King Felipe VI has been spotted behind the wheel of a Cupra Formentor VZ5 during his Mallorca holiday. With only 4,000 units worldwide, this high-performance SUV highlights the monarch’s preference for exclusive Spanish-made cars.
King Felipe VI’s summer in Mallorca has taken an unexpected turn in the spotlight—not for his official duties or sailing, but for his choice of transport. The Spanish monarch was seen personally driving a Cupra Formentor VZ5, the most powerful and exclusive version of the brand’s sporty SUV, limited to just 4,000 units globally.
Throughout his stay, Felipe VI used the Formentor VZ5 for trips around Palma de Mallorca, including visits to the Real Club Náutico. Images published by automotive media show the king at the wheel, underlining the ongoing connection between the Spanish Royal Family and Cupra, as well as the king’s clear support for domestically produced vehicles. This isn’t the first time the monarch has chosen a Formentor for his summer travels, but this year’s model stands out for its rarity and performance.
The VZ5 is a significant step up from the Formentor VZ 310 CV previously used by the king. Under the hood, the VZ5 features a 2.5 TSI five-cylinder petrol engine delivering 390 horsepower and 480 Nm of torque. Paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission and 4Drive all-wheel drive with torque splitter technology, the SUV offers dynamic handling and agility, especially in corners.
Performance figures put the Formentor VZ5 in the league of much larger and more expensive sports cars. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in about 4.2 seconds and can reach a top speed of 280 km/h. Despite its elevated SUV body and everyday versatility, the VZ5’s limited production and technical features make it a standout in the current automotive landscape.
Pricing further sets this model apart. The official starting price for the Cupra Formentor VZ5 is around €71,572, but depending on configuration and optional extras, the cost can rise to €77,416. Occasional promotions or financing deals may lower the final price, but exclusivity remains a key factor.
Unlike the electrified Formentor versions previously driven by Felipe VI, the VZ5 relies solely on its petrol engine. As a result, it does not benefit from Spain’s “Cero” emissions label for plug-in hybrids, focusing instead on raw performance, the distinctive five-cylinder engine sound, and dynamic driving characteristics.
The relationship between Cupra and the Royal Family is well established. Felipe VI has chosen various Formentor models in recent years, reinforcing the car’s status as a flagship for the Spanish brand, which is manufactured in Martorell. The king’s use of the VZ5 coincides with the launch of this new limited edition, which began production in early 2026, making him one of the first to drive it on public roads.
For those considering a Spanish-made car with a unique edge, the Formentor VZ5’s combination of rarity, power, and national identity is hard to match. This echoes the broader trend of Spanish drivers seeking vehicles that balance performance and local heritage, as seen in recent comparisons of popular models like the Seat Ibiza—detailed in our analysis of which Seat Ibiza versions offer the best value in 2026.
In summary, King Felipe VI’s choice of the Cupra Formentor VZ5 not only highlights his personal taste but also brings attention to the evolving landscape of Spanish automotive manufacturing. The VZ5’s presence on Mallorca’s roads this summer is a reminder of how exclusivity and national pride can intersect in the world of cars.
