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Photo of a Cupra Born

Cupra Born

Cupra’s first EV, unleashed: the Born VZ puts 545 Nm through the rear wheels.1

Researched October 30, 2026 from 31 sources

At a glance

0200400
188–322 hpPower
0510
5.6–7.3 s0–100 km/h
0100200
159–200 km/hTop speed
0300600
310–545 N·mTorque

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.1378911

Engine
Electric motor: APP 310 (Born 58), APP 550 (VZ)3
Layout
Rear motor, rear-wheel drive; Volkswagen Group MEB3
Gearbox
Single-speed automatic910
Built at
Volkswagen Zwickau-Mosel Plant, Zwickau, Germany3
Units built
43,503 in 2025 (annual production)3

The story

Cupra’s first EV set out to make electric motoring fun and attainable. Named for a Barcelona neighborhood, the Born shares the ID.3’s MEB platform and uses SEAQUAL seat fabric made with recovered marine plastic.234

2019: SEAT el-Born appears at Geneva20192020: Production confirmed as a Cupra20202021: Born premieres; Zwickau production starts · UK launch plans include 45 kWh20212022: 77 kWh e-Boost extends the range20222024: VZ: 545 Nm and DCC Sport20242026: Facelift adds one-pedal driving2026 SEAT el-Born concept: 2019Cupra Born (K1): 2021–presentK1 2018201920202021202220232024202520262027
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones323
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
2019SEAT el-Born concept
2021–presentCupra Born (K1)
2019SEAT el-Born appears at Geneva
2020Production confirmed as a Cupra
2021Born premieres; Zwickau production starts
2021UK launch plans include 45 kWh
202277 kWh e-Boost extends the range
2024VZ: 545 Nm and DCC Sport
2026Facelift adds one-pedal driving
  1. 2019

    SEAT el-Born appears at Geneva

    The SEAT el-Born concept reaches Geneva with a 62 kWh battery and a claimed 420 km WLTP range.3

  2. 2020

    Production confirmed as a Cupra

    July brings production confirmation under the Cupra badge for the project first shown as the SEAT el-Born.3

  3. 2021

    Born premieres; Zwickau production starts

    The el- prefix disappears in February, the production car premieres in May, and Zwickau assembly starts in September beside the Volkswagen ID.3.3

  4. 2021

    UK launch plans include 45 kWh

    UK plans lead with 201 hp/58 kWh and 423 km WLTP; 148 hp/45 kWh is promised for 2022. The 58 kWh needs 6h 15m AC (0–100%) or 35m DC (5–80%).5

  5. 2022

    77 kWh e-Boost extends the range

    The 77 kWh e-Boost claims 551 km WLTP and 0–100 km/h in 7.0 seconds. A full 11 kW AC charge takes 7h 30m; 5–80% at 135 kW DC takes 36 minutes.367

  6. 2024

    VZ: 545 Nm and DCC Sport

    The 79 kWh VZ pairs 322 hp and 545 Nm with revised DCC Sport springs and dampers. Its CUP Bucket seats use Dinamica with 73% recycled polyester.13

  7. 2026

    Facelift adds one-pedal driving

    The facelift brings physical wheel buttons, Android infotainment and one-pedal driving; VZ and Endurance add launch control.38

Every generation

  • SEAT el-Born concept
    SEAT el-Born concept2019
  • Cupra Born
    K12021–present

Power over the years

From 201 hp to 322 hp in 3 years.

0100200300400 2020202220242026 hp 2021 · 201 hp · 58 kWh launch2022 · 228 hp · 58/77 kWh e-Boost2024 · 228 hp · 59 kWh e-Boost2024 · 322 hp · VZ 79 kWh2026 · 188 hp · Facelift 58 kWh2026 · 228 hp · Facelift 79 kWh2026 · 322 hp · Facelift VZ 79 kWh 322 hp VZ 79 kWh 201 hp 58 kWh launch
3568
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
202120158 kWh launch
202222858/77 kWh e-Boost
202422859 kWh e-Boost
2024322VZ 79 kWh
2026188Facelift 58 kWh
2026228Facelift 79 kWh
2026322Facelift VZ 79 kWh

