The Cupra Born is a battery electric small family car (C-segment) marketed by SEAT through its performance-oriented Cupra marque. Initially unveiled as the SEAT el-Born concept in 2019, the production car was revealed in May 2021 as the Cupra Born. The Born is based on the Volkswagen Group MEB platform and has been manufactured at the same plant in Zwickau, Germany, as the MEB-based Volkswagen ID.3. The car is named after a neighbourhood in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
Overview Concept
The vehicle was previewed as the SEAT el-Born, which was unveiled in March 2019 Geneva Motor Show. The prototype car was fitted with a 62 kWh battery pack, with a claimed range (WLTP). It was powered by a electric motor, able to accelerate to in 7.5 seconds. The battery is compatible with 100 kW DC supercharging, and features a thermal management system. It featured a driver assistance systems, and is capable of Level 2 Autonomous Driving.
Production version
Production of the Born was confirmed in July 2020, and it is sold under the Cupra brand. The production car would have a larger battery pack than the prototype. The car was renamed to Cupra Born in February 2021, therefore dropping the "el-" from the name. It was expected to cost around £40,000, which is noted to be around the price of the higher end models of the Volkswagen ID.3.
The Born had its official premiere in May 2021. At launch there was an option of two powertrains, a base electric motor of with rear-wheel drive, and a more powerful model with a rear motor of and , which develops a combined . With Boost Mode, it took 6.6 seconds for the flagship model to accelerate to . In 2024 the more powerful VZ was introduced, with a motor of and , which achieves 5.6 seconds from standing to .
At launch it had three battery capacities of 45 kWh for the cheapest version and 55 kWh and 77 kWh for the higher-end models, with ranges from . Charging on a fast charger up to 80% battery takes 35–60 minutes depending on the battery size, and according to Cupra, will increase range by 100 kilometers in 7 minutes. The interior features a touchscreen, sports seats with integrated headrests and a head-up display. Equipment also includes adaptive cruise control, Travel Assist system for semi-autonomous driving, traffic sign recognition, automatic braking system, Dynamic Chassis Control Sport suspension. Production started in September 2021.
Facelift In March 2026, the Cupra Born received a facelift. It includes traditional steering wheel buttons, improved materials, redesigned triangular headlights and taillights and a new Android-based infotainment system.
Powertrain TypeBattery (usable)LayoutElectric motorPowerTorque (claimed)Range (claimed)ChargingCalendar yearsWLTP (max)WLTP (min)AC (max)DC (max)Born 4555 (45) kWh lithium-ionRWDAPP 3108.9 s7.2 kW100 kWCancelledBorn 5862 (58) kWh lithium-ionRWDAPP 3107.3 s11 kW120 kW2021–20246.6 s11 kW120 kW2021–2024Born 59 with E-Boost Pack63 (59) kWh lithium-ionRWDAPP 3106.7 s11 kW165 kW2024–presentBorn 7782 (77) kWh lithium-ionRWDAPP 3107.0 s11 kW170 kW2021–2024Born 77 with E-Boost Pack82 (77) kWh lithium-ionRWDAPP 3107.1 s11 kW175 kW2024–presentBorn VZ84 (79) kWh lithium-ionRWDAPP 5505.6 s11 kW185 kW2024–presentReferences:
Safety
ANCAP
Euro NCAP
Production +Calendar yearTotal production20214,801202236,153202345,300202442,593202543,503
References
External links
Official website