2025 Cupra Tavascan cleared for local release

The 2025 Cupra Tavascan has received Australian Design Rule compliance more than six months out from its local introduction, with two variants being homologated thus far.

It will be a while yet before we hear how much Cupra’s first mid-size electric SUV will cost here, but odds are it will start somewhere around the same mark as the upcoming Volkswagen ID.5 – mid-$60,000s – with which it shares the bulk of its DNA.

The variants in question are the ‘210kW RWD 82kWh’ and the gruntier ‘250kW AWD 82kWh’, which are known in overseas markets as the Endurance and VZ respectively.

As their names suggest, both versions incorporate an 82kWh (gross) battery pack good for up to 568km of range in rear-wheel drive form and 522km with all-wheel drive, however, the AWD version predictably offers more power and performance.

Again as per its nameplate, the single-motor version outputs 210kW/545Nm and is claimed to hit 100km/h in 6.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 180km/h.

These figures better the base Tesla Model Y RWD (194kW/340Nm, 0-100km/h in 6.9sec), while the Cupra’s considerably bigger battery pack means it also delivers a much longer range than the Tesla (455km).

It’s not quite the same story with the dual-motor versions, however. The all-paw Tavascan outputs 250kW/545Nm and hits 100km/h in a claimed 5.5sec, while the Model Y Long Range AWD is 0.2sec quicker (5.3sec) and offers an extra 11km of range (533km versus 522km).

But what else does the federal government’s ADR data tell us about the incoming Cupra Tavascan range that we didn’t already know?

Both models have un/braked towing capacities of 750kg/1000kg respectively, both weigh more than 2200kg and both will inevitably come loaded with standard equipment.

According to the homologation data, 20-inch wheels will feature across the line-up, along with common braking and suspension packages, though it seems there’ll be some sort of enhanced chassis pack or sportier set-up available as an option.

Headline equipment for the Tavascan Endurance sold in Europe comprises Matrix LED headlights, sports bucket seats, recycled cloth upholstery, a 15-inch infotainment system, Connected Travel Assist and tri-zone climate control.

The VZ flagship adds adaptive dampers, aero wheels and dark-chrome exterior trim.

We wouldn’t be surprised if Cupra Australia’s Tavascan line-up mimics the European range, with the apparent cross-over of wheels and suspension leaving room for the release of more variants and/or special-editions in future, as per the rest of Cupra’s models Down Under.

The Tavascan EV will be joined in Australia next year by the Audi Q3-based Cupra Terramar, a smaller SUV fitted with combustion and hybrid powertrains to replace the Ateca.

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