Versions

12 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • V1 (UK launch trim)

    Standard

    V1 (UK launch trim)

  • V2 (UK launch trim)

    Standard

    V2 (UK launch trim)

  • Standard

    V3 (UK launch trim)

  • Standard

    Essential (2024 Dutch range)

    2024

    228 hp

  • Standard

    Business (2024 Dutch range)

    2024

    228 hp

  • Standard

    Performance (2024 Dutch range)

    2024

    228 hp

  • Performance

    58 kWh / 77 kWh e-Boost

    2022–2024

    228 hp
  • VZ

    Performance

    VZ

    2024–present

    322 hp

  • Special

    V2 Edition / V3 Edition

    227 hp

  • Special

    Edition Dynamic

    2024

  • Special

    Exclusive Edition

    228 hp

  • Limited

    SENSACION

    2024

    201 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • Original front: slim, pointed headlights with copper-colored highlights.20
  • Original cars have a huge patterned lower intake with a copper-colored surround.21
  • A small black insert at the rear pillar makes the roof appear to float.9
  • Original rear: a full-width light bar sits below a slim rear window.9
  • 2026 facelift: the CUPRA emblem lights up within the 3D rear lamps.311

Year by year

  1. 2021 launch

    Launch cabin: 12-inch center screen, 5.3-inch driver display, touch-sensitive wheel buttons and unlit climate/volume sliders.5920

  2. 2024 Dutch update

    The center screen grows from 12 to 12.9 inches; 77 kWh models now have five seats instead of four.12

  3. 2024 Dutch wheels

    59 kWh versions get 19-inch Typhoon Silver wheels; 77 kWh versions get 20-inch Hurricane Black wheels.12

  4. 2026 facelift

    Three-triangle headlight signatures and 3D triangular rear lamps accompany an illuminated CUPRA emblem.3811

  5. 2026 cabin

    Physical steering-wheel buttons, a larger 10.25-inch driver display and four window switches identify the revised cabin.38

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Cupra Born
    Born
    Photo of a Volkswagen ID.3
    Volkswagen ID.3

    Volkswagen ID.3

    Original Born: a longer nose, bolder air intake, pointed lights and copper trim; the ID.3 has a softer face.2022

