CUPRA REVEALS THE TRUE CHARACTER OF ITS UPCOMING ELECTRIC COMPACT URBAN CAR, THE CUPRA RAVAL, IN AN EXCLUSIVE PRE-SERIES TEST DRIVE

• Ahead of its launch in 2026, the CUPRA Raval took the road in pre-series form, revealing a glimpse of the brand’s next electric urban car
• A camouflaged version of the CUPRA Raval showcased its outstanding sporty handling and performance
• Based on Volkswagen’s MEB+ platform and featuring front-wheel drive, the CUPRA Raval offers drivers a dynamic and engaging experience
• The CUPRA Raval is the first model to be launched in the Electric Urban Car Family; a visionary project led from Martorell that unites four vehicles from the Volkswagen Group

Milton Keynes, 28-11-2025 – The CUPRA Raval marks the beginning of a new era for the brand. With striking design, electrifying performance and unconventional features, the CUPRA Raval reinvents the possibilities of EVs for a new generation of drivers.

Based on Volkswagen’s MEB+ platform and featuring front-wheel drive, the CUPRA Raval offers a dynamic and engaging experience focused on the driver. At just 4 metres long, it’s compact, yet —thanks to its road handling, generous interior space and practical, spacious boot— it’s engineered not only for city life, but for much more, including road trips and longer journeys.

The CUPRA Raval will make its World Premiere and market launch in 2026 as the first model of the Electric Urban Car family, comprising four cars from the Volkswagen Group’s Brand Group Core. Starting with the production of the CUPRA Raval in the upcoming months and followed by the Volkswagen ID. Polo both to be manufactured in Martorell, this family of cars is set to emotionalise and democratise electric mobility and establish a new benchmark in Europe, making it more desirable and accessible to a wider range of consumers.

“The CUPRA Raval embodies everything that CUPRA stands for, from driver-first emotion to bold design and outstanding performance. It’s a car that is set to shape the next era of electric mobility, making EVs accessible to a new generation,” said Markus Haupt, CEO of CUPRA. “Designed, developed and soon to be produced in Martorell, the CUPRA Raval represents our commitment to electrification. As the first model to launch from the Electric Urban Car Family, a project we’re proud to lead for the Volkswagen Group, it also confirms our company’s position as an automotive powerhouse,” he continued.

Built to Perform
With a sport chassis—15mm lower than the platform—, specifically fine-tuned suspension, progressive steering that enhances agility and ESC Sport, the CUPRA Raval offers exceptional handling and driving fun.

The CUPRA-specific driving dynamics and setup express the Raval’s sporty DNA. Dynamic Chassis Control uses adaptive shock absorbers that can adjust their dampening for comfort or more agile, sport-focused handling. In CUPRA mode, the dampers become stiffer, reducing body lean and enhancing driving dynamics.

The CUPRA Raval provides traction and cornering beyond the norm for a vehicle of this category, and its CUPRA ‘one box’ electronic braking system optimises the pedal feel, improving braking via engine recovery. In addition, the CUPRA Raval comes equipped with front and rear disc brakes for maximum performance. 

The top-of-the-line CUPRA Raval VZ (166kW) version takes it even further. Equipped with Dinamica Bucket seats, DCC Sport suspension with greater rigidity (+5%) to improve handling and roadholding, wider track width - 10mm wider than the platform - ESC OFF mode, 19’’ wheels with wider 235mm tyres and the electronic slip differential, it transforms every journey into a unique experience.

Exclusive to the VZ version, the electronic differential and sporty steering knuckles provide an advanced vehicle system that monitors driving conditions via sensors and uses a control unit to electronically manage torque distribution between the wheels to improve traction, stability and performance.

“With the arrival of the CUPRA Raval, we’re making a bold statement about what a compact, urban electric vehicle can be. It’s a car for those who crave emotion and differentiation, with all the benefits of electrification. To truly feel the thrill of the Raval, you have to get behind the wheel,” said Dr. Werner Tietz, VP of Research & Development at CUPRA.

A choice of models
With the CUPRA Raval, the brand celebrates authenticity and self-expression; two elements that are key to the new generations the brand wants to appeal to.

The CUPRA Raval will be available in different trims with a variety of customisation options, giving every driver the opportunity to express their own ‘Raval Spirit’ and match their lifestyle. Whether they’re looking for extra power, a larger battery for extended range, or a balanced mix of both, there’s an option tailored to their needs.

