Cupra Tavascan

Country of production

The Cupra Tavascan is produced in China, at the Volkswagen Anhui plant (Hefei, Anhui province). The model is designed and developed by the Cupra brand in Spain (Barcelona area), but assembly for Europe takes place at the Chinese manufacturing hub.

Model market launch timeline

• 2019: presentation of the Tavascan concept (preview of the design and “electric suv coupé” layout).

• April 21, 2023: presentation of the production model (official brand announcement).

• January 3, 2024: start of production in China (Volkswagen Anhui).

• June 26, 2024: order books open (official Cupra Italy communication).

• Autumn 2024: first deliveries/arrival at dealerships in Europe (timing reported by the specialist press).

• 2025: full commercialization and stabilization of the range/trims in the main markets (Italy included).

Facelifts and main updates

As a recent model, there is no structural facelift to date. Updates have so far been typical model year refinements:

• Model Year 2026 (minor update): optimization and enrichment of selected equipment, introduction/extension of connected services, and small range changes (e.g., new colors).

• Market context: non-EU production can affect prices, promotions, and availability depending on the evolution of tariffs and trade agreements.

The Cupra Tavascan is a 100% electric suv coupé in the C/D segment, developed on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform in China. It positions itself as a more “emotional” alternative compared with its technical siblings within the group: sleek profile, a generally dynamic driving setup, a modern cabin with a large infotainment display, and comprehensive ADAS equipment. The range focuses on two configurations: Endurance with rear-wheel drive (maximum efficiency/range) and VZ with all-wheel drive (more performance and traction).

Powertrain and performance

Note: real-world range and consumption vary significantly with temperature, motorway speeds, wheel/tire size, and elevation profile.

Dimensions and capacity

Main trims and prices (Italy)
(Indicative list prices; they may vary due to promotions, options, registration/taxes, and price list updates.)

Practical note: with an EV, running value depends heavily on the charging scenario (home/company vs public HPC) and the actual €/kWh paid. At purchase time, it is worth evaluating any charging/service bundles and the availability of a heat pump (if offered as an option/package) for winter efficiency.

Maintenance and first services (indicative costs)

(Estimates for BEVs in Italy: wide variability by network, city, mileage, and tires. BEVs generally require fewer mechanical interventions than ICE/PHEVs, but tires and brakes can be affected by high curb weight and large wheels.)

Pros

• Strong Cupra identity: distinctive suv coupé design, modern interior, and technology consistent with its positioning.

• Clear range structure: Endurance for efficiency/range, VZ for performance and all-wheel drive.

• Competitive charging figures for the segment: DC up to 135 kW, with 10–80% in about 28 minutes under optimal conditions.

• Good space and trunk (540 L) for the class, without excessive “coupé” compromises.

Cons

• Weight and large wheels: can increase costs and sensitivity to potholes/rough surfaces, as well as tire wear.

• Real-world range: at motorway speeds and in winter it can drop materially versus WLTP; charge planning becomes critical.

• Price and options: higher trims (especially VZ) enter a range with extensive premium competition.

• Non-EU production: a contextual variable that can affect pricing and availability (worth monitoring).

In summary

The Cupra Tavascan is a convincing option for those who want an EV with style and character, without giving up practicality and a comprehensive equipment set. Endurance is the “rational” choice for high-mileage users seeking maximum range and simplicity (RWD), while VZ makes sense if traction and performance are priorities (AWD) and a higher purchase price is acceptable. In Italy, as is often the case with BEVs, overall convenience depends primarily on the ability to charge frequently at favorable rates and on the alignment between real-world range and typical driving patterns.

Verdict — Cupra Tavascan (2025/2026 range)

The Cupra Tavascan is the brand’s first 100% electric SUV coupé and, more than “an electric Cupra,” it is a model designed to raise the bar on three fronts: distinctive design, a theatrical/tech-forward cabin, and performance consistent with its sporty image, without sacrificing everyday usability as a one-car solution. It is appropriately sized for the segment (around 4.64 m long), with a crossover stance and coupé rear end, yet it still offers a genuinely family-friendly boot and a straightforward technical setup.

