Cupra Tavascan: A Dream Come True for the Electric Car Market
Cupra, the breakaway brand from Seat, has unveiled its latest offering at the Munich motor show. The Cupra Tavascan, a sharply-styled coupe-SUV, represents the brand’s “dream come true” and is set to strengthen Cupra’s position in the electric car market.
Built on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, the Tavascan showcases Cupra’s sporty credentials. It will be available in two variants: a top-of-the-line 335bhp, 501lb ft, dual-motor, four-wheel-drive model, and a less powerful 282bhp single-motor variant. This places it in direct competition with the entry-level Tesla Model Y RWD and the top-spec Audi Q4 E-tron Performance.
Powering the Tavascan is an 82kWh (77kWh usable) battery, similar to the one found in the ID 5. This battery provides an impressive range of 341 miles in its most economical form, surpassing the ID 5’s range of 327 miles. The Tavascan will share a production line with the ID 5 at the group’s Anhui factory in China.
The interior of the Tavascan offers a premium upgrade compared to Cupra’s other two bespoke vehicles, the Cupra Born and Cupra Forementor. It features gold trim, flecked lighting, and a central ‘spine’ that mirrors the car’s front end. The SUV also comes equipped with a 15-inch infotainment touchscreen, similar to the one in the new Volkswagen ID 7, and a Sennheiser speaker system.
The Tavascan’s design closely resembles the concept that previewed its appearance in 2019. It retains key elements such as a sharp, angular front end with a large grille and a distinctive three-triangle light signature. The coupe-SUV also features a raked roofline and a rear light bar that spans the width of the boot. These design cues will influence future Cupra models, including the upcoming Terramar hybrid SUV and UrbanRebel city EV.
Cupra’s CEO, Wayne Griffiths, emphasized that the brand is not focused on purely rational electric cars. Instead, Cupra aims to offer fun, sexy, and sporty electric vehicles with great design. The Tavascan embodies this vision and is expected to compete with the popular Tesla Model Y in the premium European electric SUV segment.
Volkswagen Group boss, Thomas Schäfer, has expressed his commitment to investing in Cupra, indicating that the Tavascan will play a vital role in the brand’s plans. This investment could potentially lead to a shift away from Seat, as Cupra offers greater earning potential.
Cupra is confident that the Tavascan’s bold look will attract buyers in the competitive premium EV segment. With a price range of £40,000-55,000, it aims to rival the Audi Q4 E-tron, Genesis GV60, and Model Y. The Tavascan is set to arrive in late 2024, a few months after its left-hand-drive models enter Europe next summer. This strategic timing allows the Volkswagen Group to capture a larger share of the premium EV segment, where it already offers the ID 5.
In conclusion, the Cupra Tavascan represents a significant milestone for the brand and the electric car market. With its sporty design, impressive performance, and advanced features, it is poised to make a strong impact in the premium SUV segment. Cupra’s dream of reinventing electrification has become a reality with the Tavascan, and it sets the stage for future innovative models from the brand.