Cupra Tavascan Review: The Villain of Electric SUVs
If Darth Vader and James Bond teamed up to design an SUV, it might look a lot like this. Meet the Cupra Tavascan, an all-electric performance SUV that’s equal parts stealth machine and family car. But is it truly practical… or just an evil mastermind’s dream ride? Buckle-up and join Ric Boullemier @ Sustainable Dad for a deep dive.

A Rebel With a Cause

What I love about Cupra is that it has always positioned itself as the rebellious side of SEAT, but the Tavascan takes that identity to a whole new level.

This is the first all-electric model built entirely under the Cupra badge. It’s sporty, dramatic, and just a little bit outrageous.
0–60 mph in 5.5 seconds, 341 miles of range (WLTP), and styling that looks ready for a car chase through Monte Carlo, it’s designed to make a statement.

Design: Bold, Stealthy and Unapologetically Cupra

From the moment you see it and hit the accelerator, the Tavascan oozes confidence.

The illuminated Cupra badge, angular LED headlights and sleek coupé roofline give it that Bond villain aura. It’s the kind of car that makes people stop and stare, “What is that?”

Down the side, you’ll find flush door handles, sharp character lines, and a two-tone paint finish that adds an aggressive stance.

Around the back, a full-width light bar and sculpted diffuser complete the cinematic look.

This is a brand daring to be different and not playing it safe.

Interior: Welcome to the Villain’s Lair

Step inside, and it’s clear the designers had a lot of fun.

The Tavascan’s cabin is futuristic and theatrical, with sweeping V-shaped structures, backlit copper accents, and a panoramic sunroof that floods the space with light. Night offers an exciting new experience with a cockpit that comes alive with ambient lighting that will have you nodding your head in approval.

The sports seats hug you in place, the materials feel premium, and the ambient lighting turns the whole interior into something from a sci-fi movie.

Not everyone on the team agreed, though some loved the boldness while others thought it was a bit “boy racer.” But one thing’s certain: it isn’t boring.

And yes, that illuminated Cupra logo at night? Absolutely stunning.

Family Practicality: Bond Baddies Have Kids Too

Underneath all that drama, the Tavascan still remembers it’s an SUV.

There’s 540 litres of boot space (1,560 litres with the seats down), ISOFIX mounts front and rear, and clever storage throughout the cabin.

Cup holders are on the smaller side so your large flat white might need to be demoted to a short macchiato but there’s decent space for phones, keys, and gadgets.

Even the glovebox has a soft-close mechanism (because super villains like refinement, obviously).

It’s the perfect mix of fun and family-friendly. The kind of car that lets you do the school run in top style.

Performance: Power Meets Playfulness

Press the accelerator and the dual-motor AWD setup launches you forward instantly. The Tavascan is seriously quick for a big SUV and thanks to the Boost button, you can unleash full power for a few thrilling seconds.

It’s not just about straight-line speed either.

With Hankook iON Evo tyres designed for EVs, the handling feels planted and composed even on twisty backroads. It corners confidently, brakes sharply, and always feels in control giving you exactly what you want from a high-performance EV.

And while it’s big, it doesn’t drive like a big clunky car. It’s surprisingly agile and easy to manoeuvre, whether you’re heading to the golf club or a secret hideout.

Tech & Gadgets: Straight from Q’s Workshop

Like any proper Bond vehicle, the Tavascan is packed with tech.

There’s a head-up display, a self-parking system, and smart driver assistance features that make potentially tedious journeys effortless.

Inside, everything revolves around the large central infotainment screen that comes complete with customisable themes and advanced voice control.

One small gripe? The seat sensors are a bit over-sensitive. OK – great for safety but not so much when you’re reaching across the cabin and alarms start chiming the second your buttock is raised.

 

The Everyday Details

I love a car with good storage, and Cupra’s thought this through.

Under the boot floor there’s a handy section for charging cables and extra gear.

Door bins swallow large bottles easily, and the cabin feels ergonomic enough for daily use.

A well-organised getaway car.

Verdict: The Electric SUV With an Edge

The Cupra Tavascan isn’t for everyone.
It’s bold, loud, and designed to make an impression. But that’s exactly why it’s so good.

For those bored of minimalist EVs that all look the same, the Tavascan offers something unique character. It blends performance, practicality, and presence in a way few electric SUVs manage.

So, is it a family-friendly SUV or a Bond villain’s getaway car?

Both! And that’s what makes it brilliant.

Key Specs

Battery: 77 kWh
Range: Up to 341 miles (WLTP)
Power: 286 bhp (single motor) / 340 bhp (dual motor VZ)
0-60 mph: 5.5 seconds
Boot: 540 L (1,560 L with seats down)
Charging: 135 kW DC – 10-80% in around 30 minutes

Pros ✅

✔️ Head-turning design inside and out
✔️ Sharp handling and instant torque
✔️ Comfortable, spacious cabin
✔️ Boost button adds genuine excitement
✔️ Clever EV-specific tyres and tech

Cons ❌

❌ Cup holders and small storage quirks
❌ Bold styling won’t suit everyone (but does anything suit everyone?)
❌ Premium price tag

Final Thoughts

If you want an EV that blends family practicality with dastardly swagger, the Cupra Tavascan might be your perfect match.

This SUV is a statement.

Would you drive the Bond villain’s family car? Tell us in the comments below 👇

💚 Thanks to our partners:
Zapmap – The UK’s go-to EV charging map
Select Car Leasing – Find unbeatable EV lease deals

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