Cupra Tavascan VZ
Electric performance SUV taking on the Tesla Model Y
Electric SUVs that want a piece of the Tesla Model Y pie are arriving fast, especially in Australia where the Model Y dominates EV sales. One of the more interesting challengers comes from Spain. This is the Cupra Tavascan, and the version driven here is the VZ, the top spec, all wheel drive, performance focused variant.
This review is based on real time use, not just a quick spin. The car has already done daily duties for a few weeks, and it will stay in the garage for a few months to see how it behaves in normal life, not just on test roads.
Where the Cupra Tavascan VZ sits on price
The Cupra Tavascan VZ is priced at around AUD 75,000 in Australia. Entry level versions start closer to AUD 60,000. That places it right in the middle of the electric midsize SUV segment.
When you look at what rivals cost, especially similarly sized performance EVs, the pricing feels competitive. Not cheap, but not outrageous either. It clearly targets buyers who want something sportier and more distinctive than the usual options.
Battery, charging, and range
The Cupra Tavascan uses a 77 kWh lithium ion battery.
Charging specifications
AC charging up to 11 kW
DC fast charging up to 135 kW
Charging speeds are decent but not class leading.
One major miss is the lack of scheduled charging. This means no built in way to automatically charge during off peak hours. For an EV at this price, that feels hard to justify.
Driving range
With the 21 inch wheels fitted, WLTP range drops to around 460 km. The wheels and tyres have a noticeable impact on efficiency.
Powertrain and performance
The VZ version uses a dual motor all wheel drive setup.
Power and torque figures
Combined power output of 250 kW
Rear motor produces over 500 Nm
Front motor adds around 130 Nm
Traction is strong, and power delivery feels immediate.
There is a kickdown switch at full throttle that adds an extra shove, even in comfort mode.
Real world efficiency
This is where the Tavascan struggles a bit.
Long term average consumption sits at around 21 kWh per 100 km. That is high for this segment.
For context, a Tesla Model Y Performance often sits closer to 17 kWh per 100 km. The difference shows how much the wheel and tyre package affects range.
Ride quality and handling
The Tavascan VZ rides on adaptive dampers, and they make a big difference.
Ride impressions
Comfort mode feels composed and usable for daily driving
Firm over bumps, especially on rough surfaces
Not harsh, but clearly tuned on the sporty side
On highways and country roads, body control is excellent. The car feels planted and stable even at higher speeds.
Drive modes and dynamic behaviour
Switching to performance mode firms everything up.
Stronger regenerative braking feel
Sharper throttle response
Artificial sound enabled, which most drivers will want to turn off
Steering feel is good, and tyre grip is outstanding.
Braking performance and pedal feel
This is the biggest dynamic weakness.
Pedal feel is soft and spongy at the top of the travel. You need to press hard before meaningful braking happens. Once it bites, stopping power is strong.
Test results show excellent stopping distances, but confidence suffers because of poor pedal feedback. This is something Cupra really needs to address.
Performance testing results
0 to 100 kmph in 5.43 seconds
80 to 120 kmph in 3.38 seconds
100 to 0 kmph stopping distance of 35.52 metres
Straight line performance meets expectations, and braking distances are impressive despite the pedal feel.
Visibility and parking
Forward visibility is good, and side mirrors are large.
Rear visibility is limited due to the narrow rear window design. A digital rear view mirror would help here.
Parking cameras work well, and despite its size, the Tavascan is easy to place in tight spots.
Driver assistance and semi autonomous tech
Lane centring and adaptive cruise control perform very well.
The system holds the car confidently in the lane, even in more challenging sections. Calibration feels natural, not intrusive.
Exterior design and road presence
Cupra has gone all in on design, and it shows. The Tavascan shares its underlying platform with models from the Volkswagen Group, including vehicles related to Volkswagen ID.4 and Volkswagen ID.5, but you would never guess that by looking at it.
This does not look like a rebadged anything.
