Electric Cupra Tavascan crossover confirmed for production

The Cupra Tavascan crossover has been confirmed for production, with sales starting in 2024. The new model was first showcased in concept form at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor show, and will be the firm’s second all-electric model.

It’ll be based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB electric car platform, which will also underpin a host of EV models including the Cupra Born electric hot hatch, and rivals such as the Volkswagen ID.4, Skoda Enyaq and the forthcoming Audi Q4 e-tron.

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News that the Tavascan will make production was announced as part of Cupra’s annual results conference, with the firm’s President Wayne Griffiths saying, “Our dream will come true: the Cupra Tavascan will be a reality. Based on the MEB platform of the Volkswagen Group, it will be designed and developed in Barcelona and will reach Europe and overseas markets in 2024.”

2024 Cupra Tavascan: design, interior and technology

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The Tavascan's aero-efficient design attempts to combine the silhouette of a four-door crossover with SUV presence and coupe sleekness. Its styling clearly marks it out as a relation to the existing Cupra Formentor SUV.

The car’s carbon-fibre bodywork features a liquid metal paint scheme, as well as carbon fibre and copper details to enhance its appearance. The nose features a swooping bonnet design, giving it an aggressive stature, underneath which sits Cupra badging and a pair of air intakes. The lower section spans the full width of the front bumper, widening the Tavascan's stance. Elsewhere, a slim pair of LED headlights and an illuminated badge also help it stand out from the masses.

Beneath this a pair of large ‘S Duct’ air vents lead from the nose and out of the bonnet, not just for aesthetics but to deliver increased efficiency, allowing air to flow smoothly over the body or internally to cool the battery pack.

At the rear, the sharply angled rear hatch houses a striking full width LED light bar, above a sculpted rear bumper. Large 22-inch turbine-style alloy wheels and a rear diffuser also improve the car’s aerodynamics.

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The interior looks less production-ready but gives hints about future Cupra design. A 13-inch infotainment screen with a new layout and graphics could make it into future models, although not in the rotating form seen in this concept. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is also fitted.

Platform, range and performance

The Tavascan crossover will be built on the VW Group’s MEB platform, which already underpins several other models, including the Volkswagen ID.3 and the forthcoming Cupra Born electric hot hatch.

Cupra is yet to confirm powertrain specifications for the production version of the Tavascan. As a halo performance model for the brand, the Tavascan is expected to use the most powerful drivetrain that the MEB platform can handle. This could be the twin-motor set-up seen in the concept model (with one fitted to each axle to deliver four-wheel drive), which produces 302bhp giving it a 0-62mph time of under 6.5 seconds. A 77kWh battery should provide a range of around 280 miles.

Read more about Cupra’s plans for the future, starting with next year’s Formentor SUV.