The Cupra Tavascan is a Tesla ID.5 with attitude. Above all, this electric SUV coupe has a lot of fury in its most powerful VZ variant. It even comes in a trim level called Adrénaline. That says everything about its ambitions.
The Cupra Tavascan VZ Adrenaline remained by our side even in the depths of winter 2024. Its standout feature is its 4-wheel drive capability, owed to a duo of electric motors. The car boasts a substantial 77kWh battery (82kWh net capacity), designed to ensure long-range autonomy, with an exterior design transformed to reduce air resistance. As a result, the Tavascan VZ commands a formidable 340hp (250kW) – 286hp from the rear motor, with the remaining 109hp contributed by the front motor in heavy acceleration and spirited driving situations. Typically, though, the car operates on rear-wheel drive.
Light bath
There are no straight lines on the Tavascan. Instead, it features a wave-like design. The central support between the seats forms a Y shape. The interior is bright, with plenty of light coming from the passenger side of the dashboard and the door panels. A 15-inch screen floating on the center console brings the infotainment system into the 21st century. In contrast, the driver’s dashboard is minimalist, making the head-up display a useful feature. The prototype design doesn’t compromise on practicality. In fact, it provides ample space for passengers, despite its sleek coupe-like appearance. The trunk is spacious under the lid, offering 540l of capacity. The microfiber bucket seats up front set the tone for the car’s personality, establishing its Spanish character.
Crazy
The Tavascan, with a 340-horsepower engine that produces 535Nm of torque, can speed up from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.5 seconds when in Cupra mode. However, despite its impressive power, the SUV is not cumbersome. In fact, with its moderate 2.3 ton weight, it is surprisingly agile. The adaptive suspension system helps to ensure a smooth ride, while the precise steering provides confident handling in corners. The Tavascan is well-balanced and easy to maneuver, making it hard to find fault in its performance. Even the two-wheel drive version, which boasts 286 horsepower, feels stable and composed, thanks to its well-engineered chassis. Overall, the Tavascan VZ is a highly efficient and comfortable vehicle, particularly given its large 21-inch wheels.
Toasting the cells
When you accelerate quickly, you might assume you’ll need to charge the car frequently. But not so. The WLTP official range for the VZ Adrenaline is 515km. If you indulge in occasional bursts of acceleration when exiting turns and having a lead at stop lights, while abiding by speed limits, you can drive over 350km before needing to recharge, including 300km on the highway without relying on the slowest lane. The contrast-enhancing heat pump added in the Contrast & Hero winter package, which also offers full-body seat heating and electric windshield defrosting, comes with a €1,515 discount (in Belgium).
Play with your feet
It’s possible to boost regeneration during deceleration by lifting off the gas, but this doesn’t enable complete coasting. The regenerative power can be quite unpredictable. Failing to take control will result in very slow deceleration. An automatic regenerative power mode is also available, but it can be quite capricious. For a more engaging driving experience, a more responsive brake pedal with less reliance on regeneration would be more suitable, particularly when attempting high-speed driving, such as track days or reaching the stated top speed of 180km/h on German Autobahns.
Well-born, not free
The Cupra Tavascan VZ offers an exciting, unconventional experience behind the wheel, making driving an electric vehicle a true pleasure. This impressive car boasts an aggressive appearance, even when viewed from the side, and its design and attitude invite you to take a bold approach. It has the courage to proudly display its electrification, eschewing fake engine noises for a genuine, uncompromising electric driving experience. However, the price tag is substantial, reaching over €70,000 in Belgium, €65,000 in France, €60,000 in the Netherlands and Germany, £55,000 in the UK, and CHF62,000 in Switzerland. It’s also worth noting that the heat pump is a non-essential feature, as a vital element to prevent freezing in winter. Furthermore, the lack of 800 V architecture means that DC fast charging is limited to 135kW, resulting in a 30-minute break only allowing the battery to replenish enough to drive for 2 hours.
Meet with Olivier Duquesne – Source: Cupra – Picture: © Olivier Duquesne
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