Cupra Tavascan gives a sporty take on MEB

Cupra has never been afraid to go its own way, and the new Tavascan shows just how bold the brand can be. As Cupra’s first fully electric SUV and the final model to complete its current range, it combines expressive Spanish design with one of the most competitive categories in the industry — the electric midsize SUV.

It might not be first to the table, but it makes a strong entrance. Built on Volkswagen Group’s MEB electric platform, it joins a family that already includes the Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5, Škoda Enyaq, and Audi Q4 e-tron — with Cupra now delivering its own distinctive flavour.

For New Zealand, two models are available: the rear-wheel-drive Tavascan V, priced at $84,900, and the all-wheel-drive Tavascan VZ at $94,900. Both arrive well equipped and positioned at the premium end of the market, but the new pricing makes them notably sharper propositions.

DESIGN & INTERIOR

Where many EV SUVs blend into the crowd, the Tavascan deliberately stands apart. Triangular LED headlamps form a sharp V around an illuminated copper logo — a Cupra first. Carefully sculpted openings channel airflow around the front wheels, helping it achieve a drag coefficient of 0.26, impressive for an SUV.

From the side, its 4.76 m length and 2.76 m wheelbase give a tight, athletic stance, with body contours designed to guide air towards a rear diffuser and spoiler. Despite the coupe-style roofline, luggage space remains generous at 540 litres, and rear headroom is acceptable for adults.

At the rear, a full-width light bar and glowing Cupra badge highlight the brand’s design flair. Inside, the theme continues — a floating dash and sculptural central spine divide the cabin, while a copper-accented blade runs the width of the fascia. Standard bucket seats in Dark Knight microfibre add to the sporty atmosphere. They’re supportive yet forgiving, and both are 12-way electric, heated, and comfortable for long drives. A 15-inch infotainment screen with Cupra’s latest interface dominates the centre, joined by a panoramic roof and a 12-speaker Sennheiser sound system tuned for the Tavascan’s cabin. The touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons remain but are now illuminated and easier to use.

PERFORMANCE & RANGE

Underneath, the Tavascan shares much with its MEB siblings, but Cupra’s tuning makes it the most dynamic of the group. Both variants use a 77 kWh (net) battery with 135 kW DC and 11 kW AC charging.

• Tavascan V: 210 kW / 545 Nm, rear-drive, 0–100 km/h in 6.8 s, WLTP range 534 km

• Tavascan VZ: dual-motor AWD, 250 kW combined, 0–100 km/h in 5.5 s, WLTP range 499 km

The VZ adds adaptive DCC suspension, while both include drive modes (Range, Comfort, Sport, Cupra) and paddle-controlled regenerative braking. There’s even a traction setting to mimic AWD lock for slippery surfaces. Towing capacity is 1000 kg (V) and 1200 kg (VZ).

ON THE ROAD

Cupra’s driver-focused design philosophy is immediately clear.

The seating position feels low and engaging, visibility is strong, and the seats strike a fine balance between support and comfort.

Ride quality is firm even in Comfort mode — a by-product of the car’s dynamic tuning and large wheels — but refinement is otherwise strong. In Cupra mode, the dampers tighten, steering gains heft, and a subtle artificial soundtrack adds a sense of theatre. It’s brisk rather than brutal, but agility is excellent. Weight distribution is balanced, and steering response sharp. The base rear-drive model may even be the purist’s pick thanks to its lighter, more playful feel.

Road and wind noise are impressively muted, and the cabin feels solidly assembled — no rattles or squeaks from the Chinese-built production line.

DRIVER ASSISTANCE

Cupra deserves praise for its driver-assistance calibration. Lane-keeping and attention alerts are subtle and logical, intervening only when truly necessary. If you’re distracted by the touchscreen too long, the system briefly locks it — a clever, non-intrusive reminder to focus ahead. A missing traffic-sign recognition system cost the Tavascan a four-star ANCAP rating instead of five, but overall safety performance is strong.

VERDICT

Cupra says the Tavascan is for those who get it — people who appreciate design and individuality as much as performance. Compared with its MEB siblings, it’s easily the most expressive: where the ID.4 is practical and the Enyaq mature, the Tavascan is emotional and bold.

Cross-shoppers will likely include buyers of the BMW iX2, Mini Countryman EV, and even Audi Q4 e-tron, while the BYD Sealion 7 offers more value but less personality.

At $84,900–$94,900, the Tavascan now undercuts the Tesla Model Y Performance while offering a more distinctive and emotive take on the electric-SUV formula. What it delivers instead of outright pace is rare in this class — striking design, craftsmanship, and a genuine sense of character that sets it apart from the more clinical competition.