First model of Volkswagen Group’s Electric Urban Car family – CUPRA Raval

Quick look

• First model of the Volkswagen Group’s Electric Urban Car family. 
• Uses the Volkswagen Group’s MEB+ EV platform. 
• World premiere and market launch in 2026. 

Electric Urban Car family
Spanish automaker SEAT (part of the Volkswagen Group), has been chosen to launch the first model of the Electric Urban Car family, comprising 4 cars from the Volkswagen Group’s Brand Group Core. The new model, which will have its world premiere in 2026, will be the Raval, which will be sold under the CUPRA performance brand.

Since 2018, CUPRA has launched 7 models and sold over 1 million vehicles globally. With the Raval, the brand begins a new era of electrification for a new generation of drivers.

Inspired by El Raval district
The Raval takes its name and spiritfrom El Raval, one of Barcelona’s most iconic and dynamic districts. The design of the camouflage on pre-production models now going around for final real-world testing and media preview drives pays tribute to the district’s map, featuring its vibrant streets to capture its attitude and edge. 

Volkswagen Group EV platform
Based on Volkswagen’s MEB+ platform and featuring front-wheel drive, the 4-metre long Raval rides on a sport chassis – 15 mm lower than the platform – with a specifically fine-tuned suspension, progressive steering that enhances agility and ESC Sport.

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 top-of-the-line Raval VZ comes with Dinamica Bucket seats, DCC Sport suspension with greater rigidity (+5%) to improve handling and roadholding, a wider track width, ESC OFF mode, 19-inch wheels with wider 235 mm tyres and electronic slip differential. 

‘Beyond norm’ performance
CUPRA claims that the Raval provides traction and cornering beyond the norm for a vehicle of this category. The CUPRA ‘one box’ electronic brake system optimizes the pedal feel, improving braking via engine recovery.

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.

3 launch editions
During the market entry, there will be 3 exclusive launch editions offered: VZ Extreme (166 kW/290 Nm with a claimed range of around 400 kms); Dynamic Plus (155 kW with a claimed range of around 450 kms; and Dynamic (155 kW/450 kms).

“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 added.

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