Skip advert
Advertisement

Cupra to launch two new electrified models by 2023

SEAT spin-off Cupra confirms it’ll launch two electrified new models that “nobody has seen” – ahead of the Tavascan flagship

Cupra EVs

Cupra has announced plans to launch a pair of “electrified” models before the end of 2023 – boosting its range from four cars to eight within the next four years.

Cupra CEO Wayne Griffiths said: “In the next two years we will be announcing two new models that nobody has seen yet, and expanding our product line-up.”

The news formed part of the brand’s fourth anniversary celebrations, where Griffiths unveiled ‘Cupra X 2’ – a vision for the coming year that details plans to double the maker’s retail network and subsequently double sales and turnover.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The event, streamed online, culminated with a shot of Griffiths beside two covered cars, either side of the brand’s Urban Rebel concept – a model which will make production in 2025 as Cupra’s smallest car - a city-focused EV.

Auto Express spoke with Griffiths following the announcement, and while the Cupra boss stopped short of telling us exactly what form these new cars might take, he told us they will not sit in “classical” segments.

“One of them may not be fully-electric; electrified”, Griffiths told us. “We believe up to 2030 there will still be demand for combustion, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and you have to offer that solution – particularly while the infrastructure is not there.”

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Looking at the two cars, one appears to be lower than the other, taking the shape of an estate or shooting brake, probably not dissimilar to the existing Volkswagen Arteon – a car currently available with a choice of petrol and plug-in powertrains.

The second of the two models looks larger, perhaps with a coupe-SUV roofline not dissimilar to that found on the Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV and Volkswagen ID.5. While the first will feature a combustion engine of some kind we expect this car to be pure-electric, almost certainly with the fastest ID.5’s 295bhp dual-motor set-up.

Advertisement - Article continues below

“I can tell you that they will be in segments that are growing”, Griffiths said. “There will be, I think in a lot of cases, cross-over [in segments]. Not in a classical segment. There will always be something that is a mixture, something unique. Instead of just a classical SUV, or a classical coupe, or a classical limousine.

“There’s a lot between those”, he continued. “There are concepts of shooting brakes, sportbacks and all sorts of things that are possible. But I think those two cars, from a Cupra perspective have to add, not substitute. There is still room for more cars.”

Griffiths admitted, however, that to get cars signed off they “have to make sense for [Cupra] as well as the Volkswagen Group”.

We’ll learn more about the two models in the coming months, with plans for a Cupra event already pencilled in for the summer. At least one of the cars is expected to be revealed this year, with the other held back for 2023. 

The flagship Cupra Tavascan – a large, pure-electric SUV – will follow in 2024, with an entry-level smaller BEV based on the Urban Rebel due the following year.

Check out the best pure-electric cars you can buy here...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2024, 2025 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2024, 2025 and beyond

These are the biggest and most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
6 Nov 2024
New Cupra Raval to get concept styling and next-gen EV tech
Cupra Raval testing - front 3/4

New Cupra Raval to get concept styling and next-gen EV tech

The all-electric Raval will maintain Cupra’s sporty image when it launches next year
News
23 Oct 2024
New Cupra SUV will become the brand’s fully-electric flagship
New Cupra flagship SUV render (watermarked) - front 3/4

New Cupra SUV will become the brand’s fully-electric flagship

Cupra is cooking up a series of new models in order to increase its market share, our exclusive images show what the flagship car could look like
News
18 Sep 2024
New Cupra Terramar teased ahead of 3 September reveal
Cupra Terramar teaser

New Cupra Terramar teased ahead of 3 September reveal

Cupra’s new mid-size SUV will take on big-sellers like the Kia Sportage and Peugeot 3008
News
23 Aug 2024

Most Popular

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys
Opinion - Vauxhall Corsa-e

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys

Editor Paul Barker takes a closer look at our 2024 Used Car Awards
Opinion
20 Nov 2024
Best used cars to buy 2024
Best used cars 2024

Best used cars to buy 2024

From city cars to large SUVs, here’s our annual pick of the star performers that’ll save you thousands when you buy them used instead of new
Best cars & vans
22 Nov 2024
Jaguar concept car teased further in new image
2024 Jaguar badge teaser image

Jaguar concept car teased further in new image

The all-electric concept promises to have bold styling and showcases polarising new logo
News
22 Nov 2024