Seat unveiled its new Cupra Raval electric car in Barcelona this Thursday, marking the brand’s first 100% electric model. Seat will manufacture the vehicle entirely at the Martorell plant, aiming to restore the Spanish carmaker’s profitability.
Your browser does not support the video tag.
New Electric Model for Urban Driving
The Cupra Raval, named after Barcelona’s central El Raval district, seeks to embody its “rebellious and artistic character”. This urban electric car will be available from €26,000, making it an accessible option for consumers. Markus Haupt, CEO of Seat and Cupra, stated at the Barcelona presentation, “It represents the culmination of the electromobility process we have been carrying out for years.”
The launch event, which Casa Seat hosted, also featured simultaneous presentations across European cities. These included a concert by Nathy Peluso in Barcelona’s Plaça de Catalunya at 18:30. The brand temporarily renamed its city headquarters to Casa Cupra Raval for the occasion.
Government Support and Martorell’s Future
Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni, Industry Minister Jordi Hereu, and President of the Generalitat Salvador Illa attended the launch. Mayor Collboni highlighted the historical connection between Seat, Cupra, and Barcelona. He added, “There is a history of the democratisation of the automobile. For our generation, it was the Seat Ibiza, and for the new generation, the democratisation of the electric car can arrive.”
Government aid for electric cars could reduce the initial price by approximately €4,000. President Illa emphasised, “Electric cars must be bought, it is the way forward.” Minister Hereu described the car as “the guarantee of the future” for Seat workers and the manufacturer.
The Cupra Raval represents a significant commitment by the Volkswagen Group, parent company of Seat and Cupra, to accessible electromobility. Its production at the Martorell plant, utilising the new MEB+ platform, is crucial for the factory’s transformation. This transformation includes substantial investments, such as a new battery assembly plant.
Addressing Financial Challenges
The vehicle offers a range of approximately 450 kilometres. It is the first of four electric models planned by the German group. These future models include the Volkswagen ID.Polo, the Volkswagen ID. Cross, and the Skoda Epiq. Minister Hereu noted, “The Raval will contribute to the transformation of the automotive industry across Europe.”
The launch comes at a critical time for Seat. The company has faced challenges transitioning to electric vehicles, alongside increased costs and global macroeconomic fluctuations. Seat S.A., encompassing Seat, Cupra, and Audi cars made in Martorell, saw a 3% increase in cars sold (657,413 units) and a 5.1% rise in turnover (€15.3 billion) in 2025. However, operating profit plummeted by 99% to just €1 million, compared to the €633 million Seat recorded in 2024.
This sharp decline was primarily due to European Union tariffs. These tariffs affected the Cupra Tavascan, which was manufactured in China. The Cupra Tavascan was intended to boost profitability, but the European Union penalised it for its non-European production. The extraordinary tariffs impacted the car in late 2024 and throughout 2025. The EU suspended these tariffs in February this year.
Union Concerns and Future Outlook
Despite the positive outlook, Seat’s trade unions express concerns. They fear that relying heavily on a single model could be risky. Unions advocate for the allocation of more models, particularly larger electric cars, to the Martorell plant.
The Cupra Raval is therefore vital for Seat’s strategy to regain profitability and secure its future in the evolving automotive market. Its success will be a key indicator of the company’s ability to adapt to the electric vehicle transition.
Sign up for our new entrepreneurs community Bizcelona, now accepting our second wave of applicants.
Originally published by El País Barcelona. Read original article.
