Cupra hit the brakes on their American road trip, but the company isn’t resting on their laurels. That’s clear today as the automaker has introduced an updated Tavascan.

Set to be launched this summer, the updated model has a new entry-level variant that features a 58 kWh battery pack as well as an electric motor producing 188 hp (140 kW / 190 PS). The company was coy on additional details, but said the model will deliver an “engaging driving experience” and have around 270 miles (435 km) of range.

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There’s no word on pricing, but the entry-level variant should be significantly cheaper than the existing Endurance and VZ trims, which use a larger 77 kWh battery. Those models are also far more powerful as they’re rated at 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) and 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS), respectively.

Speaking of the Endurance and VZ, they gain a new Launch Control function. All models also appear to have a new one pedal driving mode, which applies the regenerative brakes as soon as you lift off the accelerator.

Updated Interior With New Tech

The changes continue inside as the Tavascan has been equipped with a larger 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a new infotainment system running Android OS. The latter promises a more intuitive user experience as well as access to an assortment of popular apps.

Despite the focus on technology, Cupra is rocking it old school with a new steering wheel that has physical buttons. That’s a welcome change, but the touch sliders remain.

On the subject of climate control, the crossover has “new electric air vents that activate even before the driver enters the cabin.” As Cupra explained, the system detects the key approaching the vehicle and begins to pre‑circulate air. Once people step inside, the vents apparently adjust direction based on where they’re sitting and the position of the sun. The vents can also be controlled by voice command for “added convenience.”

Needlessly complicated air vents aside, the updated Tavascan has digital key technology that enables owners to unlock, start, and share access to the vehicle using a smartphone. One ‘key’ is reserved for the owner, while four others can be shared.

Buyers will also find a new premium audio system with Sennheiser Contrabass technology. It uses “psychoacoustic techniques to deliver deep, punchy low‑end frequencies” to deliver a “rich, enveloping soundscape.”

Other Minor Changes

On the styling front, there isn’t much to report other than a new Dark Void paint job. The purple hue is described as a “deep and expressive new color that enhances the sculptural presence of the Tavascan and reinforces its progressive identity.

Last but not least is a new vehicle‑to‑load function, which is enabled via a dedicated adapter that plugs into the charging port. It effectively turns the crossover into a massive battery bank.

The Volkswagen Group has been doing some careful footwork lately, trying to stay ahead as Europe tightens the rules on electric cars coming in from China. Cupra boss Wayne Griffiths warned just over a year ago that the brand could be “wiped out” by new European Union tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China.

But now, the VW Group might get a special lane through Europe’s new tariffs on Chinese-built EVs, and that possibility isn’t going unnoticed in Beijing.

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Here’s the deal in simple terms. The EU slapped tariffs on electric cars made in China, arguing they benefit from heavy state support. But there is a loophole. Instead of paying those extra duties, a carmaker can agree to sell a model at a minimum price.

Volkswagen looks set to use that option for the Cupra Tavascan, which is built in China, Germany’s Handelsblatt reports. If Brussels signs off, VW can ship it into Europe without being stung by punitive 20.7 percent tariffs, as long as it sticks to the agreed pricing rules. Officially, this is all perfectly above board and part of existing procedures.

Not A U-Turn

The European Commission’s diplomats in Beijing say these kinds of allowances do not constitute a U-turn on its Chinese vehicle policy, a complaint leveled by some critics. Beijing, meanwhile, is being outwardly positive about the rumored EU concessions.

But behind closed doors, the Chinese worry that Volkswagen might be getting friendlier treatment than other manufacturers because it’s a European brand. China had pushed for an industry-wide solution, but now seems to be accepting smaller, case-by-case deals, realizing that letting individual brands cut their own deals may be better than endless stalemate.

Long Process

Each application for a minimum pricing deal can take well over a year and must be reportedly handled on a car-by-car basis, the report says. Industry watchers doubt every Chinese brand will rush in, especially those already making healthy margins even with tariffs in place, but VW evidently believes it’s worth the admin in the Tavascan’s case.

The Tavascan is Cupra’s sportier take on the VW ID.5, a 182.8-inch (4,644 mm) electric crossover built around the MEB platform and offering a mix of single and dual-motor powertrains with up to 353 miles (568 km) of electric range.

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