Updated CUPRA Born: High-Performance EV with Quality and a Price Tag

CUPRA made a splash when it launched in 2021 its first 100% electric car: the CUPRA Born, marking the beginning of the brand’s electrification era. Since then more than 170,000 units have been sold, and now a new generation arrives with higher performance.

With a range of up to 631 kilometers, power up to 240 kW (326 hp), and a maximum torque of up to 545 Nm, we had the opportunity to test the new CUPRA Born in an initial hands-on experience before its production starts in Germany this very month.

Designed and developed in Barcelona

The new Born adopts the brand’s latest design language, featuring a shark-nose front, redesigned front and rear bumpers, triangular Matrix LED headlights, and a rear logo that is illuminated and integrated into the 3D rear light. It is only slightly longer than the previous model (12 mm) and boasts a not-insignificant boot capacity of 385 liters, although this version will not have a front trunk.

Brother of the new Volkswagen ID.3 Neo (with whom it shares the MEB platform and technology), it competes with models such as the MG4, the BYD Dolphin, the Kia EV3, or the Nissan LEAF.

There are also updates to the wheels, with a range of five options: two new 19-inch alloy wheels and three 20-inch wheels, including the Firestorm variant with the new Copper finish. In the new CUPRA Born, the wider tires (235 mm) are also available for the new 19-inch wheels.

It also debuts some extras such as illuminated front and rear door handles, new rear air vents, a tow hitch for bike-carrier systems, and the Mobile Device Key digital key. Added to all this is Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), which lets the Born power external devices like laptops, electric bicycles, or high-powered audio systems from its batteries.

An interior with a digital instrument cluster twice as large as before

The digital immersion is led by a new 12.9-inch infotainment display framed by a lit sliding bar, paired with a new 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster (up from 5.3 inches), delivering a more detailed image and easier information reading. The multimedia system is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

There is also a newly designed steering wheel with physical controls: satellite buttons to select drive modes, as well as regenerative paddle shifters for the 170 kW (231 HP) and 240 kW (326 HP) motors.

On the other hand, it debuts bucket seats as standard — now with height adjustment for the passenger as well — which can be electronically adjustable as an option and include massage and heating functions, with memory for the driver’s settings. The VZ version includes the CUP Bucket sports seats as standard.

The new powertrains of the CUPRA Born

The main novelties focus on the mechanical side, with three new variants and two lithium-ion batteries of 58 kWh and 79 kWh. A Born version with a 50 kWh battery and 400 km of range will arrive later:

Behind the wheel

Having grown used to Chinese electric cars, I must admit that sitting behind the wheel of the Born is a different experience. Let me explain. If China can churn out electric cars in huge numbers at such competitive prices, it is because they sacrifice something, and that something is the feel—the sensations in the finishes and materials of the compact cars, but above all the sensations behind the wheel.

They perfectly fulfill their purpose and are packed with technology, I won’t deny that, but in the end the impression is rather flat. CUPRA has managed to restore the liveliness that electric cars lack with the Born, starting with a strong design language, followed by a high perceived quality of the interior materials, and ending with the driving sensations it offers. Of course, it wasn’t too hard to achieve given we tested the VZ version while roaming Madrid.

All surfaces are padded, very pleasant to the touch, the seats provide good lumbar support and the driving position is fairly low, a plus for those who like to feel closer to the road. The cabin space is good for both front and rear passengers, but CUPRA has followed current trends and has limited the number of physical controls for basic functions on the screen, though they have been brought back to the steering wheel.

The dynamic performance of the Born VZ is what you expect from a CUPRA: it is sporty, with a firm-suspension feel and precise steering. The problem? This is a 240 HP car that does 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, so you expect a braking response to match. But it isn’t the case; the brake feel is soft and the pedal travel seems endless on the first braking, when you’re still getting used to the driving dynamics.

The upside is that the steering-wheel paddles with three braking levels and the B-mode on the gear lever enable one-pedal driving. As for range, we can’t offer a consolidated figure due to the tour duration, but it hovered around 17 kWh/100 km, which isn’t bad for a high-performance car you can have fun with. The price, however, is another story.

Prices (MSRP) of the CUPRA Born

As you can see, the CUPRA Born is not an affordable car. The price gap between the base version and the top-spec is vast, and the VZ surpasses €50,000 before discounts; a figure far from what we are used to in this segment, yet in line with the brand. Of course, applying the brand discounts, the Auto+ Plan (if it ever gets approved), and financing can bring the price down to from €29,400.

The associated costs for attending this presentation have been covered by the brand. For more information, please consult our corporate relations guide.