleration: intermediate overtaking sprints between 80 and 120 km/h occur with effortless punch, making the Kodiaq RS an exceptionally capable companion for long-distance highway cruising and family road trips alike.
With its blend of bi-turbo diesel muscle, seven-seat practicality, Nürburgring-proven chassis tuning, and high-speed stability, the Škoda Kodiaq RS carves out a unique niche in the European market. It bridges the gap between conventional utilitarian family crossovers and premium performance haulers, establishing an engaging new chapter for Škoda’s sporting lineage.
Vehicle data
| Make | Škoda |
| Model | Kodiaq RS |
| Generation / chassis code | First generation (NS7) |
| Model year(s) covered | 2019 |
| Body style | 5-door SUV (5-seat or 7-seat) |
| Powertrain / engine | 2.0-litre (1,968 cc) BiTDI 4-cylinder biturbo diesel |
| Power / torque | 176 kW (240 PS; 236 bhp) @ 4,000 rpm / 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) @ 1,750–2,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch DSG (DQ500) |
| Drivetrain | Intelligent all-wheel drive with electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch |
| Key performance figures | 0–100 km/h: 6.9 seconds; Top speed: 221 km/h; Nürburgring Nordschleife lap: 9:29.84 |
| Price (as stated) | Not stated in sources |
| On-sale / announcement period | Paris Motor Show reveal late 2018 / Market launch early 2019 |
| Market | Europe / International (excluding North America) |