Cupra is a relatively new brand in the automotive world, but it has a long history as the performance division of Seat, the Spanish subsidiary of Volkswagen Group. In 2018, Cupra became a standalone brand, focusing on creating sporty and distinctive vehicles with electrified powertrains. One of its latest creations is the Cupra Tavascan, an electric SUV that combines a sleek design with impressive performance and technology.
The Cupra Tavascan electric SUV was first shown as a concept car at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show and received positive public and media feedback. The production version of the Tavascan was unveiled at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show, and it is expected to go on sale in Europe and China in late 2024. The Tavascan is based on the MEB platform, the same modular architecture that underpins several electric vehicles from the Volkswagen Group, such as the Volkswagen ID.4, the Skoda Enyaq, and the Audi Q4 e-tron.
The Tavascan has a distinctive exterior design that sets it apart from other electric SUVs on the market. It has a low and wide stance, with sharp lines and curves, giving it a dynamic and futuristic look. The front end features a large grille with an illuminated Cupra logo, flanked by slim LED headlights and air intakes. The side profile has a coupe-like shape, with a sloping roofline and muscular wheel arches. The rear end has a full-width LED light bar that connects the taillights and a spoiler that enhances aerodynamics.
The interior of the Tavascan is equally stylish and sporty, with a minimalist and modern design. The dashboard is dominated by a large 13-inch touchscreen that controls most of the functions and settings of the vehicle, such as navigation, entertainment, climate, and driving modes. The instrument cluster is also digital, with a 12-inch display showing the driver's relevant information. The center console has a few physical buttons and knobs for quick access to some features and a wireless charging pad for smartphones. The seats are upholstered in leather and Alcantara, with copper stitching and Cupra logos. The steering wheel has paddle shifters and a start button.
The Cupra Tavascan electric SUV is powered by two electric motors that deliver a combined output of 306 horsepower (225 kW) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. This allows the Tavascan to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.5 seconds and can reach a maximum speed of 210 km/h (130 mph). The battery pack has a capacity of 77 kWh, which provides an estimated range of 450 km (280 miles) on the WLTP cycle. The battery can be recharged from 10% to 80% in about 40 minutes using a fast charger with up to 125 kW of power.
The Tavascan also offers high safety and convenience features: adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, head-up display, ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, Harman Kardon sound system, and more.
The Cupra Tavascan is an attractive and appealing electric SUV that showcases the potential of the Spanish brand to compete in the global market. It combines a striking design with a powerful and efficient drivetrain and a spacious and comfortable interior with advanced technology.
The Cupra Tavascan electric SUV is expected to have a starting price of around $60,000 in Europe and ¥400,000 ($62,000) in China.
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