Cupra Tavascan, a Volkswagen ID.5 GTX with a bold personality

The new electric SUV from Cupra, the Tavascan, has begun production and its commercial launch is therefore imminent.

There is no need to change a winning business model at Volkswagen. That of increasing product variety based on a single technical platform. This approach made the German group’s fortune through its diverse brands with a very broad price range, from Seat to Audi via Skoda, Cupra, or Porsche. Let’s put Bugatti and Bentley aside for now, as they are very high end in Volkswagen’s product lineup.

But what has always worked with thermal or hybrid models is somewhat less effective with electric vehicles. The primary reason is the pricing strategy. Volkswagen does not want to engage in a price war and aims to maintain its premium status with high prices and margins.

However, the world has changed, and competition has broken the codes. Now, one can choose a car with advanced technology and quality materials without breaking the bank. Because intrinsically, today, a Volkswagen ID.4 has no real argument against a Tesla Model Y. Price, range, equipment, performance — the American does better in all areas. This is the sad reality. And customers are not fools.

With its highly developed connections and loyal customer base, Volkswagen Group still manages to persuade and is the top-selling electric car brand in Europe by volume. Proof that the pack mentality, with many brands aiming to maximize appeal, is not outdated.

Here comes the Cupra Tavascan, a sort of Volkswagen ID.5 GTX with a more personalized look. In terms of dimensions, it’s a direct copy. But everything visible to the driver is almost entirely redesigned — the exterior, interior… and even technical specs.

For once, Volkswagen plays the card of distinction. While the ID.5 GTX boasts 299 horsepower and a 77 kWh battery, the Tavascan uses the same pack but starts at 285 hp in its V trim and goes up to 340 hp in its VZ trim.

Range is better in the case of the Cupra, which benefits from the latest advances in energy efficiency: from 517 to 547 km in mixed WLTP cycles, compared to 515 km for the Volkswagen, which reports an average consumption of 17 kWh/100 km. Realistically, expect more like 20 kWh, as the vehicle is very heavy: 2221 kg. Acceleration times are respectable: from 6.8 to 5.6 seconds depending on the motorization.

One remaining question is the price. Cupra has not yet announced it, but it is expected to be substantial. The Volkswagen ID.5 GTX already costs €65,200. Following the logic of positioning the Cupra Born relative to its cousin, the Volkswagen ID.3, the Spanish model is at least €1610 more expensive for equivalent features. Perhaps that’s why you don’t see many on the streets?

Does Cupra really need an electric SUV costing nearly €70,000 with features that won’t surpass those of the competition? Time will tell.

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