2025 Cupra Tavascan Fast-Tracked for Australia

By Jeff Gibbs

The all-new 2025 Cupra Tavascan, a mid-size electric SUV set to rival the Tesla Model Y, is now scheduled to arrive in Australia from China in December, three months earlier than initially anticipated. This expedited timeline was made possible by sourcing the vehicle from China instead of Europe, according to Cupra Australia’s managing director, Ben Wilks.

“We are bringing forward the release of this car and it’s thanks to the high-tech production hub in China that we are able to source this car and also deliver it in almost the same time as our colleagues in Europe,” Wilks stated during the unveiling of a left-hand drive version of the Tavascan in Sydney. “Deliveries are scheduled to start from December this year.”

The Tavascan will be available in Australia in two grades. The entry-level rear-wheel drive Tavascan Endurance is expected to start at around $69,000 plus on-road costs. It will feature a 77kWh battery powering a single 210kW/545Nm electric motor, offering a claimed range of 534km. This makes it more expensive than competitors like the BYD Atto3, Tesla Model Y, Kia EV5, Toyota bZ4X, and Hyundai IONIQ 5, but it is expected to be more affordable than mid-size luxury electric SUVs such as the Polestar 4, BMW iX3, and Mercedes-Benz EQB.

2025 Cupra Tavascan Interior

Cupra will also offer a sportier VZ dual-motor all-wheel drive version of the Tavascan. This variant will use the same 77kWh battery but will extend drive to all four wheels, delivering combined outputs of 250kW/545Nm, a 0-100km/h acceleration in 5.5 seconds, and a range of 499km. The VZ is expected to be priced closer to $80,000.

The Tavascan will support a maximum DC fast-charging rate of 135kW, which Cupra claims can deliver a 10-80 percent battery charge in less than 30 minutes, or 100km of range in just seven minutes. Both variants will also offer 11kW AC charging capability.

While exact pricing and specifications for Australia are yet to be announced, the Tavascan Endurance sold in Europe includes features such as 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, among other extras.

Confirmation of the Tavascan’s earlier arrival coincides with Cupra Australia’s plans to expand its servicing and franchise network. Currently operating 12 sales points and 14 service centres, the brand aims to increase its footprint to at least 20 sales outlets by the end of 2025. This expansion will support the introduction of several new models, including the Born VZ in the first quarter of 2025, the updated Leon hatch and Formentor crossover in the second quarter, the Formentor Sportstourer wagon in the third quarter, and the smaller Terramar electric SUV also in the third quarter.

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