3 x CUPRA TAVASCAN VZ 4DRIVE – Three road trips – Three countries – One verdict
What happens when you chase an all-electric SUV coupé through Balkan winters, snowstorms and Central European springs? You fall in love and save a huge amount of money. Three road trips, three countries, three completely different road and weather conditions – and one car that mastered every challenge with flying colors: the CUPRA Tavascan VZ 4Drive. I had the privilege of testing the Tavascan on routes that no car manufacturer would voluntarily include in their advertising brochure. Icy off-road tracks in central Bosnia. A dense snowstorm combined with fog in the medieval Bosnian town of Srebrenik on the return journey from Croatia. And finally, a relaxed highway trip from Sarajevo to Budapest at the beginning of spring. The result surprised me – not because the Tavascan performed well, but because it shone in each of these scenarios.
Road trip #1 – Bosnia-Herzegovina in December
Ice, off-road and a photographer from Oman
Together with the extraordinary photographer Khalil Al Zadjali from Oman, we explored Bosnia-Herzegovina in the depths of winter. Khalil – a truly outstanding artist – showed us the country through his lens, I experienced it through the windshield of the Tavascan. He acted as a visual guide, I was behind the wheel.
The conditions were anything but comfortable: bitterly cold, hardly any snow on the roads, but some icy off-road sections. Exactly what the VZ 4Drive with its all-wheel drive is built for. The Tavascan responded to the terrain with absolute composure – no slippage, no nervousness, simply reliable traction.
What really impressed me was the range despite the cold and challenging terrain. Without a highway, on winding country roads and off-road sections, at temperatures well below zero – I achieved a real range of around 380 km. This almost corresponds to the WLTP specification under the most unfavorable conditions imaginable.
🔌 S hop in Bosnia-Herzegovina
I only charged at Porsche Sarajevo – for good reason. The charger there is the fastest in the whole of Bosnia-Herzegovina and supports up to 350 kW. Activation is straightforward via the app, and the price is around one Bosnian mark per kWh – the equivalent of around €0.50. This makes charging in BiH not only easy, but also extremely affordable.
Road trip #2 – Croatia in February
The Mammoth Valley and an unexpected snowstorm
In February, a report on the Mammut Valley took me to the Croatian village of Mohovo. The outward journey was cold and rainy, the road conditions challenging – the Tavascan drove with aplomb. The range in these temperatures: around 400 km. Once again, the vehicle exceeded my expectations.
But the real test came on the return journey. A massive snowstorm hit – combined with dense fog in the dark. At times, visibility was reduced to just a few meters. At times like this, you blindly trust your vehicle. The Tavascan delivered: smooth handling, precise steering, no nervous swerving. The all-wheel drive of the VZ 4Drive showed exactly why it is the right drive for this vehicle.
🔌 My new favorite charging station: Nipex near Tuzla
In Croatia itself, I encountered a challenge: charging stations could not be activated via the usual app. But thanks to the Tavascan’s generous range, this wasn’t a problem – I reached my destination without recharging.
On the way back, I discovered the Moon Hypercharger with 75 kW directly at Nipex near Tuzla – new, right on the main road, no detour necessary. It can be activated via the e-Go app, and even when the neighboring car dealer is closed, the team is incredibly accommodating. I was able to sit in the studio and work while the Tavascan charged. A charging station that I have used several times since then – and which I recommend without reservation.
There are other charging stations in Tuzla, but Nipex is perfectly located on the way – without even a kilometer detour. That is the decisive criterion for me.
Road trip #3 – Sarajevo → Budapest → Sarajevo
The big surprise: Hungary
My third trip with the Tavascan took me from Sarajevo to Budapest for the conference Danube Swabian Women in Europe Todaywhere I also gave a presentation on Bosnia-Herzegovina. Early spring, highway, relaxed temperatures – and the biggest positive surprise of the entire test series: despite highway driving – which traditionally puts the greatest strain on the range of an electric car – the Tavascan achieved an average real-world range of around 420 km. This is remarkable and shows how efficiently the drivetrain of the VZ 4Drive works even at higher speeds.
🔌 C harging on the route and in Budapest
On the way, I charged in Osijek (Croatia) – no problem, via the Elen app. The infrastructure there is solid, but unfortunately there is no hypercharger above 50 kW on this route. This means you need to allow at least 45 minutes for charging. I used this to my advantage and drove to a mall to do some shopping, eat something and get to know Osijek a little. Charging as a travel break – it works.
Budapest itself was in a class of its own. Two IONITY charging stations with up to 350-400 kW make the Hungarian capital one of the most convenient charging destinations. After my evening appointments, I drove straight to the charging station: 20 minutes at 80% – and that’s it. Charging in Budapest is simply not an issue.
Cupra Tavascan – More than just technology
The exterior attracts attention – everywhere, in each of the three countries I have traveled to. The curved SUV coupé design is immediately recognizable, avant-garde without appearing fashionable. But what really surprised me was the interior.
The ambient light. The large panoramic touchscreen. The panoramic roof that bathes every interior in light. The surprisingly generous space – even in the rear, even for tall people. It is this combination of sportiness and comfort, design and functionality that makes the Tavascan so special. It is light, direct and lively to drive – and at the same time makes long journeys effortless.
For adventurers. For design lovers. For all those who want to understand avant-garde not just as a word, but as a driving experience.
The costs compared to a diesel car
A comparison with a diesel SUV such as the VW Tiguan TDI also shows how much you really save with electric mobility in everyday life when it comes to costs.
TECHNICAL DATA
| Model | CUPRA Tavascan VZ 4Drive |
| Drive | All-wheel drive (Dual Engine) |
| Performance | 250 kW / 340 hp |
| Torque | 545 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 5.5 seconds |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h |
| Battery (net) | 77 kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | up to 512 km |
| Range (real, winter) | 380-420 km (own measurement) |
| Max. DC charging power | 135 kW |
| Charging 10-80 % | approx. 29 minutes |
| Fuel consumption combined | 17.1-18.5 kWh/100 km (WLTP) |
| Trunk volume | 540 liters |
| Seats | 5 |
| CO₂-emissions | 0 g/km |
LOADING OVERVIEW OF THE THREE ROADTRIPS
| Country | Charging station | Max. kW | Costs approx. |
| 🇧🇦 Bosnia-Hz./Sarajevo | Porsche Sarajevo | 350 kW | ~0.50 €/kWh |
| 🇧🇦 Bosnia-Hz./Tuzla | Hypercharger Moon (Nipex) | 75 kW | ~0.50 €/kWh |
| 🇭🇷 Croatia/Osijek | Elen (on the way) | 50 kW | ~0.49 €/kWh |
| 🇭🇺 Budapest | IONITY (2 locations) | 350-400 kW | see IONITY App |
Conclusion
Three road trips. Three countries. Three completely different road and weather conditions. And a result that couldn’t be clearer.
The CUPRA Tavascan VZ 4Drive is not a city car that you occasionally take out on the highway. It is a true travel companion – robust enough for icy off-road tracks, reliable enough for snowstorms and fog, efficient enough for relaxed highway miles. And all this in a vehicle that you simply can’t get enough of.
All range and charging data are based on our own measurements and experience. Test vehicle: CUPRA Tavascan VZ 4Drive, period December 2025 – March 2026.
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