The strength lies in the clarity of the range: the purchase choice is rational and well-defined. On one side, the Endurance rear-wheel-drive version, offering the highest range and a “long-distance” mindset. On the other, the VZ all-wheel-drive version, quicker and more “Cupra” in response, at the cost of lower range and a higher entry price. In both cases, the battery is the “large” one and fast charging is suitable for real-world use, even if it is not among the most aggressive in the premium market.

Key technical highlights

Range (SUV coupé, 5-door, BEV)

• Endurance (RWD): 210 kW / 286 hp, rear motor

• VZ (AWD): 250 kW / 340 hp, dual-motor all-wheel drive

Battery and charging (MEB platform)

• Battery: 77 kWh net (82 kWh gross)

• AC charging: up to 11 kW (0–100% claimed in about 8 hours)

• DC charging: up to 135 kW (10–80% claimed in about 28 minutes)

Indicative performance (claimed)

• Endurance 286 hp: 0–100 km/h in 6.8 s, top speed 180 km/h (limited)

• VZ 340 hp: 0–100 km/h in 5.5 s, top speed 180 km/h (limited)

Range (WLTP, indicative)

• Endurance: up to about 553 km (varies by trim/wheels)

• VZ: up to about 513 km (varies by trim/wheels)

Dimensions and space

Footprint and proportions

• Length: 4,644 mm

• Width: 1,861 mm (2,108 mm with mirrors)

• Height: 1,597 mm

• Wheelbase: 2,766 mm

Cabin space

• Homologated for 5 seats, with comfortable space for 4 adults; in the rear, as often happens in a coupé, seat position and occupant height matter.

• Boot: 540 L, so it is not “compromised” like some lower or more overtly sporty alternatives.

Charging: where it makes the difference (and where it does not)

• The combination of 77 kWh net + 135 kW DC is well-judged for long trips: it is not in the “ultra fast charge” category, but it enables realistic and repeatable stops.

• With 11 kW AC, overnight home charging via a wallbox is the ideal scenario: this is the use case that makes the Tavascan genuinely cost-effective day to day.

• The real practical impact comes from wheel/trim choice: on BEVs of this mass and tyre width, consumption can change meaningfully, and so can real-world range.

Technology and cabin experience

• Infotainment: 15" central display, smartphone connectivity, and connected services; a “modern” approach with strong reliance on touch controls.

• Audio: a Sennheiser-branded system may be available (depending on version/market and equipment).

• ADAS: broadly comprehensive, but heavily dependent on packages and trims; configure carefully the features that truly matter for motorway driving (advanced lane assist, full adaptive cruise, automatic high beams/matrix where available).

Market: launch and mid-cycle update

• Market introduction (Italy): order books opened in late June 2024, with first deliveries in the second half of 2024.

• Mid-cycle facelift: as of today, there is no confirmed structural mid-cycle facelift; the 2025/2026 range is based on the launch model with typical line-up updates (equipment, packages, combinations).

Indicative pricing

• Endurance: from about €51,850 (Lite), with further steps depending on trim (Immersive/Adrenaline/Extreme).

• VZ: from about €69,950 (Adrenaline), with higher versions depending on market availability.

Who it is for

• For those who want an image-led EV that still works every day: higher seating position, a proper boot, credible range, and a more engaging road feel than many mainstream BEVs. It makes particular sense as Endurance if the goal is to cover long distances with fewer stops, or as VZ if you want a more dynamic response and value all-wheel drive in real use (climate, slippery surfaces, more assertive driving).

Who should look elsewhere

• If absolute ride softness on broken roads is the top priority, or if you want maximum “pure efficiency”: the Tavascan inevitably pays a penalty in consumption when configured for wide tyres, large wheels, and a sportier setup. Also, those who prioritise very high HPC peak charging rates may prefer models with different architectures and higher charging power.
• Who believes that it is important to give jobs to European workers.

Recommended configuration

• Endurance Immersive (77 kWh, 286 hp): the best balance of range and entry cost, ideal as a one-car solution if you can charge frequently on AC.

• Endurance Adrenaline/Extreme: for more equipment and presence, accepting the impact of wheels/tyres on real-world range.

• VZ Adrenaline (77 kWh, 340 hp): for the most “Cupra” Tavascan (performance and AWD), with lower range but a fuller, more immediate response.