The highly anticipated reveal took place during a special event hosted by the Volkswagen Group on the eve of the official opening of the IAA Mobility 2025. This sneak peek provides the world with its first real glimpse of the car that is set to redefine the compact EV category.
Markus Haupt, Interim CEO of CUPRA, led the presentation, revealing a series production Raval cloaked in a unique vinyl wrap. The camouflage design wasn't just for disguise; it was a tribute, featuring a stylized map of the very neighborhood in Barcelona, El Raval, that gives the car its name. This detail underscores the deep connection between the brand and its vibrant, urban roots.
The CUPRA Raval is not just a car — it’s the revelation of a mindset forged in the streets. Even if the drivers never walked through El Raval in Barcelona, they lived its spirit every time they challenged the rules, followed their instincts, or stood their ground when no one else did. This is the moment to truly feel it and go beyond:
Set to make its official world premiere and market launch in 2026, the CUPRA Raval will be a pivotal model for both CUPRA and the Volkswagen Group. It is the first vehicle in the new Electric Compact Car family that includes four models designed to make electric mobility more accessible and popular across Europe. CUPRA is leading this project, with the Raval and the Volkswagen ID.Polo all to be manufactured at the Martorell plant.
“The CUPRA Raval will be a gamechanger,” stated Markus Haupt. “Infused with CUPRA’s unmistakable sporty and emotional DNA and packed with cutting-edge features and technologies, the CUPRA Raval is set to redefine the Compact EV category. At the Brand Group Core, we’re not just talking about transformation, we’re making it happen.”
Inspired by the Heart of Barcelona
The CUPRA Raval is more than just a car; it's a reflection of its namesake. As one of Barcelona's most dynamic and spirited districts, El Raval is known for its constant energy and unconventional character. These very qualities are the driving force behind the new model’s design and philosophy.
The CUPRA Raval is a catalyst for a new era; it’s a movement and a transformative project the brand is proud to lead. This bold initiative is aimed at redefining the future of the automotive industry by democratizing electric mobility in Europe and making it more accessible to millions of people.
By producing these vehicles in Spain, CUPRA strengthens its synergies as a Group and transforms the country into a hub for electromobility. Engineered on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, the Raval's compact size and electrifying performance prove that a striking design can be balanced with an engaging driving experience, delivering on this ambitious mission.
The CUPRA Raval will be a game-changer, turning this project into a resounding success.