VW-Owned Cupra’s Tavascan May Come to North America

Cupra unveils its battery-electric Tavascan as CEO Wayne Griffiths confirms the Volkswagen Group-owned Spanish automaker may launch the compact CUV in the North American market.

Initially previewed in concept car form at the 2019 Frankfurt auto show, the Tavascan will be produced in a joint venture with Chinese automaker Anhui Jianghuai Automobile (JAC) in Anhui, China. Exports to key global markets, including Europe, are to begin by the end of 2023.

“At the moment, we’re testing our brand” in North America, Griffiths says. “We think Americans would love Cupra’s design and performance. The results from these first tests are very promising and very positive.”

Cupra was established as a standalone brand by its parent company SEAT in 2018 following the VW Group's failed attempt to purchase Alfa Romeo.

The brand name was taken from SEAT’s motorsport division and positions Cupra as a more sporting alternative to the Volkswagen, Škoda and SEAT brands within the VW Group portfolio.

A sister model to the VW ID.4 and ID.5 as well as the Škoda Enyaq and new European-market Ford Explorer, the Tavascan is positioned as a sporting electric alternative to the internal-combustion-engine Cupra Formentor launched in 2021.

The high-riding, 5-seat CUV follows the Born hatchback as the second Cupra model to be based on the VW Group's MEB electric-car platform, offering a choice of either rear- or all-wheel drive.

Trading outright practicality for sporting good looks, the production version of the Tavascan adopts a coupe-like profile similar to that of the earlier concept.

Inside, the Cupra model receives its own uniquely styled dashboard. It houses a 5.3-in. (13.5-cm) free-standing instrument display and 15-in. (38-cm) central infotainment touch display (pictured, below).

Cupra Tavascan cabin

A high-set center console divides the cabin, providing space for various storage bins, a pair of cupholders and a central storage compartment, while a comprehensive ambient lighting system provides various lighting color combinations.

The interior design underlines the Tavascan's sporting intentions with a flat-bottom, multi-function steering wheel and bucket-style front seats with integral headrests.

Buyers will be able to choose between a range of different upholsteries, including a polyester fabric made up of 90% recycled materials.

The Tavascan offers 19.1 cu.-ft. (541 L) of cargo space underneath its cargo blind at the rear.

Options include a head-up display with augmented-reality functionality and a 12-speaker sound system developed in collaboration with German audio specialist Sennheiser.

The initial Tavascan lineup set for sales in China and Europe by the end of 2023 will offer the choice of two drivetrains.

The base rear-wheel-drive setup uses a single rear-mounted synchronous electric motor developing 282 hp.

But Cupra focuses on the top-of-the-line all-wheel-drive, dual-motor system during the Tavascan’s unveiling in Berlin. Powering the range-topping Tavascan VZ, it places one motor on each axle for a combined 335 hp.

This provides the most powerful Tavascan model with a claimed 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 5.6 seconds, according to Cupra.

The battery is a 77-kWh lithium-ion unit that uses prismatic cells. Mounted within the floor of the MEB platform, it provides the rear-wheel-drive model with a preliminary WLTP range of up to 341 miles (549 km), with the all-wheel drive model with 321 miles (517 km).

The Tavascan supports charging at up to 11 kW on an AC system and 135 kW on a DC charger – the latter of which is claimed to provide a 10%-80% recharge in 30 minutes. There is a choice of two main driving modes and up to four different energy recuperation modes.

Cupra Tavascan rear 3.4