Cupra launching its cheapest EV yet in Australia, undercutting Tesla Model Y

Cupra is expanding its Tavascan mid-size electric SUV lineup with a new entry-level V trim, which will be the Spanish Volkswagen Group subsidiary’s most affordable electric vehicle (EV) yet in Australia.

Priced at $55,490 before on-road costs, it’s cheaper than even the small Born electric hatch, which had a list price of $59,990 plus on-roads before it was discontinued in 2025. It also undercuts the base grade of the top-selling Tesla Model Y, which is priced at $58,900 plus on-roads.

The Tavascan V will open a rejigged model year 2026 (MY26) lineup arriving in Australia in August, with the now mid-range Endurance variant $5500 more expensive than before, and the flagship VZ now $1000 pricier.

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The new entry-level V comes with a smaller 58kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that can be charged at up to 105kW. Claimed WLTP range is 414km.

It also uses a less powerful 140kW rear-mounted electric motor.

While that’s a drop in power and range compared to the Endurance, Cupra Australia has specified the new base grade in line with its pricier sibling.

This includes heated and power-adjustable front seats, a 12-speaker Sennheiser sound system, ambient lighting, and a surround-view camera.

All Tavascans gain a larger 10.25-inch ‘Digital Cockpit’ instrument cluster, replacing the previous 5.3-inch display and offering greater customisation.

The haptic controls of the steering wheel have been scrapped, replaced with physical buttons. Cupra says this move was in direct response to customer feedback.

Speed sign recognition is now standard, and the Tavascan now features electrically operated air vents which pre-circulate air and adjust direction "based on occupants and sun position" before the driver enters the cabin.

Cupra has also redesigned the wireless phone charger housing and made tweaks to improve the functionality of the touchscreen and sound system.

Midnight Black Metallic joins the exterior colour palette as a no-cost option, while Dark Void – a rich purple – is now available across the range. Premium finishes are an $800 option, with matte finishes costing $3150.

The Endurance now features the Interior Package – previously a $4500 option – as standard. This means it now features 12-way heated and power-adjustable front seats, a 12-speaker Sennheiser sound system, ambient lighting and a surround-view camera, aligning it with the new base V.

Also joining the standard equipment list is launch control.

As before, it features a 210kW/545Nm single-motor rear-wheel drive powertrain and a 77kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery. WLTP range is 520km, down from the previously claimed 534km.

The flagship VZ also gains launch control. It continues to produce 250kW/545Nm from its dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain, and offers 509km of WLTP range – up from a previously claimed 499km.

The Extreme Pack remains an $8000 option, bringing 21-inch black, silver and copper forged alloy wheels in performance tyres, as well as ventilated CUP bucket front seats and Enceladus Grey leather-appointed upholstery.

Tavascans with the 77kWh battery can be DC fast-charged at up to 135kW.

While there have been tech enhancements to the Tavascan for 2026, it still misses out on the suite of connected services offered by Cupra in Europe.

Cupra Australia hasn’t confirmed local availability of the vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality rolled out in Europe, though it’s understood Australian-delivered vehicles will have this capability.

The one-pedal drive mode function rolled out in Europe has also yet to be confirmed for Australia, and CarExpert understands it may be made available but only at the upper end of the Tavascan line.

“For MY26 we’ve expanded the range with a new entry point while making meaningful improvements to the ownership experience across every variant,” said Cupra Australia product boss Jeff Shafer in a press release.

“The introduction of the new Tavascan V opens the range to more customers, while enhancements to technology, driver interaction, and standard specification ensure every Tavascan feels even more intuitive and rewarding to live with.”

To the end of May, Cupra has delivered 257 Tavascans in Australia this year – the exact same number as the Skoda Elroq, with which the Cupra shares its MEB underpinnings.

Both the Tavascan and Elroq are outselling the related Audi Q4 e-tron (216) and Skoda Enyaq (213), but are behind the Volkswagen ID.4 (1017) and ID.5 (323).

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MORE: Explore the Cupra Tavascan showroom