A Thunderous Makeover: Cupra Tavascan Gets a Shot of Adrenaline

When the Cupra Tavascan first took the stage, it resembled a stylish Scandinavian apartment: polished, polite and forgettable. Now the Spaniards have decided to throw in a pinch of testosterone. The new Extreme package lets the Tavascan finally stand out, almost enough to truly earn its Cupra badge.

At the heart of the refresh are 21-inch forged wheels that are ten kilos lighter, sparking more joy in the corners than free tapas. These rims are wrapped in 255-millimeter-wide tires, while the CUP Bucket seats plunge deep like a rally car’s cockpit, offering firm lateral support along with heating and ventilation. Comfort is an afterthought here: this setup is about unfiltered, distilled driving pleasure.

The new paint option is matte, moody and aggressive, like a thunderhead ready to burst. It's the first time the model has worn such a fierce expression. Inside, there's a newly designed steering wheel clad in Dinamica microfiber and fabric, adding a tactile sharpness to the revamped cabin.

But Tavascan’s update goes beyond the visual. All versions now come with a “sound signature”: not your average electric whine, but a dynamic audio backdrop that responds to speed, driving mode and throttle input. Naturally, it’s all pumped through speakers, meant, like Russian propaganda, for internal consumption only.

Under the hood, things remain unchanged. Buyers can opt for either a single motor producing 286 horsepower or a dual-motor setup delivering 340. Both draw power from an 82 kWh battery, offering a range between 522 and 568 kilometers.

So yes, the Tavascan is now sportier, angrier and more compelling. At long last, it’s starting to look and feel like a proper Cupra.