Against its rivals

  • Born vs Volkswagen ID.3

    0–100 km/h lower is better

    Born7.3 s
    Volkswagen ID.37.3 s
    9
  • Renault Megane E-Tech

    Born vs Renault Megane E-Tech

    0–100 km/h lower is better

    Born7 s
    Renault Megane E-Tech7.5 s
    20
  • BYD Dolphin

    Born vs BYD Dolphin

    0–100 km/h lower is better

    Born5.6 s
    BYD Dolphin7 s
    24

Prices

Value today $27.0K–$38.0K31

Price when newValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K$80K 2022202420262028 Value today: $27,000–$38,000 2022 · $43,856 · UK V1 58kWh; approx. $1.30/£2022 · $48,679 · UK 58kWh e-Boost; approx. $1.30/£2022 · $52,280 · UK 77kWh e-Boost; approx. $1.30/£2023 · $40,193 · Australia e-Boost; approx. $0.67/A$2024 · $44,558 · UK V1 58kWh; approx. $1.27/£2024 · $52,559 · UK V3 77kWh; approx. $1.27/£2025 · $48,182 · UK V1 base; approx. $1.35/£2025 · $52,934 · UK V3 base; approx. $1.35/£2025 · $60,507 · UK VZ; approx. $1.35/£2026 · $47,873 · UK V1 58kWh; approx. $1.33/£
2567131516
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2022Price when new$43,856UK V1 58kWh; approx. $1.30/£
2022Price when new$48,679UK 58kWh e-Boost; approx. $1.30/£
2022Price when new$52,280UK 77kWh e-Boost; approx. $1.30/£
2023Price when new$40,193Australia e-Boost; approx. $0.67/A$
2024Price when new$44,558UK V1 58kWh; approx. $1.27/£
2024Price when new$52,559UK V3 77kWh; approx. $1.27/£
2025Price when new$48,182UK V1 base; approx. $1.35/£
2025Price when new$52,934UK V3 base; approx. $1.35/£
2025Price when new$60,507UK VZ; approx. $1.35/£
2026Price when new$47,873UK V1 58kWh; approx. $1.33/£
2026Value today$27,000–$38,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 12 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “PWR planned a three-car Born attack”
    • “Gothenburg redemption by 13 hundredths”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 2 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 31 sources
  1. CUPRA Born VZ: High-Performance Electric Hatchback Car | CUPRA UK cupra.com
  2. 2023 Cupra Born review | CarExpert carexpert.com.au
  3. Cupra Born - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. Seaqual Sustainability Initiative | CUPRA cupra.com
  5. All-electric CUPRA Born prices announced | CUPRA UK cupra.com
  6. Used Cupra Born (Mk1, 2021-date) buyer's guide: the EV the VW ID.3 wishes it was | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  7. CUPRA opens order books for e-boost | CUPRA UK cupra.com
  8. Re-Born: CUPRA introduceert de vernieuwde Born nieuws.cupraofficial.nl
  9. Goodwood Test: Cupra Born 2022 Review | GRR goodwood.com
  10. New Cupra Born VZ 2024 review: a great stride for the EV hot hatch genre | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  11. New CUPRA Born World Premiere | CUPRA cupra.com
  12. CUPRA Born verder verfijnd, Performance- en 77 kWh-versies fors scherper geprijsd nieuws.cupraofficial.nl
  13. Buying a Used CUPRA Born (2022 on): Which Battery, the Battery Recall, Range & What to Check | EVGuide.uk evguide.uk
  14. Así desarrollaron los pilotos de carreras a CUPRA Born | CUPRA México cupraoficial.mx
  15. Cupra Born 2025 review – ID.3’s Spanish cousin doesn’t un-dull MEB | evo evo.co.uk
  16. CUPRA Born receives a £2,350 pricing reduction in the UK electriccarsreport.com
  17. Cupra Born: Sondermodell "Edition Dynamic" bestellbar - ecomento.de ecomento.de
  18. The 2024 CUPRA Born Exclusive Edition Specifications | CUPRA UK cupra.com
  19. Sensationell: Neue CUPRA Sondermodelle «SENSACION» mit attraktivem Preisvorteil | SEAT | CUPRA Medienportal seatpress.ch
  20. Renault Megane E-Tech vs Cupra Born: 2022 twin test review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  21. VORSTELLUNG: CUPRA BORN, Born to be wild motorprofis.at
  22. CUPRA BORN, EMOZIONE ELETTRICA PER IL NUOVO MODELLO autodesignmagazine.com
  23. Wertverlust Cupra BORN 150 KW / 58/62 KWH (K1) · ab 2022 · 204PS/150kW autokostencheck.de
  24. Should you buy a new BYD Dolphin or a used Cupra Born? I’m going to find out | Carwow carwow.co.uk
  25. Nya CUPRA Born avslöjad på Mantorp Park inför STCC 2024 — STCC stcc.se
  26. Robert Dahlgren tog revansch och segrade i andra dagen av STCC-premiären i Göteborg — STCC stcc.se
  27. 2024 STCC Scandinavia Touring Car Championship - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  28. CUPRA eSports Car | SEAT | CUPRA Medienportal seatpress.ch
  29. 93W4 High voltage battery safety recall | CUPRA UK cupra.com
  30. Cupra Born used review: Price, Specs, Range & Reliability | Electrifying electrifying.com
  31. Cote Cupra Born : prix du marché · IAutos iautos.fr
  • cupra.com
  • carexpert.com.au
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • nieuws.cupraofficial.nl
  • goodwood.com
  • evguide.uk
  • cupraoficial.mx
  • evo.co.uk
  • electriccarsreport.com
  • ecomento.de
  • seatpress.ch
  • motorprofis.at
  • autodesignmagazine.com

Photo credits

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