During the market entry, three exclusive launch editions will be available, each embodying the essence of the model from a unique perspective. Each Launch edition of the CUPRA Raval has been created to deliver the brand’s DNA:

VZ Extreme (166kW): The ultimate expression of performance. Blending uncompromised power with conscious innovation. Every detail is crafted to deliver exhilarating driving dynamics while embracing sustainable materials and technologies. It’s not just the most powerful version; it’s a statement of how performance and responsibility can move forward together, with a range of around 400km.

Dynamic Plus (155kW): Combining dynamic driving emotions with exceptional comfort and technology, it comes equipped with Advanced ADAS, intelligent parking functions, Matrix LED headlights, bucket seats, and a high-fidelity 12-speaker audio system developed in collaboration with Sennheiser Mobility. It also delivers an extended range of around 450km.

Dynamic (155kW): With the same advanced battery technology, dynamic handling, and a range of around 450km, it offers a more accessible way to experience the brand’s spirit — simplicity that drives emotion.

The CUPRA Raval will be launched in 2026, with price for the entry-level model from 26,000€*, making this car a true category challenger, opening up electrification to a new audience that craves emotion and distinction.

Inspired by the streets of Barcelona
The CUPRA Raval takes its name and spirit from one of Barcelona’s most iconic and dynamic districts. El Raval is a symbol of constant movement, raw energy and fearless urban character, the same values that define the essence of this new model. The design of the camouflage vinyl that disguises the cars for the exclusive pre-series test drives, also pays tribute to the district’s map, featuring its vibrant streets to capture its attitude and edge. Like the neighbourhood that inspired it, the CUPRA Raval was born to stand out and challenge convention.

CUPRA goes from strength to strength
CUPRA recently celebrated a historic milestone with one million vehicles produced and delivered since the brand’s launch in 2018. During the first nine months of 2025, CUPRA delivered almost 250,000 cars, marking a new record for the brand.

Led by the CUPRA Tavascan and CUPRA Born, the brand achieved an 84% growth of fully electric vehicles compared to the previous year, demonstrating the growing momentum behind its electrification strategy, which will be further reinforced with the arrival of the CUPRA Raval.

*Near-production car. All technical data are forecast values and subject to change.

*Estimated price. Final prices will be communicated during the launch of the car in 2026 

ENDS

Change needs drivers — and CUPRA believes real progress comes through radical disruption, by defying expectations and challenging conventions. Since its launch in 2018, the brand has transformed the automotive industry as an instigator of creativity and an agitator for change.

In just seven years, CUPRA has launched seven models and sold over 1 million vehicles globally. Every CUPRA model is restlessly expressive, design led, and performance driven. Its fully-fledged portfolio includes the CUPRA Ateca, the first car to ever feature the CUPRA badge; the CUPRA Leon, redesigned and enhanced as a standalone CUPRA model; the CUPRA Formentor, the first car to be developed exclusively by the brand and the company’s best-selling vehicle to date; the CUPRA Born, the brand’s first 100% electric vehicle; the CUPRA Tavascan, an all-electric SUV coupe; and the CUPRA Terramar, the brand’s sporty SUV. In 2026, the CUPRA Raval, the brand’s radical interpretation of the electric urban car, will join its lineup.

CUPRA is more than a car. It’s a conviction. The CUPRA Tribe is made up of a team of ambassadors who push back against convention and past the boundaries that hold others back, with members including Spain’s most decorated Olympian, Saúl Craviotto; film director J.A. Bayona; German goalkeeper Marc ter Stegen; and two-time Ballon d'Or and Best FIFA Award-winning footballer Alexia Putellas. Obsessive about elevating emotion on and off the road, CUPRA is also FC Barcelona's official automotive and mobility partner, the Premier Padel Tour's premium sponsor and is also proud to participate in the Formula E racing competition with Kiro Race Co.

www.cupraofficial.com

For more information, please contact:

Chris Mease, Head of PR and Communications
07586 058302; chris.mease@seatcars.co.uk 

Kate Arding, PR Manager
07500 689543; kate.arding@seatcars.co.uk

Holly Williams, Events and Internal Communications Manager
07738 897319; holly.williams@seatcars.co.uk

Katie Duguid, Press Fleet Manager
07983 537247; katie.duguid@seatcars.co.uk