The all-new CUPRA Tavascan has been unveiled, and on paper it displays a stunning design and impressive performance. However, compared to its competitors, does it offer enough power and range to make a lasting great impression? Let's take a closer look at the numbers and see if it's a sheep in wolf's clothing.
Ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seat belts as we dive deep into the world CUPRA Tavascan, the latest electric SUV coupe the most sporty brands in to the VW group. Just yesterday, CUPRA pulled the covers off this stylish beast and it certainly caught our attention. But now it's time to see if Tavascan has the substance to back up his style.
Tavascan built on electric vehicle architecture MEB of the Volkswagen Group, is available in two power output versions. The top-of-the-line VZ version boasts 250 kW (340 hp) with a dual-motor four-wheel drive system, while the rear-wheel drive version delivers a slightly more modest 210 kW (286 hp). At first glance, these numbers seem quite respectable. But compared to the most affordable and entry-level rear-wheel-drive Tesla Model 3, they seem a bit parsimonious, given the CUPRE's reputation as the sports car in the Volkswagen family. A power output of around 330 kW wouldn't hurt it if you ask me.
Let's get down to the size of this electric SUV coupe. Tavascan measures substantial 4,644 mm in length, 1,861 mm in width and 1,597 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,766 mm. It's a big car, no doubt about it. But when we look at the battery, we only find out 77 kWh capacity". Is that enough for a car of this size? Well, comparing it to its siblings, the ID.4 and ID.5, it appears to be CUPRA may have missed an opportunity to really stand out in terms of battery performance and range.
Speaking of range, the endurance version of the Tavascan with rear wheel drive and battery s 77 kWh it promises around 550 km* according to the official WLTP test cycle. Top notch CUPRA Tavascan The twin-engine, all-wheel-drive VZ has a slightly lower range of around 520km* with its 77kWh battery pack. While those numbers aren't particularly great, a larger battery pack could push the Tavascan ahead of its rivals. No brand should sell a car of this shape and size with a battery pack of less than 100 kWh. However, with the "dimensions" of the car, we can conclude that in practice this car will not travel more than 350 real kilometers. Which is the marginal utility of an electric car. The group will surely give this car a bigger battery later. But let's hope it will be bigger, really bigger and only that 8 kWh larger, as bizarrely as at ID.7.
Don't get me wrong – CUPRA Tavascan it is undeniably a beautiful car and its performance is far from astounding. However, when we dig deeper and compare it to what already exists, it seems like it could do more to stand out. More powerful output and a bigger battery would really elevate the Tavascan from a style contender to a formidable force on the trgu of electric SUV coupes. Well, it seems to be CUPRA Tavascan, just the same car as it was Alfa Romeo Brera. Extremely beautiful, but completely devoid of soul and real substance.
As always, we'll reserve final judgment until we've had a chance to Tavascan we drive onto the open road. And let's find out if it is 350 kilometers enough reaches and or us 300 horses impress. But for now, it looks like the CUPRA's latest offering could do with a little more substance, a little more pepper, to match its undeniably stunning sporty styling.
