Cupra, the performance brand of Seat, is entering a new price bracket with its Tavascan crossover, as the range-topping version competes with luxury electric vehicles like the Polestar 4 and Audi Q6 E-tron. The Tavascan is Cupra’s third bespoke model, following the Formentor and Born, and is based on the same MEB platform as the Volkswagen ID 5 and Skoda Enyaq. It is manufactured at the VW Group’s factory in China. The Tavascan is available with a rear-wheel-drive powertrain or a twin-motor version with four-wheel drive.
The entry-level Tavascan starts at £47,340 and offers 282bhp, making it the most efficient model in the range. It has a 0-62mph time of 6.8 seconds and a range of 352 miles from its 77kWh battery. The four-wheel-drive powertrain increases the price to £55,935 and boosts power to 335bhp, resulting in a 0-62mph time of 5.5 seconds. The range-topping Tavascan, known as the VZ2 trim, comes in at £60,835, positioning it as a competitor to models like the Polestar 4 and Mercedes-Benz EQE.
While precise details about specification and availability are yet to be confirmed, customers can place a refundable pre-order reservation of £99 to secure one of the first 50 UK-bound cars. The Tavascan plays a crucial role in Cupra’s strategy to move upmarket and distinguish itself from its parent company, Seat. Cupra plans to expand its premium offering in the coming years, including a line of dedicated upmarket EVs that will lead its entry into the US market.
In terms of design, the Tavascan features a premium interior with gold trim, flecked lighting, and a central ‘spine’ that mirrors the car’s front end. It also includes a 15-inch infotainment touchscreen and a Sennheiser speaker system. The design of the Tavascan closely resembles the concept version that was unveiled in 2019, with its distinctive front end, raked roofline, and rear light bar. Cupra plans to carry these design cues to future models, such as the Terramar hybrid SUV and the production version of the UrbanRebel city EV.
Cupra’s CEO, Wayne Griffiths, has emphasized that the brand aims to offer more than just rational electric cars, aiming to provide a fun and sexy design that offers unique sportiness. The Tavascan represents Cupra’s vision to reinvent electrification and make electric cars exciting. With its launch, Cupra’s dream becomes a reality.
The Tavascan is a significant step for Cupra as it expands its lineup and moves into the luxury electric vehicle market. With its distinctive design and performance-focused powertrain options, the Tavascan aims to compete with established players in the segment. Cupra’s push towards upmarket EVs, including the Tavascan and future models, demonstrates the brand’s ambition and commitment to offering exciting and innovative electric vehicles.
