Cupra’s electrification push is taking a big step forward with the unveiling of the electric Tavascan crossover.
Designed and developed in Barcelona, the model was previewed by a concept in 2019 and is being billed as the “hero of a new era.” Speaking of which, the model ushers in a new design language that will soon spread to other vehicles.
While Cupra says the Tavascan has an “intimidating and mysterious look,” that’s stretching things a bit. Instead, it has a performance-focused aesthetic with a shark nose front fascia and a black lower section.
More: Cupra DarkRebel Debuts As Digital Concept Car You Can Configure In The Metaverse
Elsewhere, we can see sweptback headlights with a “three-triangle eye signature.” They’re an eye-catching addition and so is the illuminated Cupra logo.
Moving further back, there’s black cladding, a rakish windscreen, and 19-, 20- or 21-inch wheels with an aerodynamically optimized design. They’re joined by blacked out A-pillars, an angular shoulder line, and a relatively sporty roof.
The rear echoes the front with triangular taillight graphics and an illuminated Cupra logo. They’re joined by a small rear spoiler, a black bumper, and a relatively plain diffuser. Buyers will also find a color palette that consists of Tavascan Blue, White Silver, Atacama Desert, Urano Grey, Hypernova Red, and Century Bronze Matte.
In terms of size, the Tavascan measures 182.8 inches (4,644 mm) long, 73.3 inches (1,861 mm) wide, and 62.9 inches (1,597 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 108.9 inches (2,766 mm). To put those numbers into perspective, the model is slightly longer and lower than the Volkswagen ID.4 but has the same wheelbase.
A Concept Worthy Interior With A Central Spine
The interior is surprisingly adventurous and features a “central spine” that connects to the dashboard. It’s an interesting touch and is covered in 3D parametric mesh trim.
Drivers sit behind a flat-bottomed steering wheel and find themselves looking at a 5.3-inch digital instrument cluster. It’s accompanied by an augmented reality head-up display.
Sticking with screens, the cabin is dominated by a 15-inch infotainment system that features widgets as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system also sports ‘touch bars’ that can be used to adjust volume and climate settings.
We’ll learn full details closer to launch, but the Tavascan features sports seats as well as recycled polyester and microfiber upholstery. Buyers will also find a 12-speaker audio system, illuminated door panels, illuminated sill plates, and copper accents. The model also has a power liftgate that opens to reveal 19.1 cubic feet (540 liters) of luggage space.
Semi-Autonomous Driving Tech And An EV-Friendly App
On the safety front, the crossover features Car2X communications technology and a host of driver assistance systems. Among the latter are Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Adaptation, and Side Assist. The model also has Lane Assist, Exit Warning, Exit Assist, and Front Assist with swerve support and turn assist.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg as the Travel Assist semi-autonomous driving system combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering. The system also offers assisted lane changes.
Buyers will also find Emergency Assist as well as Assisted Parking and Trained Parking. Lastly, the crossover works with the Cupra app to enable owners to manage charging, adjust the climate control system, and lock/unlock doors remotely.
A 77 kWh Battery And Up To 342 Miles Of Range
The crossover rides on the MEB platform and will be offered with two different powertrains. The range-topping Tavascan VZ has a rear-biased dual-motor all-wheel drive system, which develops a combined output of 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS) and 501 lb-ft (679 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 5.6 seconds.
Power is provided by a 77 kWh battery pack that should provide around 323 miles (520 km) of range in the WLTP cycle. Other highlights include an available heat pump, four levels of regeneration, and a drive mode selector with Range, Comfort, Performance, and Cupra settings.
Customers with tighter budgets can opt for the entry-level Tavascan Endurance. It features a rear-mounted electric motor with 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) and 402 lb-ft (545 Nm) of torque. While the crossover will be slower than its VZ counterpart, it will be able to travel approximately 342 miles (550 km) on a single charge.
Speaking of which, a 135 kW DC fast charger can take the battery from 10-80% in less than 30 minutes. If that’s too long, a 7 minute charge can deliver as much as 62 miles (100 km) of range.
Arrives In Europe Next Year
While Cupra is a Spanish brand, the Tavascan will be produced at Volkswagen’s Anhui factory in China. That’s about as far from Barcelona as you can get, but the crossover will be launched in 2024 and Cupra is aiming to sell more than 50,000 units annually.
It remains to be seen if the company will be able to hit that target, but Cupra CEO Wayne Griffiths said “The brand’s journey towards electrification is its unstoppable impulse – it’s at the heart of everything we do.” He added, Cupra will be a fully electrified brand by 2030, but they’re not doing “purely rational electric cars” as “that’s not what Cupra is about.”