Cupra Tavascan: A New High-End Crossover to Rival Polestar 4 and Audi Q6 E-tron

Introduction

Cupra, the Spanish automaker, is venturing into the luxury market with its latest crossover, the Tavascan. Priced above £60,000, the range-topping Tavascan competes directly with the Polestar 4 and Audi Q6 E-tron. This new model is Cupra’s second bespoke vehicle, following the Formentor, and is built on the MEB platform shared with the Volkswagen ID 5 and Skoda Enyaq. Manufactured at the VW Group’s Chinese factory in Anhui, the Tavascan will be available for order in the UK starting from 11 September, with deliveries expected to commence in the near future. Customers can choose between a rear-drive powertrain or a performance-focused twin-motor version.

Pricing and Models

The entry-level Tavascan is priced at £47,340 and features a 282bhp engine, allowing for a 0-62mph acceleration time of 6.8 seconds. This model offers the highest efficiency in the range, with a range of 352 miles from its 77kWh battery, which can be charged at up to 135kW. The 4WD powertrain variant, priced at £55,935, delivers 335bhp and achieves a 0-62mph time of 5.5 seconds. The top-spec VZ2 trim, priced at £60,835, positions the Tavascan as a direct competitor to certain versions of the Polestar 4, Genesis GV60, and Mercedes-Benz EQE.

Specification and Availability

While precise details on specification and availability are yet to be confirmed, customers can secure a prioritized reservation for one of the first 50 UK-bound cars by placing a £99 refundable pre-order. Cupra aims to differentiate itself from its parent company, Seat, by offering a premium lineup of electric vehicles (EVs). The Tavascan plays a crucial role in this strategy, and Cupra plans to expand its premium offerings in the future, including the introduction of a second-generation, electric-only Formentor and a production version of the Darkrebel sports car concept.

Design and Features

The Tavascan boasts a premium interior, featuring gold trim, flecked lighting, and a central ‘spine’ that mirrors the car’s front end. It is equipped with a 15-inch infotainment touchscreen, similar to the one found in the Volkswagen ID 7, and a Sennheiser speaker system. The design of the Tavascan remains faithful to the bold concept that previewed its aesthetics in 2019, retaining distinctive features such as the hammerhead-style front end, raked roofline, and boot-width rear light bar. These design cues will also be incorporated into future Cupra models, including the upcoming Terramar hybrid SUV and the production version of the UrbanRebel city EV.

Conclusion

The Cupra Tavascan represents the brand’s foray into the luxury market, offering a high-end crossover that rivals the Polestar 4 and Audi Q6 E-tron. With its premium design, advanced features, and powerful performance, the Tavascan showcases Cupra’s commitment to delivering unique and exciting electric vehicles. As Cupra continues to expand its premium EV lineup, the Tavascan sets the stage for the brand’s future success in the US market and reinforces its distinct positioning as a design-oriented, electric performance brand.