Tavascan takes Cupra into Model Y, Q4 E-tron territory
CUPRA’S BREAKAWAY success from Seat looks set to strengthen further with the Tavascan SUV coupé, its third bespoke offering and second all-electric model.
Launched alongside the tagline “the brand’s dream comes true”, the SUV is only subtly distinguishable from the bold-looking concept that previewed its design in 2019.
The carryovers are clear, if slightly less radical. A sharp, hammerhead-style front end with large grille and distinctive three-triangle light signature is joined by a raked roofline and boot-wide rear light bar.
These design cues – which Cupra hopes will help the brand build on last year’s record 150,000 sales – will shape future models, such as the Urban Rebel city EV and the Terramar hybrid SUV, confirmed Cupra.
“There are so many purely rational electric cars coming to the market. That’s not what Cupra is about,” said CEO
Wayne Griffiths. One such model is the designed-forpurpose Tesla Model Y, which, with over 30,000 sales in 2023 so far, is dominating the premium European electric SUV segment in which the Tavascan will compete.
Cupra hopes the Tavascan’s bold look will lure buyers away from the Model Y as well as the likes of the Audi Q4 E-tron and Genesis GV60, which, at £40,000-£55,000, it is expected to match on price.
Based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, the Tavascan builds on Cupra’s sporty credentials, with a top-rung 335bhp, 501lb ft, dual-motor all-wheel-drive model offered alongside a 282bhp single-motor variant.
A potential range of 314 miles comes courtesy of the same 82kwh (77kwh usable) battery as the VW ID 5, with which the Tavascan will share a production line at the group’s factory in Anhui, China.
The new SUV also offers a premium interior uplift on the smaller Born EV and Formentor – Cupra’s other two bespoke vehicles – with gold trim, flecked lighting, a 15.0in infotainment screen and a floating centre ‘spine’.