The Cupra Tavascan VZ: an adrenalin rush

The Cupra Tavascan is a VW ID.5 with attitude. Above all, this electric SUV has a lot of intensity in its most powerful VZ version. It even has a trim level labelled Adrénaline, which clearly indicates its ambitions.

As the year drew to a close in 2024, the cold weather didn't deter me from holding onto the Cupra Tavascan VZ Adrénaline. Firstly, it's equipped with all-wheel drive courtesy of its pair of electric motors. Additionally, its 77kWh battery (82kWh gross) is optimized for exterior design to ensure a smooth driving experience with a long range. The result is a vehicle with 340hp (250kW) divided between a 286hp rear motor, which leads the pack, and a 109hp front motor. When riding in everyday conditions, the Tavascan VZ functions primarily as a rear-wheel drive. However, during intense acceleration and spirited driving, the front motor is engaged, bringing balance to the vehicle and mitigating the tendency for the rear to feel uncontrolled. But let's not jump the gun.

Light bath

No sharp edges can be seen on the Tavascan. Instead, the body curves include undulating lines. The central support structure forms a Y between the seats. There is plenty of sunlight on the passenger side of the dashboard and on the door panels. In the middle of the console, a floating 15-inch screen offers a modern infotainment system. In contrast, the driver's digital display is minimalist. You could just rely on the head-up display. This prototype design does not make the 4.64m Cupra impractical. It's especially useful because there's plenty of space for passengers, despite its sleek coupe lines. Even the trunk is spacious underneath the lid (540l). At the front, the microfiber bucket seats set the tone for the Spanish car's personality.

Crazy

With a 340hp engine and 535Nm torque, the SUV can speed up from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.5 seconds in Cupra mode. Its 2.3-ton weight is effortlessly managed, thanks to the considerable horsepower. The car's controlled suspension contributes to a smooth ride, and it handles corners with ease due to precise steering. It's difficult to find any fault with the experience, which conveys a sense of serene dynamism. The 286hp (210kW) two-wheel-drive version is also expected to provide a pleasant and assured ride, given the strength of its chassis. Regardless of its engine or all-wheel drive capabilities, the Tavascan VZ's combination of efficiency and comfort is truly impressive, even on large 21-inch wheels.

Toasting the cells

When you drive at a fast pace, you might expect to need to recharge frequently. But not so. The official WLTP range for the VZ Adrenaline is 515km. If you limit your acceleration to occasional bursts when accelerating out of turns and when starting from green lights, while following the speed limits, you can make trips of over 350km before needing to plug in, including a guaranteed 300km on the highway without struggling to stay in the first lane. The heat pump included in the Contrast & Hero winter package, which also provides heat for the seats and electric windshield defrosting, as well as features like buttock and back heating for all seats. A €1,515 bonus (in Belgium).

Play with your feet

It's possible to achieve regeneration during deceleration by easing off the gas pedal, but this doesn't provide enough reduction in speed to avoid brake usage, especially since the brake pedal can sometimes lack responsiveness. If not, you will only slow down slowly. There's an automatic regenerative power mode, which can occasionally be quite unpredictable in terms of its strength. To put it bluntly, it's safer to rely on the regular pedal. A sharper brake pedal with less reliance on regeneration would better suit sporty driving, particularly if you're looking to push the limits on a track or at high speeds on a German Autobahn to see the top speed of 180km/h.

Well-born, not free

The Crowd-pulling Cupra Tavascan VZ is an electrifying driving experience that will leave you craving for more. It's a fantastic car with a bold appearance, even from the side. Its design and essence make it confident and daring. It genuinely revives the joy of driving electric, avoiding the artificiality of fake engine sounds, instead embracing its electric powertrain with authenticity. However, this thrilling experience comes with a hefty price tag, costing over €70,000 in Belgium, €65,000 in France, €60,000 in the Netherlands and Germany, £55,000 in the UK, and CHF62,000 in Switzerland. Not to mention, the essential heat pump is not included, which might leave you shivering in winter if you opt out. Moreover, the absence of 800 V architecture restricts DC fast charging to 135kW. Nonetheless, the management is efficient, allowing the battery to continue driving for 2 hours after a 30-minute break.

'MH with Olivier Duquesne – Source : Cupra – Picture : Olivier Duquesne'

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