Since it first went on sale in 2021, the Cupra Born has become one of the most popular electric cars and one of the best to drive.
Based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, the Cupra Born shares much of its underpinnings with the Volkswagen ID 3.
That said, it has always stood out for its engaging rear-wheel-drive powertrain and distinctive design featuring eye-catching bronze accents.
After five years on sale, it’s time for a big update, and Cupra has delivered. Later this year, the Born will gain a new exterior design, a longer driving range and more buttons inside.
Let’s dive into what’s changed.
The Cupra Born was always an eye-catching electric car, but its design update allows it stand out more than ever. The update brings it into line with other models from Cupra’s model line-up, including the Leon, Formentor and Tavascan.
It gains polygonal headlight graphics, a shark-nosed fascia, and an updated rear light bar. Cupra will also offer the car with 19-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels.
The Born will also be offered with larger tyres than before for improved handling, measuring 235 mm-wide (compared to 215mm previously).
Changes have also been made inside the cabin. The Born receives a new steering wheel with traditional buttons, replacing the much-maligned haptic feedback controls used previously.
The digital instrument panel has been upsized from 5.3 inches to 10.25 inches, while the 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system remains the same, retaining its touch-slider climate controls.
Material quality has also improved. The Born gets new doorcards with a suede lining, plus soft-touch plastics on the tops of the front doors. Rear passengers get an air vent positioned at the rear of the centre console.
Beneath the metal, the Born gains updated powertrain technology. The entry-level car gets the same 58kWh battery as before, but with a downrated 187bhp rear motor (down from 201bhp before). In return, the car gets a longer range, up from 451 km (264 miles) to 480 km (280 miles). Its peak charge rate has also been raised, going from the previous cap of 120kW to 135kW.
The long-range version retains the same 79kWh battery pack and 228bhp output as before, but now offers a claimed range of 599 km (372 miles), an increase from 557 km (346 miles). Furthermore, its maximum charging rate has been boosted by 50kW, reaching 185kW.
The high-performance VZ sits at the apex of the Cupra Born range. It employs the same long-range battery, matching the long-range car for range and charging capacity, but gets a 322bhp motor.
Both versions with the 79kWh pack now get a one-pedal drive mode – cranking up the strength of the off-throttle regenerative braking effect, so the car can effectively be driven with one pedal at slow speeds – and a launch control function.
Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but is expected to rise slightly compared with the existing Born. That car starts from £35,690 (€41,500), rising to £36,995 (€43,000) for the long-range battery and £44,820 (€52,100) for the VZ.
