Cupra has significantly overhauled its Born electric hatchback, introducing a redesigned exterior, a revamped interior focused on improved usability, and extended range options for 2026. The updates bring the Born into closer alignment with the styling cues of the Leon, Formentor, and Tavascan models.
The most noticeable exterior changes include new polygonal headlight graphics and a more pronounced, shark-nosed front fascia. A full-width rear light bar now spans the width of the vehicle. Cupra is too offering a refreshed range of 19-inch and 20-inch alloy wheels, now fitted with wider 235mm tires – an upgrade from the previous 215mm width, intended to enhance handling characteristics.
Inside, the Born receives a new steering wheel that abandons the previously criticized haptic controls in favor of traditional physical buttons. The digital instrument panel has been enlarged, increasing from 5.3 inches to a 10.25-inch display. Although the 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen remains, it retains its touch-sensitive ‘slider’ controls for climate functions. Cupra asserts that the interior revisions also contribute to a heightened sense of quality, citing new suede-lined doorcards and soft-touch plastics on the upper portions of the front doors. Rear passengers now benefit from the addition of an air vent integrated into the back of the center console.
A new ‘digital key’ feature allows Born owners to unlock and access their vehicle via a smartphone application, eliminating the need for a traditional key.
Powertrain options have been refined across the Born range. The entry-level model maintains its 58kWh battery pack, but the rear-mounted motor’s output has been slightly reduced from 201bhp to 187bhp. This adjustment yields a range improvement, increasing from 264 miles to 280 miles, pending official WLTP testing. The peak charging rate for this variant has also been increased from 120kW to 135kW.
The long-range Born continues to utilize a 79kWh battery pack paired with a 228bhp motor. However, its range has been extended from 346 miles to 372 miles. The maximum charging rate for this version has been significantly boosted by 50kW, now reaching 185kW.
The high-performance Born VZ variant also employs the 79kWh battery, offering the same range and charging capabilities as the standard long-range model, but features a more powerful 322bhp motor. Both versions equipped with the 79kWh battery now include a one-pedal drive mode, intensifying the regenerative braking effect to minimize reliance on the brake pedal during slow-speed driving, and a launch control function.
While official pricing has not yet been announced, Cupra anticipates a slight increase compared to the current Born model. The existing Born starts at £35,690, rising to £36,995 for the long-range version and £44,820 for the VZ.
The updated Cupra Formentor, a related model, has also experienced delays, with its release now scheduled for 2026, according to CarExpert. The Formentor VZ5, a high-performance version of the Formentor, is slated for release in Australia, aiming to compete with models from BMW and Mercedes-AMG, as reported by chasingcars.com.au.
