New 2024 Cupra Terramar SUV revealed with advanced plug-in hybrid tech

Outlining its plans until 2025, Cupra has revealed three new vehicles in three new segments. Two new all-electric cars will be joining the Cupra range in the form of the UrbanRebel electric hatchback and the Tavascan electric SUV – and now a new plug-in hybrid SUV called Terramar has also been revealed. 

The Terramar takes its name from the Autódromo de Sitges-Terramar historic racing circuit around the corner from the brand’s base in Martorell, Barcelona. It’s positioned as a new mid-size SUV, described by Cupra design director Jorge Diez as a 4.5-metre-long SUV with ‘Cupra DNA’ and a ‘driver-oriented cockpit.’ As such, it’s a rival for cars such as the new Alfa Romeo Tonale and Volkswagen Tiguan. 

The design language takes a decisive step away from some of the earlier SEAT influenced Cupra models. A new triple-diamond headlight signature sits in sharp looking headlights, while an imposing front apron with angular air intakes dominates the car’s front end. At the rear, the full-width taillight integrating the Cupra badge is taken from the new UrbanRebel EV.

However, the brand has decided to keep the Terramar’s design closely guarded, limiting its debut to a quick on-stage outing during the brand’s ‘Unstoppable Impulse’ live reveal event in Barcelona. It was shown alongside a brief overview of the firm’s entire line-up planned for 2025 - including facelifted versions of the new Born electric hatchback, Leon hatch and estate, plus the Formentor crossover. All these models will be updated to feature the new ‘shark nose’ look penned for the brand by Diez, but official images remain unavailable. 

Diez says that the Terramar is 99 per cent finished, and while the car does also have a finished interior, Cupra has kept it hidden for now. 

Cupra has confirmed that the Terramar will be built alongside the Audi Q3 in Hungary. Using an updated version of the MQB platform intended for next-generation Volkswagen Group plug-in hybrid models, the brand claims that the flagship plug-in version will be capable of up to 62 miles of pure electric running. Pure petrol versions of the Terramar will also be offered, but Cupra has not yet outlined the engine line-up. 

It has been designed as a totally new model and is not intended as a replacement for anything else in the Cupra or SEAT line-up, despite the smaller, but similarly sized Ateca now heading towards the the end of a typical model lifecycle of seven years on sale. This was clarified on-stage by SEAT and Cupra CEO Wayne Griffiths, who said: “This is not the successor of the Cupra Ateca, this is something totally different.”

Due on sale in 2024, we can expect a full reveal of the new Terramar, including the final design, interior, and specifications to take place in 2023.

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