Key exterior highlights
Sharp and aggressive front design with open lower cooling sections
Distinctive LED lighting with animated light signatures at night
Illuminated rear light bar that spans the full width
Individual Cupra lettering front and rear
Large diffuser at the back for added drama
The styling turns heads. People regularly stop to ask what it is, which says a lot about brand recognition and curiosity around Cupra in Australia.
Wheels and tyres
The VZ rides on massive 21 inch alloy wheels with arrow style centre caps. They look excellent, easily some of the best looking wheels fitted to an electric SUV right now.
Tyres are Hankook Ion, designed specifically for EVs and SUVs. They provide strong grip but come with a trade off in efficiency, something that becomes clear later.
Door handles and exterior details worth noting
The flush style door handles do not pop out. Instead, there is a small button behind the handle. It works fine, but the handle feels fragile if pulled hard. If the car does not unlock instantly and someone yanks it, long term durability could be a concern.
Other exterior notes include:
Full glass panoramic roof
Privacy glass at the rear
Drum brakes at the rear, which feels out of place on a sporty variant in 2026
The drum brakes stand out, and not in a good way. On a performance focused EV, expectations are higher.
Interior design and first impressions
Inside, the Tavascan feels very different from most EVs. Cupra clearly prioritised design over minimalism.
The cabin features bold 3D shapes, especially across the dashboard and centre console. It feels intentional and well thought out, not decorative for the sake of it.
Materials are mostly soft touch on key surfaces, including the doors and centre console. Build quality feels solid, with no obvious rattles or flex.
Screens and controls
Display layout
15 inch central infotainment screen
5 inch digital display ahead of the driver
The infotainment screen is huge, sharp, and high resolution. Menus respond quickly and feel intuitive once you spend some time with them.
The driver display stays small, which actually works well. It shows speed, range, and essential driving info without distraction.
Controls and usability
Most controls are touch based, including capacitive buttons on the steering wheel. They work, but physical buttons would have been better. This is one area where Cupra has followed trends rather than logic.
Drive mode buttons on the steering wheel are useful and easy to reach.
Infotainment and connectivity
This is one of the strongest parts of the Tavascan.
Infotainment highlights
Wireless Apple CarPlay with full screen support
Wireless Android Auto with full screen support
High resolution display with smooth animations
Driver attention monitoring that does not constantly nag
There is one issue worth mentioning. Wireless smartphone mirroring can drop out briefly when passing under toll gantries. It happens with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is annoying, and there is no clear explanation yet.
Sound system quality
The Tavascan comes with a Sennheiser branded audio system featuring 12 speakers.
Sound quality is excellent. It handles bass well, stays clear at higher volumes, and feels well tuned. As a standard system, it is impressive and does not feel like an afterthought.
Ambient lighting and cabin atmosphere
Interior lighting is customisable and extends across the dashboard and doors. It genuinely changes the mood inside the cabin.
There is also a smart lighting feature on the dashboard that visually shows battery charge status when charging. Small detail, but nicely executed.
Practicality and storage
Front storage and charging options
Two USB C ports up front
Wireless phone charger
12 volt socket
Storage space in the centre tunnel is deep and covered, good for hiding valuables. There is an odd shallow space below the console that feels unfinished.
The glovebox is tiny due to fuse box placement. This is another reminder that right hand drive packaging still feels like an afterthought.
No sunglasses holder either.
Seating and comfort
This car tested includes an optional package costing around AUD 8,000.
What the package adds
21 inch alloy wheels
Sporty racing style seats
Nappa leather upholstery
Seat ventilation
Heated seats and steering wheel
Electric seat adjustment
The seats look fantastic and feel supportive on long drives. Comfort levels are high, and everything falls easily to hand while driving.
Second row space and comfort
Rear seat space is better than expected.
