Mobility

The Cupra Tavascan is a VW ID.5 with attitude. Above all, this electric SUV coupe has a lot of rage in its most powerful VZ variant. It even comes in a trim level called Adrénaline. That says eveything about its ambitions.

At the end of 2024, the cold didn't scare the Cupra Tavascan VZ Adrénaline away from our hands. First of all, it's a 4-wheel drive thanks to its duo of electric motors. Then there's its 77kWh battery (82kWh gross), with exterior styling cut to the bone to guarantee serene autonomy. The result is a car with 340hp (250kW) divided between the 286hp rear engine - the leader of the pack - and the 109hp front engine. In everyday use, the Tavascan VZ is a rear-wheel drive. The front engine is only called upon during heavy acceleration and sporty driving, when the rear feels like waltzing. But let's not get ahead of ourselves.

Light bath

No straight lines aboard the Tavascan. There are waves. The central support even creates a Y between the seats. There's also light, lots of it, on the passenger side of the dashboard and on the door panels. In the center of the console, a floating 15-inch screen initiates a modernized infotainment system. In contrast, the driver's digital instrument cluster is minimalist. You might as well rely on the head-up display. This prototype design doesn't prevent the 4.64m Cupra from being practical. Especially as there's plenty of room for passengers, despite its coupe-like lines. Even the trunk is generous under the lid (540l). Up front, the microfiber bucket seats set the tone for the Spanish car's character.

Crazy 

With 340hp and 535Nm, in Cupra mode, the SUV accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 5.5 sec. And yet, the Tavascan is no lightweight. Suffice to say that with so much horsepower, the quiet 2.3 tons are a breeze to handle. The bagatelle continues with the controlled suspension. The car is stable in bends and easy to steer, thanks to precise steering. It's hard to fault. A feeling of serene dynamism that must also be pleasing with the 286hp (210kW) two-wheel-drive version, as the chassis looks so assured. In any case, with its two engines and all-wheel drive, the Tavascan VZ is a devilishly efficient machine... and comfortable, despite its 21-inch wheels.

Toasting the cells

When you set off at a furious pace, you might expect to have to recharge too regularly. But no. The official WLTP range for the VZ Adrenaline is 515km. If you allow yourself a few hard bursts of acceleration out of bends and sporty starts at green lights, while respecting the speed limits, you can make journeys of over 350km before plugging in, including a guaranteed 300km on the freeway without dragging yourself along the 1st lane. The heat pump included in the Contrast & Hero winter package, which also includes buttock and back heating for all seats and electric windshield defrosting. A €1,515 bonus (in Belgium). 

Play with your feet

It's possible to dose regeneration during deceleration, to grab a few Wh by taking your foot off the gas, but not enough to avoid braking. Especially as the brake pedal sometimes lacks a little bite. If you don't, you'll just slow down, very slowly. There's an automatic regenerative power mode, which is sometimes surprisingly random in its strength. Let me put it to you this way: it's safer to exercise your right leg. A sharper pedal, less dependent on regeneration, would be more in keeping with sporty driving, especially if you set out to test it on the track or on a German freeway to test its top speed of 180km/h.

Well-born, not free

Fun, surprising, out of the ordinary, the Cupra Tavascan VZ reconciles us with the pleasure of driving electric.  It's a great car it is, with an aggressive look, even from the side. Its design and spirit make it dare to step out of line. It even avoids the hypocrisy of false engine noises, fully embracing its electrification. However, all this requires a price tag of 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. And not necessarily with the essential heat pump, if you don't want to freeze to death in winter. Especially as, in the absence of 800 V architecture, DC fast charging will be limited to 135kW. However, management is efficient. In short, the battery is often able to continue driving for 2 hours after a 30-minute break. Great, it's ready to go again!

(MH with Olivier Duquesne – Source : Cupra – Picture : © Olivier Duquesne)