Skoda Superb Laurin & Klement Review: The Luxury Estate Born From A Broken Bicycle

Green Lane: Skoda Superb Laurin & Klement

Jeremy: In 1894, Czech bookseller Václav Klement bought a bicycle from a German manufacturer called Seidel & Naumann. When the bike broke, Klement mailed it to the factory along with a polite letter written in Czech, asking them to fix it.

Weeks later, a response arrived – not with a repaired bicycle, but with a cold, dismissive note written in German: ‘If you want us to answer you, we insist that you convey your message in a language we understand.’

Klement was furious. Instead of accepting the insult, he decided that if he wanted a good bicycle fixed right, he would have to build it himself. He teamed up with steam engine expert Václav Laurin and the fledgling seeds of Skoda were planted.

The company quickly switched from pedals to pistons and today one of the plushest models in Skoda’s line-up is named in their honour. The Superb Laurin & Klement (L&K) is a flagship, luxury-focused estate from a brand once ridiculed for poor build quality and outdated designs.Loaded with top-tier trim, the Superb is elevated from a vehicle praised for its functional features into a genuine rival for established premium badges like Audi and BMW.

Without overstating the point, the Superb is one of the most complete, all-round family cars on the market today. This is an estate that commands an elegant, understated presence. Skoda has avoided ostentatious styling, opting instead for crisp lines, a prominent corporate grille and sophisticated matrix LED headlights. The L&K trim distinguishes itself with subtle exterior updates, including unique 18-inch alloy wheels, bespoke badging on the front wings and tasteful chrome detailing that hints at its premium status – without looking too flashy.

However, the real magic happens when you step inside. The cabin is a masterclass in space and comfort. Volkswagen Group’s influence is undeniable but Skoda has executed the interior with a sense of warmth. The L&K comes upholstered in sumptuous leather, featuring ventilated, heated and massaging front seats that rival the comfort of luxury saloons costing twice as much. Our 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid cost £48,720 – which is an absolute steal.

Inside, the dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, anchoring a crisp, highly responsive infotainment system alongside Skoda’s ingenious ‘Smart Dials’ – customisable rotary controllers that brilliantly bridge the gap between digital menus and tactile, physical buttons. And where the Superb truly obliterates its competition, premium or otherwise, is cabin volume. Rear legroom is nothing short of limousine-like, allowing tall adults to stretch out completely even with equally tall occupants up front.

Then there is the boot. It offers a gargantuan 690 litres of luggage space with the seats up, expanding to a cavernous 1,920 litres with them folded. It handles everything from family holiday luggage to flat-pack furniture with effortless ease.

The Superb delivers the space of an SUV, the comfort of an executive saloon and the unbeatable value that remains core to Skoda’s DNA. For those who value substance over badge prestige, the L&K is a magnificent achievement. We’ll report further on the superb Superb in a few months.

Jessica: On the road, the L&K prioritises refinement over sporty dynamics – although there is a ‘Sport’ setting on the automatic gearbox. Equipped with Dynamic Chassis Control as standard, the car glides over road imperfections like a magic carpet.

In Comfort mode the suspension softens beautifully, making long-distance motorway cruising an incredibly hushed and relaxing affair. Wind and road noise are remarkably well suppressed.

If there is a minor criticism, it is that the light, comfort-oriented steering offers little in the way of driving thrills on a twisty B-road. But to judge this car on cornering agility is to miss the point entirely. The Superb Estate Laurin & Klement does not pretend to be a sports car – it’s a masterclass in stress-free, luxurious motoring.

Discover more about the Skoda Superb Estate at skoda.co.uk

Dr Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby is director of programmes at London College of Fashion, with a PhD in sustainable e-textile design.