Cupra is pushing deeper into the world of compact electric vehicles with the upcoming Cupra Raval, a sporty urban EV designed to shake up a segment long known for being practical but boring. Now shown with its full production body under light camouflage, the Raval is set to debut and enter production in early 2026, targeting the widely popular Renault 5 E-Tech as its main rival.

A Sporty Attitude in a Compact Package

Named after Barcelona’s vibrant and edgy El Raval neighborhood, the new EV carries Cupra’s signature “urban, energetic, fearless” character.

The model is built on Volkswagen Group’s new MEB+ platform, which also underpins:

• Volkswagen ID. Polo

• Volkswagen ID. Cross

• Skoda Epiq

Unlike the original MEB architecture, MEB+ uses front-wheel drive and is engineered for smaller, more affordable EVs aimed at city driving.

Lower, Stiffer, and More Fun to Drive

Cupra wants the Raval to deliver the sharpest driving dynamics in its class. Early details confirm:

• Lower ride height than other MEB+ models

• Stiffer suspension tuning

• Sport-focused chassis setup

• e-LSD electronic limited-slip differential on the hot Vz model

This makes the Raval the most performance-oriented EV yet on the MEB+ platform.

Power: Up to 223 hp in the Vz Version

Cupra hasn’t yet revealed the output of the base model, but the brand has confirmed the performance variant:

• Raval Vz: 208 hp or 223 hp

• Lower/stiffer suspension

• e-LSD for improved cornering grip

This puts it directly up against the new Alpine A290, another sporty small EV.

Design: Sharp, Modern, and No Retro Inspiration

While its French rival embraces nostalgia, the Cupra Raval goes full-modern.
Key styling elements include:

• Aggressive triangular LED headlights

• A crisp body crease running across the side

• Strong Cupra lighting signature

• Compact footprint but muscular stance

The result is a small EV that looks distinctive and bold, not cute or retro.

Batteries and Driving Range

Cupra will offer the Raval with three battery configurations:

1) Base Version — LFP <40 kWh

• Most affordable model

• Durable and cost-efficient LFP chemistry

• Ideal for city use

2) Long-Range Version — 58 kWh NMC

• Up to 450 km WLTP (278 miles)

3) Raval Vz — 58 kWh NMC

• Up to 400 km WLTP (249 miles)

• Sportier performance tuning

Price: Cheaper Than the Renault 5

Cupra aims to make the Raval competitive from day one with a projected starting price of:

€26,000 (~$30,100)

This undercuts the Renault 5 E-Tech while offering a more dynamic driving experience.

Conclusion: One of Europe’s Most Anticipated Small EVs

The Cupra Raval is shaping up to be:

• Affordable

• Stylish and modern

• Fun to drive

• Highly competitive in range and performance

If Cupra delivers on its promises, the Raval could become one of the most exciting and best-selling compact EVs in Europe in 2026.