In a bold move, Skoda has unveiled a one-of-a-kind wagon that is sure to turn heads and leave its competitors in the dust. Based on the previous generation Superb, this Sleeper Edition is anything but ordinary. It might look like just another wagon, but beneath the surface, it’s packing a powerhouse that even outmuscles Audi’s RS4 Avant.
The project, a collaboration between Skoda’s UK branch and RE Performance, celebrates the success of the outgoing Superb model in a way that no one expected. The result? A final send-off that pays homage to the “sleeper car” culture—a car that looks unassuming but hides a beastly engine under its hood.
A Beast Under the Hood
The star of the Sleeper Edition is its reworked 2.0-liter TSI engine. Thanks to the expertise of RE Performance, this engine now produces a staggering 470 hp and 661 Nm of torque. To put that into perspective, the current Audi RS4 Avant ‘Edition 25’ delivers 464 hp from a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6. Skoda’s sleeper wagon not only matches but surpasses this performance, making it a formidable opponent on the road.
This significant boost in power is achieved through a series of meticulous upgrades. A larger Garrett PowerMax Turbo, a new fuel system, an upgraded intercooler, and a custom-made downpipe all contribute to the engine’s impressive output. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission, ensuring that the Sleeper Edition has the traction to handle its newfound strength.
Enhanced Chassis for Superior Handling
But Skoda didn’t stop at the engine. To match the power under the hood, RE Performance also enhanced the chassis. The Sleeper Edition features a new coilover suspension that drops the ride height by 50 mm, giving it a lower, more aggressive stance. The braking system has been upgraded with AP Racing grooved discs and six-pot calipers, ensuring that this nearly 500-hp machine can stop as impressively as it accelerates.
The finishing touches include shiny 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Yokohama 235/40 ZR19 rubber, providing both style and substance to this sleeper wagon.
Keeping it Understated
True to the “sleeper” ethos, Skoda has kept the exterior of the Sleeper Edition largely unchanged. The car retains the elegant lines of the flagship Laurin & Klement trim, complete with a Royal Green exterior and adaptive Full Matrix LED headlights. It’s a car that flies under the radar until it’s too late.
Inside, the Sleeper Edition is just as luxurious as you’d expect from a top-spec Superb. The interior is wrapped in Cognac tan perforated leather and features all the amenities you could want, including a 9.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, Virtual Cockpit, Canton sound system, tri-zone climate control, a massaging driver’s seat, and a heated steering wheel. With a boot space ranging from 660 to 1,950 liters, this wagon is as practical as it is powerful.
A Tribute to a Legacy
Unfortunately for enthusiasts, the Skoda Superb Estate Sleeper Edition won’t be hitting the market. This one-off will remain with Skoda UK’s press fleet, serving as a testament to what can be achieved when engineers are given free reign. The Sleeper Edition was designed to celebrate the success of the third-generation Superb, which sold a total of 860,000 units—more than half of the 1.6 million cumulative sales of the Superb nameplate since 2001.
As Skoda transitions to the fourth-generation Superb, launched in June 2024, there are rumors of an upcoming RS performance flagship. However, it’s unlikely to match the wild specs of the Sleeper Edition. This unique creation stands as a fitting tribute to the outgoing model, leaving a lasting impression in the world of high-performance wagons.
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