Cupra Tavascan: The next MEB model receives a facelift
The facelift trend within the Volkswagen Group continues. Following the Cupra Born, Skoda Enyaq, and Skoda Elroq, as well as updates (without a major facelift) to Ford’s MEB models, the Cupra Tavascan is now the next electric model from the VW Group to receive an update.
In contrast to the Born, which has been on the market considerably longer, the updates to the Tavascan’s design are far more restrained and barely noticeable at first glance.
The Born, built in Zwickau, required a facelift to align with Cupra’s current brand design, featuring three triangular LED daytime running lights. In contrast, the Tavascan was actually one of the first models to showcase the new brand identity. After all, this battery-electric SUV coupé has only been in production since early 2024 and, for example, only became available in Germany from June 2024. To see how the pre-facelift model performed, read our test drive review.
While the Tavascan’s design has been up to date from the outset, its technology has, despite its later market launch, still been based on the first generation of MEB technology. With this early model update, Cupra is primarily focusing on technological improvements.
As with the previously mentioned models, this involves the new base drivetrain, which has not been available in the Tavascan until now. Up to this facelift, Cupra’s larger MEB model has only been offered with a 77 kWh battery—once as the Endurance model with a 210 kW rear-wheel-drive powertrain and once as the sporty VZ variant with a 250 kW all-wheel-drive option.
The base drivetrain introduces two key changes: the Tavascan range is being expanded to include a new variant with a 140 kW electric motor and a 58 kWh battery. This battery uses LFP cells (the previous 59 kWh battery in other MEB models used NMC cells) and is expected to deliver a range of around 435 kilometres in the Cupra. The Spanish VW brand states that the charging time from 10 to 80 per cent remains the familiar 26 minutes, meaning the charging power will peak at 105 kW, as with the other models.
The drivetrain delivers 140 kW and provides up to 350 Nm of torque. It is powered by a new electric motor called the APP350, which replaces the older APP310 (with 310 Nm of torque) in the MEB platform—though, as mentioned, this motor has not been offered in the Tavascan until now.
According to Cupra, the drivetrain ‘ensures a confident, engaging driving experience while maintaining the Tavascan’s driver‑focused character and progressive spirit.’
There are no changes to the drivetrain in the Endurance and VZ variants, which continue to feature the familiar 77 kWh battery and 210 kW or 250 kW power outputs, respectively.
However, all Tavascan variants benefit from several interior upgrades. Behind the steering wheel, a significantly larger 10.25-inch cockpit display is now installed, and the steering wheel itself has been redesigned—featuring physical buttons instead of the previously criticised touch-sensitive fields. The infotainment touchscreen now runs on an Android-based system, a feature already familiar from the Born and Skoda models.
“The interior evolution with a dynamic, intelligent climate control system that adapts to every drive and operates through new electric air vents that activate even before the driver enters the cabin. As the key approaches, the system pre‑circulates air and adjusts its direction based on occupants and sun position and can also be controlled via voice commands for added convenience,” Cupra explains.
Connectivity has also been enhanced: with the new Mobile Device Key, drivers can unlock, start, and share access to their vehicle via smartphone. Up to four Digital Keys can be shared, with a fifth reserved for the primary user. Additional features such as ‘Open on Approach’ and ‘Walk Away Lock’ aim to enhance convenience, while a Smart Card enables temporary access if needed.
The Vehicle-to-Load function via an adapter connected to the charging port is now also available in the Tavascan.
There is, however, a minor update to the exterior design: the colour palette is being expanded to include ‘Dark Void,’ described by Cupra as ‘a deep and expressive new colour that enhances the sculptural presence of the Tavascan and reinforces its progressive identity.’
Production is set to begin in the coming weeks, with the first customer vehicles to be delivered after the summer break. Cupra has not yet commented on pricing, but in Germany, the Tavascan Endurance is currently available from €48,340, while the VZ starts at €52,910. With the new, as-yet-unnamed base drivetrain and LFP battery, entry into the Tavascan range is expected to become slightly more affordable.
The Tavascan will continue to be built at VW’s Anting plant in China. As a result, the Cupra model has previously been subject to additional tariffs on electric vehicles manufactured in China when imported into the EU. However, in February, it was announced that VW/Cupra and the EU Commission had agreed on a minimum price regulation to replace the tariffs—this applies specifically to the Tavascan, the only VW Group model offered in Europe that is manufactured in China.
1 Comment