Bold and Loud. The Elroq Respectline celebrates diversity
Meet the unique Škoda Elroq Respectline – a car that embodies Škoda’s core values and a deep respect for human diversity, while also showcasing a number of unique and inspiring design solutions.
The Elroq Respectline is based on the sporty version of the compact electric vehicle Elroq Sportline and immediately catches the eye with its rainbow-coloured exterior. “The world is full of colours – whether we’re talking about literal hues or metaphorically about diverse opinions and perspectives. That’s exactly what the Elroq Respectline demonstrates – the variety and diversity of human beings,” says the author of the exterior design, Daniel Petr.
The Elroq Respectline builds on the first Respectline model from 2023, which was based on the electric Enyaq Coupé and expressed values of equality and respect in all areas of life. Its successor comes with a similarly clear message. “Everyone is valuable just as they are – and should be proud of it. The Elroq Respectline is a symbol of diversity and mutual respect – not only among people but also toward the world around us, whether that’s nature or different viewpoints,” explains project coordinator Petr Kavrentzis.
The colourful exterior design was part of the concept from the beginning. After several iterations, the team settled on a rainbow base that symbolizes the beauty of individuality flowing into overall harmony. The rainbow colour scheme is complemented by a motif inspired by the caron from the Škoda logo, which also appears in the interior as a proud tribute to Czech heritage. While most of the body features a blend of colours, the front remains monochrome to highlight the unique illuminated element of the grille.
The front, with its Tech-Deck Face grille, is one of the defining features of the production Elroq and a key element of the Modern Solid design language. For the Respectline, the design team treated the grille as a canvas for expressing the vehicle’s core message and brought something entirely new to life. Instead of standard lighting, the Elroq Respectline features a full-colour animated palette.
This solution, known as the Spectrum Light Band, posed a number of technical challenges, such as how to deliver a complete colour spectrum with smooth transitions. “The grille looks like the production version and uses the same mounting, but everything behind it is our own engineering,” says exterior lighting designer Petr Nevřela. He revealed that the light show is powered by 274 LED sources: 142 in the central band and 66 in each headlight.
“While ensuring enough light sources and cooling them was a technical challenge, achieving the colour gradient animation was more of a mathematical one. We developed a special algorithm to ensure smooth, natural transitions at the right speed,” Nevřela continues. “Every command to change colour represents a data load. Our custom algorithm strikes the perfect balance between visual effect and data efficiency.” A subtle detail: each side plaque is also illuminated by 32 LED sources.
The interior also gets its own bold make-over. The rainbow theme is introduced to the the dashboard and door decors, a luxurious electric green Suedia combined with sustainable Recytitan recycled fabric is finished with tonal stitching and eye catching embossing and embroidery details. At the bottom of the steering wheel, you’ll find the traditional “stone” with the Respectline logo, created by using multi-colour 3D printing technology – specially developed for this model.
“With the previous Respectline car, we kept it more subtle and focused on the message itself, but this time we decided to be much bolder with our use of colours and materials,” says interior designer Stefan Webelhorst. He adds that working on the car was a lot of fun – and it shows in the final result. When asked what feeling the vehicle should evoke, he answers without any hesitation: “Playfulness.”
“The Elroq Respectline doesn’t just carry a powerful message as a symbol of inclusion and respect for individuality – it also serves as an inspiration not to be afraid to step out of the crowd,” concludes Martina Zimmermann, Škoda Auto’s diversity coordinator. Over the coming months, the Elroq Respectline will represent the Škoda brand at various cultural and social events, for example, at the Prague music festival Metronome, the Prague Philharmonic Open Air concert, as well as at the Prague Pride festival or during the Tour de France.
As part of Škoda's collaboration with Czech footwear manufacturer Botas, a special edition of sneakers was created to reflect Škoda’s Modern Solid design language and the message of the Elroq Respectline model. The sneakers feature a rainbow embroidery on the side, inspired by an interior detail of the car.