Driving the Cupra Tavascan: a spacious family car with plenty of style

If the Cupra Tavascan were a person, it’d be the type who wears gym gear to brunch but never actually goes to the gym. It looks the part—think sharp creases, flared arches, and a muscular stance that screams “I do squats”—but underneath, it’s more Zen retreat than track day. That’s not a dig, mind you. This all-electric SUV has plenty going for it. Just don’t expect it to attack corners like a hot hatchback.

Let’s start with the obvious: the Tavascan’s exterior is a breath of fresh air in a world of copy-and-paste SUVs. It’s got a low-slung front end, with a sloping roofline and aggressive face that makes alternatives like the Skoda Enyaq or Tesla Model Y look a bit… sheepish. It looks properly cool.

Inside, the Tavascan is certainly dramatic. A big centre spine runs through the middle of the cabin, dividing driver and passenger and reminding you this isn’t just a rebadged Volkswagen ID5. The materials feel upmarket and the design is anything but boring, even if it’s a bit Marmite.

The 15.0-inch infotainment screen is slick and responsive, and it supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless charging and USB-C ports are included, and the heated steering wheel is a welcome touch. Mid-spec and up trims also get a head-up display and heated microfibre seats.

For a car that looks sporty, it’s surprisingly roomy. Up front, there’s plenty of adjustment to get comfy, even if the wide centre console can make things feel a bit tighter than in something like a Hyundai Ioniq 5. The sports seats are comfy on long drives, and there’s an abundance of cubby holes for your odds and ends.

In the back, you’ll find loads of legroom, though headroom takes a hit if you’re tall – blame that rakish roof. Storage is decent, ISOFIX points are easy to reach, and getting a child seat in is no drama, unless you bash your head on the low roofline on your way in.

The boot is a respectable 540 litres—bigger than a Volvo EC40 and not far off the Skoda Enyaq Coupe. Fold the seats and you get a flat floor (well, almost). It’s a shame that there’s no front boot though.

There’s one battery on offer (77kWh), with either rear-wheel drive (286hp, up to 353 miles range) or a punchier dual-motor all-wheel-drive version (340hp, 299 miles). That’s solid range, though the Peugeot E-3008 goes even further, and the Kia EV6 will recharge faster too.

Still, topping up from 10-80% in 28 minutes is respectable, and the Tavascan beats pricier rivals like the BMW iX2 and Lexus RZ on efficiency. It’s also tax-friendly—zero emissions mean low running costs for both private buyers and company car drivers.

The Tavascan is a nice car to drive. Around town it takes bumps well, and even comes with clever parking tech like memory-assisted manoeuvring which can remember the path into a tight parking space and do it automatically in future. Forward visibility is good, though thick rear pillars mean checking your blind spot feels like peering around a bookshelf.

On motorways, it’s composed and hushed, with adaptive cruise control helping you relax. The brakes, however, are strange. They’re grabby and inconsistent, like they’re trying to keep you on your toes. Sport mode sharpens throttle response, but doesn’t add much spice to the overall experience.

Chuck it down a twisty road and the Tavascan holds its own. It’s not a hot hatch, but it’s composed and confidence-inspiring. Just don’t expect giggles.

The Cupra Tavascan is a great electric SUV for people who care about style but also need space and comfort. It’s not the sportiest thing to drive, but it looks the business, has a cracking cabin, and delivers strong range and tech. If you can get over the weird brakes and lack of front boot, it’s a solid choice with loads of personality.

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*Prices correct at the time of writing