Cupra Performance BEV Finally Comes to Market

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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9th July 2020

Cupra, the performance sub-brand of Seat, has confirmed its new BEV hot-hatch will be the Cupra el-Born.

The car closely follows the original concept which first saw the lights of the media at the at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. Since then, the carmaker’s design team has continued to evolve the vehicle’s styling, claiming a sportier character.

It has been developed on Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform and features a powertrain with a 77kWh (gross: 82kWh) battery, driving the rear wheels and claiming a range of up to 310 miles. Using a fast charging capability, car claims it can take the energy needed for at least 161miles in 30 minutes. Obviously aimed at the urban market, the carmaker claims a 0-31mph sprint time for the car as 2.9 seconds.

Cabin technology will include augmented reality heads-up display and full connectivity. Its sports orientated interior features sports bucket seats and sustainably-sourced materials used throughout. It will be built at the Zwickau plant in Germany.

Seat vice-president for sales and marketing and Cupra CEO, Wayne Griffiths, said: “Cupra el-Born displays all the genes of the Cupra brand and we have taken the original concept to the next level creating a new sporty and dynamic design and reengineering the technological content.”

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_