Abarth 500e vs CUPRA Born
Two electric Hatchbacks go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Abarth 500e starts from $60,500 before on-road costs, while the CUPRA Born opens at $59,990. That makes the CUPRA Born the more affordable entry point by $510.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $66,550 and $65,989 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
The CUPRA Born holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Abarth 500e.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The CUPRA Born packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Abarth 500e.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Abarth 500e and 6 in the CUPRA Born.
Feature Showdown
The Abarth 500e features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the CUPRA Born gets a 12.9-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Abarth 500e stands out with wireless charging and JBL audio that you will not find on the CUPRA Born. The CUPRA Born counters with ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Abarth 500e gets leather & alcantara upholstery while the CUPRA Born offers leather-appointed. Climate control is 1-zone in the Abarth 500e and 2-zone in the CUPRA Born.
Drivetrain
The Abarth 500e runs a pure electric powertrain producing 113kW and 235Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7 seconds.
The CUPRA Born responds with a Electric Motor making 170kW and 310Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7 seconds.
The CUPRA Born has the clear power advantage at 170kW vs 113kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 42kWh (Abarth 500e) vs 82kWh (CUPRA Born), giving WLTP ranges of 253km and 511km. DC fast charging peaks at 85kW (Abarth 500e) vs 170kW (CUPRA Born).
Space & Comfort
The Abarth 500e measures 3,673mm long on a 2,322mm wheelbase, 649mm shorter than the CUPRA Born at 4,322mm (2,766mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the CUPRA Born generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 185L in the Abarth 500e and 385L in the CUPRA Born, giving the CUPRA Born a 200L advantage. The CUPRA Born seats 5 vs 4.
0True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 3 years / 150,000km (Abarth 500e) vs 5 years (CUPRA Born). The CUPRA Born has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Abarth 500e if: You or prefer Abarth's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the CUPRA Born if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer CUPRA's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CUPRA Born takes 9 of 9 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the CUPRA Born has a clear edge. The CUPRA Born adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (18 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 18 April 2026
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