Skoda Epiq revealed at Milan Design Week 2026 exhibition

Skoda presents the Epiq electric SUV concept at Milan Design Week 2026, showcasing design, innovation and strategy. Explore details and context.

Škoda Auto has once again used Milan Design Week to step beyond the traditional automotive context — and in 2026, it does so on a noticeably larger and more expressive scale. At the center is not just design, but a carefully crafted brand experience built around the upcoming electric model Epiq.

The exhibition takes place in the courtyard of the Baroque Palazzo del Senato and immediately sets the tone: soft shapes, tactile surfaces, and a visual language inspired by modelling clay. The concept was developed in collaboration with Spanish designer Ricardo Orts and his Ulises Studio, known for working at the intersection of architecture, art, and spatial storytelling.

Visitors are greeted by a camouflaged Škoda Epiq, a compact electric crossover scheduled for its official premiere in May. Alongside it stands Epiq Sculpt, a hand-shaped artistic interpretation of the vehicle. This pairing highlights the core idea of the installation: the car is not just a product, but part of a broader artistic and cultural narrative.

The Epiq itself plays a key role in Škoda’s strategy. It is a city-focused SUV measuring around 4.1 meters in length, aimed at the mass market with an expected price of about €25,000 and a range of over 400 kilometers. Within the brand’s lineup, it is positioned as an entry point into electric mobility and a crucial model for expanding its customer base.

The exhibition, however, goes far beyond showcasing a vehicle. The space is designed as an interactive environment: clay modelling zones, a dedicated children’s play area, opportunities to create accessories, sample traditional treats, or generate an AI avatar inside a digital dome. In the central area, visitors can join yoga sessions, while the Epiq Talks program brings together Škoda designers, Ulises Studio, and guest speakers.

This approach is closely tied to the brand’s Modern Solid design language, which emphasizes minimalism, functionality, and visual robustness. Already introduced in models such as the Elroq and the updated Enyaq, it is presented here in a more emotional and spatial form.

Škoda’s return to Milan Design Week following its 2025 debut signals a broader strategic shift. Like other automotive brands — including Lexus and BMW — the company is increasingly using design platforms to shape perception rather than simply present technical specifications. In this context, the car becomes part of a wider ecosystem of experiences.

Open to the public from April 21 to 26, the exhibition feels less like a traditional product display and more like an exploration of how design, mobility, and human interaction may converge in the near future.