Cupra Born 59 kWh

Overview

The Cupra Born 59 kWh is the Spanish brand's fiery take on the electric hot hatch, sharing its bones with the VW ID.3 but injecting a dose of passion and performance. This specific trim aims for a sweet spot, balancing a useful 59 kWh (usable) battery with peppy rear-wheel-drive dynamics. Key highlights include its aggressive styling and driver-focused interior. While not officially sold in the US, if it were to land, it would battle compact EVs. Official US pricing is unavailable, as the Born currently sizzles on European roads, not American highways.

What's New for 2025?

For the 2025 model year, the Cupra Born 59 kWh, which began its current production run in 2024, largely carries forward its successful formula. Major overhauls aren't on the cards this year. Instead, expect potential minor software tweaks for the infotainment and vehicle systems, enhancing an already solid package. Cupra often refines things behind the scenes, so the focus remains on the Born's established sharp looks, engaging drive, and the balanced offering of this particular 59 kWh battery variant, ensuring it stays fresh and competitive in the electric hatch segment.

Design & Exterior

The Cupra Born 59 kWh screams performance with its sharp creases, aggressive front fascia, and signature copper accents that make it pop. It's way more than just an ID.3 in a party frock! Full LED lighting, including a distinctive coast-to-coast rear light, ensures it’s a head-turner, day or night. This trim often rolls on stylish alloy wheels that complement its sporty stance. Dimensionally, it’s a compact warrior: 170.2 inches long, 71.2 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and 60.6 inches tall, making it perfectly sized for zipping through city streets.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Cupra Born 59 kWh treats its five occupants to a sporty yet surprisingly eco-conscious cabin, featuring recycled materials and those cool copper highlights. Up front, bucket-style seats hug you, and there's a minimalist dash dominated by a floating central touchscreen (typically 12 inches) and a compact digital driver’s display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are usually standard fare. Cargo-wise, you get a decent 13.6 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a useful 44.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. No frunk here, though!

Performance & Driving Experience

This Born isn't just about looks; the 59 kWh model with its Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) packs a punch! It zips from 0-60 mph in a brisk 6.4 seconds thanks to its single rear-mounted motor delivering 170 kW (around 228 hp) and 229 lb-ft of instant torque to the rear wheels. Expect that classic RWD fun factor, with sharp turn-in and an agile feel. Cupra's engineers usually dial in a firmer, sportier suspension, making it engaging on twisty roads, while still being comfy enough for the daily grind. Multiple regen modes let you tailor your drive.

Range, Battery & Charging

The heart of this Born is its 59 kWh (usable) battery pack, delivering a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of 215 miles – pretty solid for city hops and moderate commutes. It sips juice efficiently at around 3.64 miles per kWh. For home charging, the standard 11 kW on-board AC charger can top it up from empty in about 5.5-6 hours. Out and about, it can gulp down electrons at up to 165 kW from a DC fast charger, hitting 10-80% in roughly 30 minutes. Its European spec uses a CCS Type 2 port; a US version would likely get CCS Type 1.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While specific US NHTSA ratings aren't available as it's not sold Stateside, the Cupra Born boasts a top-tier 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, which is seriously reassuring. You can expect a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance tech. Standard kit often includes Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, and Driver Alertness. Higher trims or option packs would typically add Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, and a surround-view camera system, keeping you cocooned in safety whether you're cruising the highway or navigating tight city spots.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

If the Cupra Born 59 kWh were to hit US shores, expect warranty coverage similar to its VW Group cousins. This would likely mean a basic vehicle warranty of around 4 years/50,000 miles. Crucially, the battery pack would probably be covered for 8 years/100,000 miles, with a guarantee against significant degradation (e.g., retaining at least 70% capacity). Powertrain components might mirror this. Some complimentary maintenance, perhaps for the first 1-2 years, could also be on the table. The MEB platform it's built on is proving reasonably reliable.