Good knee and toe room
Headroom is acceptable, though taller passengers may feel tight
Rear air vents
Third zone climate control
Two USB C charging ports
Centre armrest and ski port
One downside is the hard plastic seat backs on the sport seats. They scratch easily and lack map pockets.
Boot space and cargo capacity
The powered tailgate opens to reveal 540 litres of boot space.
Boot highlights
Wide loading area
Adjustable boot floor
Underfloor storage for charging cables and tyre repair kit
Side storage pockets
Depth is average, but overall space is usable for family duties. Rear seats fold to expand cargo space further.
Final thoughts after initial ownership
Compared to vehicles like the Ford Mustang Mach E and Volkswagen ID models, the Cupra Tavascan feels more engaging and more focused on driving enjoyment.
It looks great, drives well, and offers a strong sense of character. Pricing sits where it should, though it is still on the expensive side.
Big wins include design, interior quality, infotainment, and ride tuning. Weak points include efficiency, brake pedal feel, rear drum brakes, and the lack of scheduled charging.
A longer term ownership update will reveal how these points hold up over time. For now, the Cupra Tavascan VZ stands out as one of the more interesting electric SUVs in this segment.
Cupra Tavascan VZ FAQs
What is the Cupra Tavascan VZ?
The Cupra Tavascan VZ is the top spec performance version of Cupra’s electric coupe style SUV. It comes with an all wheel drive dual motor setup and sits as a sporty alternative to electric SUVs like the Tesla Model Y.
How much does the Cupra Tavascan cost?
In Australia, the Cupra Tavascan VZ is priced at around AUD 75,000. Entry level versions of the Tavascan start closer to AUD 60,000, making it competitive within the electric midsize SUV segment.
Is the Cupra Tavascan all wheel drive?
Yes. The VZ variant uses a dual electric motor setup with one motor on the front axle and one on the rear. This provides all wheel drive traction and stronger acceleration.
How much power does the Cupra Tavascan VZ produce?
The combined output is 250 kW. The rear motor delivers over 500 Nm of torque, while the front motor adds around 130 Nm, giving the car strong straight line performance and confident traction.
What is the 0 to 100 kmph time?
The official claim is around 5.5 seconds. Real world testing showed a 0 to 100 kmph time of about 5.43 seconds, which is right on target.
What battery does the Cupra Tavascan use?
The Tavascan is equipped with a 77 kWh lithium ion battery. Like most EVs, it is best charged to full only when preparing for longer trips.
What is the driving range of the Cupra Tavascan?
With the optional 21 inch wheels fitted, the WLTP rated driving range peaks at around 460 km. These larger wheels do reduce efficiency compared to smaller wheel options.
How efficient is the Cupra Tavascan in real world use?
Long term real world driving showed an average consumption of around 21 kWh per 100 km. This is higher than some rivals, mainly due to the large wheels and sporty tyre setup.
What charging speeds does the Cupra Tavascan support?
On AC charging, it supports up to 11 kW. On DC fast charging, peak speeds go up to 135 kW. These figures are reasonable but not class leading.
Does the Cupra Tavascan support scheduled charging?
No. One major drawback is the lack of scheduled charging. This means owners cannot easily automate charging during off peak electricity hours using the car’s system.
How is the ride quality of the Cupra Tavascan?
The ride is on the firmer side, especially on the 21 inch wheels, but adaptive dampers help maintain comfort in everyday driving. Comfort mode works well for city and highway use.
Is the Cupra Tavascan practical for families?
Yes. It offers good rear seat legroom, rear air vents, USB C charging ports, and a powered tailgate. Boot capacity stands at 540 litres, which is suitable for family use.
What are the main interior highlights?
Key highlights include a large 15 inch infotainment screen, a smaller 5 inch driver display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, customisable ambient lighting, and a high quality Sennheiser sound system with 12 speakers.
Are there any notable downsides?
The main drawbacks include high real world energy consumption, spongy brake pedal feel, rear drum brakes on a sporty variant, limited rear visibility, and the lack of scheduled charging.
