Cupra has revealed its second fully electric model after the Born, and it’s an SUV coupé in the style of the Volkswagen ID.5 and fastback Skoda Enyaq. 

The new Tavascan uses the same underpinnings as its sister cars too, with a single or twin motor options and a range of up to 321 miles from a 77kWh battery pack. 

At 4,644mm long, the Tavascan is slightly longer than a Volkswagen ID.4 but marginally shorter than the best-selling Tesla Model Y.

It has a much sportier look than either though, reflecting the brand’s place inside the VW Group. Particularly interesting are the three-triangle ‘eyes’ in the headlamps and a polished black A-pillar connecting the windscreen to the side glass, which is meant to look like a racing driver’s helmet visor.

Illuminated badges will be a feature on all future models

Perhaps the most distinctive feature is the illuminated CUPRA logo – it’s expected the Tavascan will be the first production car with an lit-up badge in Europe. These elements will be used on all future Cupra products. 

The Tavascan will be available with two power outputs. The lowest will be a single motor rear drive with 286PS, which is a significant upgrade from the 201PS which is used in other VW Group products. It’s also expected this engine will be used in the Born and in a planned performance version of the Volkswagen ID.3.This variant has a range of around 341 miles from its 77kWh battery pack.

Drivers wanting more power can plump for a twin motor version that will have 340PS and all-wheel drive. Up to 30% of the vehicle’s power can be fed to the front wheels. This top version, called the VZ, can reach 62mph in 5.6 seconds and a range of around 321 miles from the same 77kWh net battery pack.

The interior has copper accents and a distinctive central 'spine'

Both versions can recharge at the same maximum of 135 kW, meaning a 10 to 80% charge takes just under half an hour using a 135kW DC charging point.The car also  features paddle shifters for variable brake regeneration levels - a first in the VW Group electric car range, which has traditionally only had one regen setting. A heat pump is optionally available to improve cold weather efficiency. 

Inside there is a 15” infotainment screen sitting on top of a distinctive central ‘spine’ along with Cupra’s trademark copper trim accents. Other technology includes a remote control parking option via your smartphone and Car2x, which allows communication between cars to share road information about emergencies, broken down vehicles and accidents.

The bad news is that the Tavascan is still some way off, and isn’t expected in the UK until mid to late 2024. It will be one of three new electric Cupras due by 2025, along with the Terramar and UrbanRebel. The Born will also receive a facelift in 2024.

The Tavascan is the first of three new electric Cupras due by 2025