The Volkswagen Group’s performance future has this morning become a bit clearer, with the release of the Cupra El-Born.

    Built on the same MEB platform as the Volkswagen ID.3, the El-Born is the first production performance-oriented electric vehicle from a Volkswagen Group brand.

    Full technical details haven’t yet been revealed, but we know the El-Born will have a 77kWh (usable, 83kWh net) battery pack good for 500km of driving, feeding energy to a rear-mounted electric motor.

    Cupra claims the 0-50km/h sprint time is 2.9 seconds, but hasn’t quoted a 0-100km/h time or power outputs.

    Outputs for the motor aren’t clear, but the Seat El-Born concept promised a 100km/h sprint time of 7.5 seconds from its 150kW motor.

    Given Cupra is a standalone performance sub-brand and the regular ID.3 has 150kW, the El-Born should be faster again.

    Although it’s our first look at a performance-oriented Volkswagen Group product, the El-Born won’t be the last.

    Reports have claimed Volkswagen is working on an ID.3 R for 2024 with all-wheel drive and more than 220kW.

    Scott Collie

    Scott Collie is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne, Australia. Scott studied journalism at RMIT University and, after a lifelong obsession with everything automotive, started covering the car industry shortly afterwards. He has a passion for travel, and is an avid Melbourne Demons supporter.

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