Cupra born gets a facelift: more range, refined interior, and broader engine options
Cupra has revealed the updated Born electric vehicle, a significant evolution of its first fully electric model. The revamped model boasts a more mature design, enhanced technology, and a wider range of powertrain options, signaling Cupra's commitment to expanding its EV footprint.
A sharper look, deeper tech
The most noticeable changes are to the exterior. The front end receives a more streamlined appearance, moving away from the previous model's more playful aesthetic. A redesigned front bumper, distinctive triangular LED matrix headlights, and an integrated illuminated logo in the 3D rear light cluster create a more serious and sophisticated presence. The brand describes the new front as having a “less smiling” and more pronounced “shark nose.”
But the updates aren’t just cosmetic. The Born 2026 features larger air curtains – double the size of before – contributing to improved aerodynamics. Subtle tweaks to the C-pillars help channel airflow more efficiently, also refreshing the rear profile. Buyers can now choose from five 19 or 20-inch wheel designs, some featuring copper accents. The tire width has also increased to 235mm on the smallest wheel size, matching the larger ones. Despite retaining the MEB platform and rear-wheel drive, the wheelbase has been reduced by 8mm, bringing the overall length to 4,316mm.
Inside, the reborn Born offers a more refined and premium atmosphere. The central touchscreen grows to 12.9 inches and incorporates illuminated controls at its base, enhancing visibility in low light. Physical buttons have been added to the steering wheel (in higher-performance versions), a welcome change from the previous generation's haptic feedback, promising improved responsiveness.
New door panels with a more dynamic design and softer-touch materials contribute to the improved ambiance. A significant upgrade is the 10.25-inch screen behind the steering wheel, replacing the smaller display found in earlier models. This screen now displays navigation information, a welcome addition for drivers. The standard seats are now bucket-style, while VZ models receive more aggressively bolstered CUP Bucket seats.
Rear passenger space remains comparable to the previous generation, though not class-leading. Improvements in material quality on the doors, including