2022 Cupra UrbanRebel EV Concept

Cupra’s upcoming sub-compact electric hatch has taken one more step towards production with the latest UrbanRebel concept. Previously shown as a massive-winged, highly exaggerated show car, the EV is now being presented as a more sober model that would be appropriate for public roads.

The Cupra brand has presented the second version of the UrbanRebel concept. Firstly, the electric car has become closer to a production car, in particular, it has lost its aggressive body kit. Last fall, Cupra unveiled the UrbanRebel concept . The show car was not far from a production car, although it had an outstanding appearance and excessive power for its size: constant 250 kilowatts (340 horsepower) and peak 320 (435 horsepower). It was assumed that the hatchback will accelerate to the first “hundred” in 3.2 seconds, that is, it will be faster than the 640-horsepower Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT. The second version of UrbanRebel turned out to be more relaxed. For example, the aggressive aerodynamic plumage has disappeared and the output of the power plant has noticeably decreased - up to 166 kilowatts, or 226 horsepower. Acceleration to a hundred now takes 6.9 seconds, in addition, information has appeared about the potential range of 440 kilometers. For the hatchback, parametric design, parts made from recycled plastic and biopolymers, as well as the widespread use of 3D printing and 3D knitting technologies are promised. The serial Cupra UrbanRebel will be based on the MEB Small front-wheel drive trolley. The hatchback will be produced at the plant in Martorell, which is not far from Barcelona. Actually, the electric car itself was developed and designed in Spain. The market debut is scheduled for 2025.

From the Cupra Press Release:

In 2025, CUPRA will bring the UrbanRebel - its Urban Electric Car - to the market. A vehicle that will take CUPRA far beyond its traditional boundaries. The UrbanRebel is driven by emotion, designed, and developed for a more rebellious electric world. The front-wheel drive Urban Electric Car uses the Volkswagen Group's MEB Small platform to deliver an emotional, high-performance urban vehicle. "The CUPRA UrbanRebel will be the biggest project for our company in the upcoming years, since it is key for our transformation as a fully electric brand. We are leading the cluster development, the family of vehicles that will democratise sustainable urban mobility, for different brands within the Volkswagen Group", said Werner Tietz, Vice-President for Research & Development at CUPRA. The 4.03m long vehicle has sustainability at its core, integrating advanced recycled polymers and bio-based materials to push the boundaries of what is achievable, and delivering a more environmentally-conscious vehicle. It mixes 3D printed and 3D knitted manufacturing approaches with parametric design to improve performance and value perception. Lightweight design both in the exterior and interior help the vehicle's 226PS (166kW) electric motor and battery pack push the Urban Electric Car to 100km/h in just 6.9 seconds and give it a range of up to 273 miles / 440km. Designed and developed in Barcelona, the CUPRA UrbanRebel will be launched in 2025; production is planned in Martorell, subject to the Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation program (in Spanish, PERTE) for the Electric and Connected Vehicle (in Spanish, VEC). "The UrbanRebel is more than just a car to CUPRA. This is the model that will democratise urban electric mobility. Emotional, sexy, and fun to drive and at the same time accessible. We prove that electric cars don't have to be boring. This will be the next generation's entry into our range.", said Wayne Griffiths, CEO of CUPRA.