At the IAA 2019, Cupra showed with a study how Seat’s sports brand imagines a fully electric SUV. Now it is clear: The Cupra Tavascan goes into series production. However, customers still have to be patient, because the SUV coupé will not be on the market until 2024.
A new picture of Cupra’s second electric model (number one is the Cupra Born in the size of the VW ID.3) shows a near-series model that is strongly based on the study – here the designers opted for an extroverted appearance. For an electric car, the front looks unusually jagged. Large slits are intended for airflow and, among other things, lead the cooling air to the battery.
Illuminated Cupra logo will probably not go into series production
The concept also showed an illuminated Cupra logo in the lower area of the apron, which has now moved to the hood – a detail that is probably not to be expected in the production version. The headlights have a new light graphic in a triangular design, which can already be seen on the Terramar and will probably also adorn future Cupra models.
Overall, the Tavascan’s face looks insect-inspired and vaguely reminiscent of the Lotus Elise. On the side, the large muscle modeled towards the rear wheel arch is striking. It makes the rear end of the Cupra appear particularly wide.
At the rear of the study, the apron cites the design of the front. The continuous strip of lights bears a Cupra logo.
The concept is based on 22-inch wheels made in the turbine design. They should benefit the aerodynamics and receive a copper-colored rim well. The sill forms a winglet to the rear wheel. (Guide: These are the best summer tires 2022!) The rear of the Tavascan Concept looks beefy and quite high.
It carries a continuous band of lights that has an illuminated brand logo in the middle. Here, too, we expect that the production version will probably have to make do with an unlit variant. The rear apron picks up the rugged design from the front and houses a racing-inspired light in the middle.
Interior of the Cupra Tavascan with fully digital cockpit
The interior of the Tavascan study has a very reduced design. A 12.3-inch display replaces the speedometer unit, and another 13-inch screen is responsible for infotainment. The larger screen can also be rotated to face the passenger if required. Below that are touch buttons arranged in a row. The gears are engaged and the hazard warning lights are switched on.
Touch surfaces can also be found on the spokes of the steering wheel, which, like on the front and rear, has an illuminated logo on the impact absorber. You control the infotainment and the digital cockpit. The start button and driving mode switch are also located on the steering wheel. Carbon and Alcantara were not spared in the show car. How much of it makes it into the series remains to be seen.
The touch surfaces on the steering wheel spokes control infotainment and the digital cockpit.
Up to 306 hp from two electric motors in the Cupra Tavascan possible
Cupra uses the VW Group’s MEB platform as the floor assembly for the Tavascan. The Spaniards have not yet announced whether the production version will have the drive of the study or whether it will have a weaker motor. The concept car is powered by two electric motors, which together deliver 306 hp (225 kW).
That should be enough to accelerate the SUV to 100 in 6.5 seconds. The motors are mounted on the front and rear axles and make the SUV an all-wheel drive vehicle. A 77 kWh battery should enable a range of 450 km according to WLTP.
