Cupra, the performance-oriented brand from Spain, is setting its sights on the large electric SUV market with a new model that could potentially rival the Kia EV9. Dr. Werner Tietz, Cupra's Executive Vice-President for Research and Development, recently shared details about this upcoming vehicle.
The yet-unnamed large electric SUV will follow the launch of Cupra's Raval electric hatchback. It's intended to spearhead Cupra's entry into the US market, but is designed for global appeal. Unlike the mid-size Terramar, which will offer combustion and plug-in hybrid options, this new SUV will be fully electric.
Cupra plans to enter the US market as a fully electric brand, focusing initially on EV-friendly regions like the West Coast, New York, and Florida.The SUV will likely be manufactured in the US if it achieves 60-70% market share there.
Cupra sees this strategy aligning with future emissions regulations in both the US and Europe.
The brand aims to have a fully electric lineup of five models in the future, including the Raval, Born, Tavascan, this new large SUV, and potentially an electric successor to the Formentor.
Cupra is also considering a sports coupe, though this remains a "dream" project for now. The large SUV is promised to have "sporty" credentials to differentiate it from Volkswagen Group offerings.
While Cupra has seen rapid growth in Europe and a strong start in Australia, this new SUV represents a significant step in the brand's global ambitions, particularly in the US market. The move puts Cupra in direct competition with established players like the Kia EV9 in the growing large electric SUV segment.
