We’re a long way past being bemused by the extent of automotive platform sharing that goes on, but it is kind of strange that for quite a while, the closest thing in the MEB (that’s Volkswagen Group’s ubiquitous EV platform) world to the Cupra Tavascan sold in New Zealand was the VW ID. Buzz.
Wheelbases and battery sizes vary of course, but at a basic level the “skateboard” underneath is the same and the Tavascan shares its 210kW rear motor with the Buzz range, while the Tavascan VZ AWD dual-motor gets an extra front unit for a total 250kW/545Nm.
VW ID. Buzz GTX AWD, 250kW/545Nm. Snap. Although the argument is a bit less entertaining with Volkswagen's 2026 introduction of the ID.4/5 GTX (yep, 250kW/545Nm again) and the impending (updated) Skoda Enyaq (210kW/545Nm, you know the drill).
We point all of this this out in an appreciative way, because it shows how well the same bits can be tuned to create a very different driver experience. Some EVs on shared platforms would fail a blind taste-test instantly, but the Tavascan really does feel like a sporty SUV. Certainly the sportiest of the MEB portfolio to date, which is exactly what it’s supposed to be.
We were quite keen on the Tavascan right from launch last year, but after a bit of a false start with pricing, a near-immediate $15k drop made the flagship VZ AWD look a whole lot more appealing at $95,900 - especially when the V RWD only got a $5k reduction, to $84,900. Relax, Cupra NZ hadn’t delivered a single car at that point, so nobody got grumpy.
Some EVs on shared platforms would fail a blind taste-test instantly, but Tavascan really does feel like a sporty SUV.
The Tavascan is absolutely the most pointy and most ornate expression member of the MEB club. That’s a Cupra thing, with perky colours (this “Tavascan Blue” is an extra $2500, by the way), lots of copper detailing (note the 21-inch coloured wheels are a VZ exclusive this time around) and quite a light show in the cabin.
While it’s clearly a Cupra, Tavascan also looks quite different to any other model in the Spanish maker’s lineup, especially in the cabin - note the cockpit-like layout and huge central “spine” that tapers out of the dashboard. That seems as a good a note as any to point out that the Tavascan is also the first Cupra to be made exclusively in China, which isn’t really a thing when you consider what high-quality cars the country is making, but it does need to be said because Cupra has previously made so much of its European character.
Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) is standard on the VZ, and it gives a nice broad range of comfortable ride with a more tied-down-tight chassis when you’re in the mood.
It’s blingy and rather brilliant to drive. The performance is not crazy-fast even in this dual-motor AWD model, with 0-100km/h in 5.8 seconds. But that’s fast enough, and it comes with a steering and handling package that’s beautifully balanced. You have to applaud Cupra for resisting the urge to turn everything up to 11 and give the Tavascan VZ major dragstrip-ability (which is not that hard to do with an EV), because what we’ve ended up with is a family car with a mature dynamic package that gives pleasure without provoking you.
Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) is standard on the VZ, and it gives a nice broad range of comfortable ride with a more tied-down-tight chassis when you’re in the mood. It’s still on the firm side even in its least aggressive setting, but not uncomfortable. This is supposed to be a sporting brand, remember.
Tavascan has character, from its standout styling to its sustainably themed Seaqual interior materials, to its polished handling.
It can be linked to the drive modes; there’s one button on the left of the steering wheel that cycles through them, and another on the right that goes straight to maximum-everything Cupra mode. But you can also adjust the suspension independently, through a daunting 15 different levels via the infotainment screen.
Speaking of: the Tavascan gets the latest-generation infotainment OS, as per facelift Formentor and the new Terramar, which is a vast improvement on what came before. But it’s notable for retaining the haptic-touch controls on the steering wheel (this car was launched in 2023, remember), with a switch to actual buttons scheduled for an update next year.
We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: we’re okay with these for the most part. You can either click them like conventional controls, or use the touch-surface for extra functions. For example, you can increase the adaptive cruise control speed by 1km/h increment with a click, or by 5km/h with a swipe; the latter requires some practice, but once you get the hang of it (as you will because it’s your car) it’s pretty handy.
Tavascan has character, from its standout styling to its sustainably themed Seaqual interior materials, to its polished handling. It’s a fitting flagship for the Cupra range, but even more importantly: it’s another new model that’s helping make EVs cool.
How much is the Cupra Tavascan VZ?
Our Tavascan VZ AWD test car is $94,900, but you have to add $2500 for the Tavascan Blue exterior colour.
What are the key statistics for the Cupra Tavascan VZ?
The 77kWh (usable) battery powers dual motors for AWD - although the emphasis is on the rear, with 210kW of the total 250kW available back there. It’s a single-speed transmission, as is the way with most EVs.
Is the Cupra Tavascan VZ efficient?
For the most part we VW Group’s MEB platforms give pretty good range. The VZ is 35km down on the V, but still achieves 499km from its 77kWh.
Is the Cupra Tavascan VZ good to drive?
Fast enough to be sporty without being OTT, dynamic but without losing nuance… the Tavascan feels really polished and well-sorted.
Is the Cupra Tavascan VZ practical?
It’s a family SUV and the long EV platform gives great legroom and a generous 540-litre boot, but just remember that this car is style-first in some ways. The rising waistline looks great but has an effect on the view out from the rear seat, while the coupe-style roofline means it’s not quite as practical as a traditional SUV.
What do we like about the Cupra Tavascan VZ?
Striking looks, an undeniably polished dynamic package - and it’s helping make EVs cool
What don’t we like about the Cupra Tavascan VZ?
Styling detail might be too ornate for some, steering wheel controls are in a transitional phase, not as nimble as $10k-cheaper V RWD.
What kind of person would the Cupra Tavascan VZ suit?
A Cupra enthusiast who wants to go pure-electric and thought the Born was a bit too small, or a VW ID/Skoda Enyaq owner who’s comfortable with the basic tech package, but wants to go a bit more sporty.